Name: Grilled Chicken Al Pastor Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 22 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 7 ounce can chipotles in adobo sauce; 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 tablespoon ground annatto (or paprika); 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons dried oregano (Mexican oregano if available); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ cup canned pineapple juice; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar); ¼ cup fresh cilantro; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 pineapple

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 50 reviews

If you’re craving something that bursts with vibrant flavors yet stays wonderfully simple to prepare, this Grilled Chicken Al Pastor Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender chicken thighs soaked in a smoky, spicy adobo marinade marry perfectly with the sweet char of grilled pineapple, creating a dish that’s full of personality and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend feast or looking for a delightful dinner idea, this recipe brings a fiesta of textures and tastes that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several pieces of orange-brown seasoned chicken sit on dark grill grates with visible smoke rising between them. The chicken pieces have a slightly rough texture from the spices and sauce coating them, with some areas showing a glossy shine under the light. The grill bars create parallel lines underneath the chicken, and some small glowing spots of embers are faintly visible between the grates. The background is softly blurred, keeping the chicken as the main focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Grilled Chicken Al Pastor Recipe come together with ease, each bringing its own special touch. From the smoky heat of chipotles in adobo to the bright zing of lime juice, these essentials create a marinade bursting with flavor, while fresh pineapple adds natural sweetness and a juicy pop to the final dish.

7 ounce can chipotles in adobo sauce: Provides a smoky, spicy base that defines the al pastor flavor perfectly.
3 tablespoons avocado oil: A neutral oil that helps blend the marinade and keeps the chicken juicy during grilling.
1 tablespoon ground annatto (or paprika): Offers a beautiful red hue and subtle earthy notes to the marinade.
2 teaspoons ground coriander: Adds a warm, citrusy undertone that balances out the smoky heat.
2 teaspoons ground cumin: Brings a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other spices.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Imparts a punch of savory depth without overpowering the marinade.
2 teaspoons dried oregano (Mexican oregano if available): Enhances the authentic Mexican flavor profile with its floral, slightly bitter aroma.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for rounding out all the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
½ cup canned pineapple juice: Provides natural sweetness and tenderizes the chicken wonderfully.
2 tablespoons lime juice: Adds brightness and a zesty kick that lifts the entire dish.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar): Brings acidity that cuts through richness and balances flavors beautifully.
¼ cup fresh cilantro: Fresh herbiness that freshens the marinade with every bite.
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The juicy, tender protein star of the dish.
1 pineapple: Adds sweetness and a caramelized crunch when grilled, perfectly complementing the chicken.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by adding the entire can of chipotles in adobo sauce, avocado oil, ground annatto (or paprika), ground coriander, ground cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, pineapple juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and fresh cilantro to a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and vibrant in color. This marinade is the flavor powerhouse, soaking into the chicken with that signature smoky-spicy goodness.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large zipper bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to make sure each piece is fully coated. Pop the bag or bowl into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, though leaving it up to 10 hours is even better for maximum flavor absorption. This step is key to tender, flavorful chicken.

Step 3: Prep the Grill and Pineapple

Preheat your grill to around 400°F, which is medium-high heat—just right for getting those beautiful grill marks and caramelizing notes. Meanwhile, trim the pineapple by removing the top, bottom, and skin, then slice it into 1-inch thick rounds. The pineapple will bring that essential sweet contrast when grilled alongside the chicken.

Step 4: Grill Chicken and Pineapple

Use tongs to carefully transfer the chicken onto the grill. If there’s any leftover marinade in the bag, pour it over the chicken to keep those flavors going strong. Grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. At the same time, place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook them for 3 to 5 minutes on each side so they get that lovely charred sweetness.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender. Then, slice or dice the chicken and pineapple as desired. Your Grilled Chicken Al Pastor Recipe is ready to shine!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

The image shows three tacos on a round white plate with a gold rim, placed on a white marbled surface. Each taco has a light brown corn tortilla as the base. The first layer inside each taco is made of small grilled chicken pieces with a slightly charred texture and a reddish-brown color. On top of the chicken are bright yellow grilled pineapple chunks with visible grill marks. Scattered over the pineapple and chicken are thin slices of bright pink pickled onions and fresh green cilantro leaves, adding color contrast. On the upper right side of the plate, two small round bowls are placed; one bowl contains a green salsa with a chunky texture and visible white seeds, while the other bowl has a smooth dark red sauce. Fresh cilantro sprigs are also seen above the plate on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten every bite with some fresh garnishes. Chopped white onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco add freshness, texture, and a mild creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the smoky chicken.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with warm corn tortillas for authentic tacos, or served over fluffy Mexican rice to soak up all the juices. A simple side of refried beans or a crisp cabbage slaw can also bring additional color and crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the grilled chicken and pineapple over a bed of grilled veggies for a low-carb option, or turn the flavors into a vibrant burrito bowl with black beans, avocado, and a drizzle of crema. Even a fresh salad tossed with grilled chicken al pastor makes for an irresistible, lighter meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover grilled chicken and pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for delicious next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, place your cooked chicken and pineapple in freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen leftovers can last up to 2 months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and pineapple in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of water or covering it while reheating helps keep it moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are juicier, chicken breasts work well too—just keep a close eye on cooking time to prevent drying out.

Is there a substitute for chipotles in adobo?

You can try smoked paprika with a pinch of cayenne for heat, but the chipotles give a unique smoky flavor that’s tough to replace.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate at least 2 hours, but up to 10 hours is ideal to let the flavors fully soak in.

Can I cook this recipe indoors?

Definitely! Use a grill pan or broil in the oven. Just watch closely for charring and adjust timing as necessary.

What’s the best way to serve leftover chicken al pastor?

Try it chopped in tacos, tossed in salads, or warmed up as a filling for quesadillas. It’s super versatile!

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Al Pastor Recipe is truly a celebration of bold flavors and simple techniques that deliver crowd-pleasing results every time. Once you taste the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes, you’ll be hooked for life. Grab your grill and start marinating—your next favorite meal awaits!

Grilled Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need