With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner and Taco Tuesday happening every week, it’s time to upgrade your taco night.
If you have ever been to an authentic Mexican taqueria, you know that Tacos Al Pastor are the absolute best thing on the menu. Traditionally, it consists of marinated pork stacked high on a vertical spit and slow-roasted for hours. But what if you want those sweet, savory, and spicy flavors at home on a random weeknight?
Enter the ultimate kitchen hack: Skillet Chicken Al Pastor.
By swapping the pork for quick-cooking chicken breast and using a blender for the marinade, you get all the authentic flavors of pineapple, chili, and garlic in just 20 minutes!
🛒 The Ingredients (The Blender Marinade)
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you. The blender does 100% of the work!
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (cut into small, bite-sized cubes).
- 1 cup Fresh Pineapple, diced (Keep 1/2 cup for the marinade, and save 1/2 cup to cook with the chicken!).
- The Al Pastor Marinade:
- 2 tbsp Achiote Paste (or Guajillo chili powder if you can’t find Achiote).
- 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice (or 1/2 cup of the fresh diced pineapple).
- 2 tbsp White Vinegar.
- 3 cloves Garlic.
- 1 tsp Cumin & 1 tsp Dried Oregano.
- 1 tsp Salt.
- For Serving: Corn Tortillas, finely diced white onion, and fresh cilantro.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: The Magic Blender Marinade
In a blender or food processor, combine the Achiote paste, pineapple juice (or fresh pineapple chunks), white vinegar, garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt. Blend on high until completely smooth.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Place your diced chicken in a bowl and pour the bright red marinade over it. Toss until every piece is coated.
Pro-Tip: You can cook this immediately if you are in a rush, but letting it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) makes the chicken unbelievably tender thanks to the enzymes in the pineapple!
Step 3: The Hot Sear (Crucial Step!) 🛑
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. You want the pan hot. Add the marinated chicken and the remaining 1/2 cup of diced pineapple to the skillet in a single layer.
Step 4: Let it Caramelize
Do not stir the chicken immediately! Let it sit for 3-4 minutes so the sugars from the pineapple and the marinade can caramelize and create those beautiful, slightly charred, crispy edges. Then, stir and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Assemble the Perfect Taco
Warm your corn tortillas (either in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or directly over a gas flame for a slight char). Add a generous scoop of the sticky, sweet, and spicy chicken al pastor.
Step 6: The Authentic Garnish
Real Al Pastor tacos don’t need cheese or sour cream! Simply garnish with finely diced white onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately!
💡 Meal Prep Tip:
This chicken makes the most amazing lunch bowls! Serve leftover Chicken Al Pastor over a bed of cilantro-lime rice and black beans for an incredibly flavorful, high-protein meal prep lunch.
