Description
Spicy Mexican “Oven Roasted Chicken al Pastor” delivers a mouthwatering fusion of traditional adobo marinade and tender roasted chicken. Pineapple-infused flavors and bold spices create an irresistible meal you’ll crave time and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Fruits and Produce:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for serving)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils and Acids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white)
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by blending ripe pineapple chunks, smoky chipotle peppers, fragrant olive oil, tangy vinegar, earthy cumin, robust smoked paprika, aromatic garlic powder, zesty onion powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Transfer chicken thighs into a spacious container or zip-lock bag, thoroughly coating each piece with the prepared marinade. Seal and allow the flavors to meld in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Activate the oven and set the temperature to 400°F, ensuring proper preheating for consistent cooking.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between pieces to promote even roasting.
- Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely reaches 165°F, indicating full cooking and optimal food safety.
- After removing from the oven, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring tender, succulent meat.
- Plate the roasted chicken alongside complementary accompaniments like fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp salad, and enhance the dish with a zesty lime juice drizzle for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight to intensify the al pastor flavors and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing chipotle peppers based on personal heat tolerance and preference.
- For a lighter option, swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness and prevent overcooking, ensuring juicy and tender chicken every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg