Description
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor is a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of dried chilies, spices, and pineapple, then slow-smoked to perfection. Ideal for tacos, bowls, or salads.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
2 dried ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup white vinegar
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks (optional, for garnish)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
Corn tortillas (for serving)
Instructions
Toast dried guajillo and ancho chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Soak in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
- Drain chilies and blend with pineapple juice, vinegar, garlic, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and olive oil until smooth.
- Pour marinade over chicken thighs in a bowl or zip-top bag. Marinate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade and place on smoker racks.
- Smoke chicken for 2-3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let chicken rest for 10 minutes, then shred or slice.
- Serve on warm corn tortillas topped with pineapple chunks, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
- Grill chicken instead of smoking for quicker prep.
- Add sliced onions and jalapeños to tacos for extra flavor.
- Serve over rice bowls with beans and avocado.
- Top with pickled red onions or radishes for crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces cooked chicken
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
