The Best Homemade Oven Roasted Al Pastor Chicken Thighs

If you’re a fan of bold, vibrant flavors, then you’re in for a treat with this recipe for oven roasted Al Pastor chicken thighs. Traditionally made with pork, Al Pastor gets its unique flavor from a rich marinade featuring dried peppers, citrus, and spices. In this version, we’re using chicken thighs for a tender and juicy alternative that’s just as delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe!

The Best Homemade Oven Roasted Al Pastor Chicken Thighs

These Oven Roasted Al Pastor Chicken Thighs bring the vibrant, smoky, and tangy flavors of traditional Al Pastor into your home kitchen. Using a rich marinade of guajillo and pasilla peppers, citrus, and warm spices, this recipe creates juicy, tender chicken thighs with an irresistible caramelized pineapple base. Oven-roasted to perfection, this dish is perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or salads. With a simple stacking method that mimics a traditional trompo, this Al Pastor recipe delivers authentic taste without the need for a spit.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Marinating Time 4 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine Latin American, Mexican

Equipment

• Blender or Food Processor
• Mixing Bowls
• Large Resealable Plastic Bag or Container
• Baking Sheet or Roasting Pan
• Short Thick Skewer
• Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

For the Marinade:

• 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
• 2 pasilla peppers seeded
• 2 guajillo peppers seeded
• ½ white onion roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon achiote paste
• 2 whole chipotle peppers from a can
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 pineapple peeled and sliced into rings

Instructions

 

Prepare the Marinade:

• Place the dried pasilla and guajillo peppers in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let soak for 15 minutes until softened. Drain, remove stems and seeds.
  
• In a blender or food processor, combine:
• Softened peppers
• Fresh orange juice
• Chopped onion
• Garlic cloves
• Achiote paste
• Chipotle peppers
• Salt, black pepper, cumin, thyme, and oregano
• Chicken broth and apple cider vinegar
• Blend until completely smooth.
  

Marinate the Chicken:

• Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable bag.
  
• Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
  
• Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Preheat the Oven:

• When ready to cook, preheat oven to 400°F (190°C).

Prepare the Pineapple Base:

• Arrange pineapple rings in a single layer on a baking sheet or roasting pan.
• Use a thick skewer as a base for stacking the chicken.

Stack the Chicken:

• Remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Reserve leftover marinade for basting.
• Layer the marinated chicken thighs on top of the pineapple and skewer, slightly overlapping to mimic a traditional Al Pastor trompo.

Roast the Chicken:

• Place in the preheated oven and roast for 45-50 minutes until fully cooked and edges are slightly charred.
  
• Halfway through, baste with the reserved marinade for extra flavor and moisture.
  

Finish & Serve:

• Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• The pineapple will have caramelized, absorbing the marinade and adding a delicious sweet and tangy flavor.

Keyword al pastor, Chicken, Homemade, oven, thighs

Serving Suggestions:

• Tacos: Serve the Al Pastor chicken thighs sliced thinly on warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.
• Burrito Bowls: Create a flavorful bowl with rice, black beans, avocado, and a generous portion of the Al Pastor chicken.
• Salad: For a lighter option, serve the chicken on a bed of greens with a tangy lime vinaigrette.

Tips for Perfect Al Pastor Chicken Thighs:

• Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the heat. For a milder version, use one chipotle pepper.
• Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is key for the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use canned pineapple rings (make sure to drain them well).

This homemade oven roasted Al Pastor chicken thigh recipe brings the vibrant flavors of traditional Al Pastor to your kitchen in an easy and accessible way. The combination of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors will transport your taste buds to the streets of Mexico. Enjoy!