Copycat Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor Recipe

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

There are many elements that make up a good Chipotle bowl or burrito, including the choice of salsa and how high you pile on those toppings. Of course, nothing determines how good a Chipotle entree will be quite like the protein of choice — and at Chipotle, you really do have lots of choices. Classic chicken may be a go-to for some, but for those who like things a little more smoky-sweet, Chipotle's chicken al pastor is the obvious choice.

Although pork is the type of meat usually associated with al pastor, Chipotle switched things up by opting for chicken thighs instead (much to fans' pleasure, as the fan-favorite protein option was brought back due to popular demand). Nevertheless, the protein is still technically a limited-time menu item, so when an in-store chicken al pastor burrito isn't an option, developer Julianne De Witt's copycat Chipotle chicken al pastor recipe is there to save the day.

Not only will this recipe be fresher and more tasty than the restaurant version, De Witt also assures us that those essential flavors are all there. "This copycat Chipotle chicken al pastor is saucy, spicy and delicious," she says. "I use chicken thighs as this is what Chipotle uses, and they are the best choice here." The result is truly juicy, subtly sweet, and slightly smoky chicken that adds just the right flavor punch to your at-home Chipotle bowl (or burrito, or tacos, or salad).

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

You'll start this recipe by making a marinade consisting of morita peppers (first soaked in hot water), pineapple, chipotles in adobo, white vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, water, minced garlic, cumin, Mexican oregano, salt, pepper, and achiote paste. De Witt specifically highlights that last ingredient as a key element to this dish: "The achiote paste adds the signature color and mild earthy flavor to this dish — it complements the spiciness of the chiles and sweetness of the pineapple perfectly," she says.

Once you've made the marinade, you'll coat chicken thighs in it before cooking (and you'll need a bit of cooking spray for that part). Finally, you may want some fresh cilantro and lime wedges on hand for serving.

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

Julianne De Witt/Mashed

De Witt specifically opts for chicken thighs in this recipe for two reasons. One, it's what Chipotle uses, so it aids in making this a true copycat recipe. But the second reason comes down to the fact that chicken thighs will yield the juiciest result. So while this recipe could work with chicken breasts, De Witt highly recommends thighs as they're less likely to dry out while cooking.

Another tip to keep in mind is to make sure the chicken marinates for just the right period of time — 2 to 4 hours, to be specific, and no more than that. Otherwise, you'll risk breaking down the chicken's protein too much, resulting in mushy meat. 

When it comes time to cook, keep the heat at a steady medium-high. De Witt notes that high heat might cause the sugars in the marinade to burn. Finally, don't rush to slice and dice the chicken after it's off the heat. "Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes so that the juices are redistributed into the meat," De Witt advises.

Anyone who has eaten at Chipotle knows that there are quite a few ways to enjoy the proteins and mains, and those same options apply to copycat versions as well. To serve your chicken al pastor in the most Chipotle way possible, consider piling it high into a bowl with cilantro rice, beans, salsa, sour cream, and a dollop of guacamole (no extra cost if it's at home!). Alternatively, transform similar ingredients into Chipotle-style burritos, tacos, or salad bowls.

Of course, since this is a recipe you'll be making at home, you have the opportunity to use a little more creativity when it comes to serving the chicken al pastor. To at least stay on a Mexican theme, De Witt recommends serving the meat in tacos or in quesadillas. But why stop there? Make a breakfast omelette a little more interesting by adding this chicken to the mix, or even consider piling it onto pizza for a unique flavor option (something akin to a BBQ chicken pizza). Tortas, nachos, taquitos, or tostados are all delicious and foolproof vessels for this chicken al pastor, too. And, when in doubt, you don't need to serve the chicken with anything at all — just a fork and an appetite will suffice.