Irresistible Al Pastor-Style Chicken Skewers – 5-Star Flavor!
Al Pastor-Style Chicken Skewers Recipe | MagicInKitchen.com
Al Pastor‑Style Chicken Skewers
Discover how to make Al Pastor-style chicken skewers at home with this easy, flavorful grilled recipe from MagicInKitchen.com. Perfect for BBQs, tacos, or weeknight meals.
Table of Contents
Introduction
When you’re craving bold, smoky flavors with a hint of sweetness, these Al Pastor-style chicken skewers deliver everything you love about traditional al pastor tacos—minus the spit! This homemade version uses marinated chicken, a rich pineapple glaze, and a hot grill to bring out mouthwatering char and depth. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or whipping up a weeknight dinner, this easy al pastor chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients List
For the al pastor marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
- 3 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons achiote paste
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
- Chopped cilantro, lime wedges for garnish
Preparation Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a blender, combine guajillo chiles (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes to soften), chipotle pepper, pineapple juice, vinegar, achiote paste, garlic, oregano, cumin, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a large bowl or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over. Toss well to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread marinated chicken and pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these grilled al pastor chicken skewers hot off the grill as a main dish with rice, beans, or a fresh green salad. They’re also perfect in tacos—just remove the chicken from the skewers and pile into warm tortillas with onions, cilantro, and salsa. This street-style chicken al pastor pairs beautifully with creamy avocado or tangy slaw, making it ideal for casual dinners or party platters.
Why This Al Pastor-Style Chicken Is a Game-Changer
What makes these Al Pastor-style chicken skewers stand out is their irresistible fusion of smoky, spicy, and sweet. The marinade, rich with chiles, garlic, and pineapple, penetrates deep into the chicken, delivering bold flavor in every bite. Grilling enhances the charred edges while locking in juiciness—turning simple chicken into a dish worthy of any backyard BBQ or festive gathering. Whether you’re hosting guests or meal-prepping for the week, these grilled al pastor chicken skewers bring restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but thighs tend to stay juicier on the grill. If you use chicken breast, watch your cook time to avoid drying it out.
Q: Is there a substitute for achiote paste?
A: You can mix equal parts paprika, white vinegar, and a pinch of garlic powder in a pinch—but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Q: Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
A: Yes! Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: It has a mild-to-medium kick. For more heat, add another chipotle or a dash of cayenne.
Conclusion with Call-to-Action
These Al Pastor-style chicken skewers combine the sweet and smoky flavors of traditional Mexican street food with the ease of grilling at home. Whether you serve them as a full meal or slide the tender chunks into tacos, you’ll fall in love with every bite. Try this chicken al pastor BBQ recipe today, and don’t forget to bookmark MagicInKitchen.com for more irresistible ideas. Leave a comment and share your twist on this classic!
