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Sheet Plan Chicken Al Pastor

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 –2.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs preferred for flavor
  • 1 fresh pineapple or 1½ cups canned chunks, drained
Marinade
  • 3 dried guajillo chiles stems/seeds removed
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • ½ medium white onion
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice from fruit or canned
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 tbsp achiote paste key ingredient—worth sourcing
  • tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano Mexican oregano if you have it
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 –2 chipotles in adobo optional, for heat + smoke

Method
 

  1. Build the marinade: Toast the dried chiles in a dry skillet (30–60 seconds per side). Soak in hot water for ~10 minutes until softened. Blend everything (chiles + soaking liquid, garlic, onion, pineapple juice, vinegar, spices, achiote) until completely smooth. You’re looking for a thick, brick-red paste—almost like a loose mole.
  2. Slice chicken into large strips or chunks (not too small, you want caramelization). Toss thoroughly with marinade. Marinate at least 2 hours (overnight is ideal).
  3. Preheat oven to 450°F. Use a large sheet pan (or two - crowding kills browning). Lightly oil the pan. Spread chicken in a single layer. Scatter pineapple chunks around and on top. Add a few thin onion slices to mimic traditional pastor texture.
  4. Roast for 18–22 minutes. Switch to broil (high) for 3–5 minutes to char edges. You want crispy edges, caramelized pineapple, and slightly charred bits.
  5. Rough chop the cooked chicken on a cutting board. Toss with pan juices. Optional: squeeze fresh lime over everything.