From upscale restaurants to roadside food trucks, chicken al pastor is a familiar dish at Mexican eateries. Whether served in a warm taco, sandwiched between melted cheese in a crispy quesadilla, or the main attraction in a hearty rice bowl, the sweet-and-savory dish doesnt disappoint. “Al pastor” refers to the cooking method, which translates in English to “in the style of the shepherd. ” It is typically made with pork, but the recipe has been adapted for leaner proteins like chicken or vegetarian versions, which are becoming increasingly popular.
Traditionally, boneless, marinated meat is placed on a vertical, rotating spit called a trompo. As the protein rotates, it cooks over direct high heat, causing the exterior to cook quickly and become crispy while the interior slowly cooks. An onion or pineapple is skewered on the top so that as the pineapple releases its juices and the fat renders, they drip down the meat, basting it and keeping it tender.
With long carving knives, taqueros shave thin slices of the crispy outside layer onto soft corn tortillas that have diced pineapple, onion, and cilantro on top. While contemporary al pastor recipes, adjusted for the home cook, use different cooking methods and proteins, the marinades aromatic flavor profile remains constant. For hours, chicken al pastor is soaked in an adobo sauce made of dried chiles, garlic, achiote paste, pineapple juice, and spices like cumin. This gives the meat its signature red color.
Chicken al pastor is a popular Mexican dish that has become ubiquitous on menus at restaurants across the United States. But what exactly does “chicken al pastor” mean?
As a food blogger, I did some research to find out the origins and meaning behind this tasty dish. Here’s a comprehensive look at what chicken al pastor is all about
The Meaning Behind the Name
The term “al pastor” translates from Spanish to mean “in the style of the shepherd.” This refers to the traditional cooking method used to make al pastor, which involves cooking meat on a vertical rotisserie or spit.
The vertical spit used to cook al pastor is known as a trompo. Meat is sliced off the outer edge of the rotating trompo as it cooks. The motion and shape of the trompo resemble a shepherd’s staff, which is how al pastor got its name.
Lebanese Origins
Though al pastor is now a classic Mexican street food, its roots can be found in the early 20th century, when Lebanese immigrants brought shawarma to Mexico.
Shawarma, which refers to thinly sliced meat cooked on a vertical spit, was adapted over time to become al pastor using local Mexican ingredients like pineapple, chilies, and spices.
So, the Lebanese roots of shawarma mixed with the Mexican cooking method of the trompo to make al pastor, a dish that is a unique mix of Mexican and Lebanese flavors.
Traditional Ingredients
Real al pastor is made with pork that has been marinated in vinegar, pineapple juice, dried chilies, and other spices. Some of the most important things that go into a traditional al pastor marinade are these:
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Guajillo chilies: These dried chilies contribute a mild heat and fruity flavor.
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Ancho chilies: Ancho chilies add a subtle sweetness and richness.
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Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent kick and layers the flavors.
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Cumin: Earthy cumin provides a distinctive aroma.
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Oregano: Mexican oregano enhances the herbal notes.
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Achiote paste: Made from annatto seeds, this imparts a reddish hue.
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Pineapple: Both the juice and fruit provide acidity to tenderize and sweetness to balance.
The Chicken Version
While pork is traditional, chicken al pastor has become a popular adaptation. Boneless chicken thighs or breasts are used instead of pork and marinated in a similar chili-pineapple adobo mixture.
Chicken al pastor offers a leaner and milder version with less fat compared to pork. It can be cooked on a grill or skillet instead of a vertical spit to achieve a similar char and caramelization.
Serving Suggestions
To serve chicken al pastor in the traditional style:
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Place the sliced chicken in warm corn tortillas.
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Top with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
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Add salsa, guacamole, or Mexican crema for extra flavor.
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Pineapple salsa also makes a delicious topping to complement the marinade.
Chicken al pastor also works well in quesadillas, tacos, burritos, rice bowls, salads, and more. Feel free to get creative with how you incorporate this versatile Mexican favorite!
Taking It Easy
For home cooks short on time, there are some shortcuts to enjoy chicken al pastor without tedious prep:
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Use store-bought al pastor seasoning instead of making it from scratch.
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Opt for chicken tenderloins or strips to reduce marinating and cook times.
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Broil or pan fry instead of grilling for quick cooking with easy clean-up.
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Double the marinade recipe and store half for even quicker meals later.
A Flavor Fusion
Chicken al pastor brings together culinary influences from Lebanon and Mexico to create a dish that offers a little bit of everything. It has just enough heat to keep things interesting, sweet and tangy components to balance the spices, and a hit of acidity and char to round it all out.
When you see chicken al pastor on a menu again, you’ll know it’s more than just another taco filling. Al pastor is a mix of different cultures and tastes that has a long history and a unique way of cooking it.
The history of al pastor
Al pastor is a delicious example of two cultures blending to create something exceptional. Although its associated with Mexican cuisine, al pastors roots are tied to the Middle East, where citizens of Turkey enjoyed spit-roasted lamb, or shawarma, centuries earlier. The Lebanese merchants who immigrated to Puebla, Mexico introduced the cooking technique in the 1930s. Even though it has been used in many Asian and European cultures, al pastor became a classic Mexican dish in the 1960s.
The Lebanese merchants were called “shepherds” or “pastors” in Spanish, acknowledging the dishs origin in its name but using the spices and tropical flavors unique to Mexico to claim it. The two cultures cooked the upside-down, bell-shaped, boneless meat in vertical rotisseries, but they traditionally used different proteins and seasonings that were unique to their areas. Shawarma is heavily seasoned with dried spices like coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and sumac. It’s served in a pita with hummus, pickled vegetables, and grains, like a Greek gyro, which came before al pastor. Meanwhile, chicken al pastor is marinated in chilis and often topped with sweet pineapple.
Interestingly, al pastor isnt the only Mexican classic to come out of Puebla, Mexico. The countrys culinary destination invented a popular street food, chalupas, enjoyed on Cinco de Mayo to mark the anniversary of the Mexican Armys victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Tips on how to prepare chicken al pastor at home
Most kitchens dont have a vertical spit, but the recipe for chicken al pastor can easily be adapted for home cooks. Fortunately, anyone can make the marinade with a blender, and the chicken can be grilled, sauteed, or broiled to achieve the signature char. Ultimately, you can use any type of boneless chicken. However, thighs are recommended since they are fattier and wont dry out like white meat.
To grill chicken al pastor, preheat the grill to medium heat while the chicken gets to room temperature. Use paper towels to remove the excess marinade and dry the chickens surface so it can brown. Grill the meat for roughly 20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking until it develops a char. Allow the meat to rest before slicing. When cooking the dish in a skillet, cut the raw chicken into strips before marinating and saute it over high heat. To slice the chicken thin, place it in the freezer for 15 minutes before cutting.
To prepare chicken al pastor in the broiler, set a lightly greased wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Avoid using parchment paper, which could ignite since its heat resistant to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and boilers can reach 500 degrees Fahrenheit. If you dont have foil, still make the dish, but be prepared to scrub the pan afterward. Spread the chicken thighs on the rack and broil the chicken until charred and cooked through, roughly 15 minutes.
How to Cook Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor at Home – Secrets from a Former Employee!
FAQ
What is chicken al pastor?
Chicken al pastor is indeed a variation of the classic dish. Instead of using pork, marinated and grilled chicken is substituted, resulting in a leaner and lighter alternative that retains the delightful flavors of the original. This alternative is particularly appealing to those who prefer chicken or follow dietary restrictions.
Can you eat chicken al pastor?
One of the most popular dishes in Mexican cuisine is “al pastor,” a succulent and flavorful option traditionally made with pork. However, many people wonder if this delicious combination of marinated meat, spices, and vibrant flavors can also be enjoyed with chicken. So, what does chicken al pastor mean? Let’s delve into this topic and find out.
Does chicken al pastor have chili?
The level of spiciness in chicken al pastor can be adjusted based on personal preference. Chili powder and other spices are usually in the marinade. You can change how hot it is by adding more or less chili powder or using peppers that aren’t as hot. Is chicken al pastor a healthy dish?.
What is al pastor?
The sweet and savory dish is great in a warm taco, a crispy quesadilla with melted cheese in the middle, or as the main attraction in a hearty rice bowl. “Al pastor” refers to the cooking method, which translates in English to “in the style of the shepherd. “.
Does chicken al pastor need a rotisserie?
The traditional way to cook chicken al pastor is on a vertical rotisserie, which is also how pork al pastor and Lebanese shawarma are cooked. The chicken that has been marinated is put on a skewer and slowly roasted over an open flame. The dish is charred and juicy, and tastes great. Can I make chicken al pastor without a rotisserie?.
What is the difference between shawarma & chicken al pastor?
Shawarma is heavily seasoned with dried spices like coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and sumac. Like a Greek gyro, which predates al pastor, it’s served in a pita alongside hummus, pickled vegetables, and grains. Meanwhile, chicken al pastor is marinated in chilis and often topped with sweet pineapple.
What is Chicken al Pastor made of?
What is Chicken al Pastor made of? Chipotle’s new menu item Chicken al Pastor is made with spicy adobo chicken, seared morita peppers, ground achiote and then perfectly balanced with a splash of pineapple, fresh lime, and cilantro. Chicken al Pastor is available only for a limited time.
What does al pastor mean literally?
“Al pastor” means “shepherd style” in Spanish. The name of this taco connects to its roots with Lebanese immigrants who came to Mexico in the early 1900s. Their method involved cooking lamb (shawarma) vertically on spits.
What does “chicken al pastor” mean in Spanish?
The name “al pastor”, which literally translates to “herdsman”, “cowherd” or “shepherd” style, comes from «Asado al Pastor», which can be translated as “spit roast” or “spit barbecue” over an open fire.
Is Chicken al Pastor spicy or sweet?
Chicken al pastor is an explosion of flavors that combines smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. The chipotle in adobo sauce gives the chicken a rich, smoky heat, while the pineapple juice adds a refreshing tangy sweetness.