Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 dried ancho chilies, seeds and stems removed
- 2 dried guajillo chilies, seeds and stems removed
- 1/2 small onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon achiote paste (annatto paste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for grilling)
For Serving:
- Corn tortillas
- Sliced pineapple
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Chopped red onion
- Lime wedges
- Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine the dried ancho and guajillo chilies with hot water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until they are softened.
- Drain the chilies and place them in a blender. Add the chopped onion, garlic, pineapple juice, white vinegar, achiote paste, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Blend until you have a smooth paste.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and make sure each piece is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight for the best flavor.
Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken thighs onto skewers if using wooden skewers, and brush them with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side or until it's cooked through and has a nice char. Baste with any leftover marinade while grilling.
Serve:
- Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for a minute on each side.
- Serve the grilled chicken Al Pastor in the warm tortillas, topped with sliced pineapple, chopped cilantro, chopped red onion, and lime wedges.
- Add salsa or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Al Pastor, a delightful and flavorful dish with a perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors. It's great for tacos, burritos, or served over rice.