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★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★
Easy Al Pastor Flavor at Home
Get authentic smoky flavor fast using a store-bought al pastor seasoning blend. This shortcut gives the chicken a great taste, without complicated prep or hard-to-find ingredients. Just season the chicken and grill.
Fresh Pineapple Salsa Adds Bright Flavor
Sweet pineapple, zesty lime, plump tomatoes, shallot and fresh cilantro create a vibrant salsa that balances the smoky chicken. The salsa adds natural sweetness and tang, making each bite light, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
Ready in Just 15 Minutes
These quick chicken tacos come together fast, making them ideal for busy weeknights or for when you just don't want to spend all evening making dinner. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this al pastor chicken recipe stress-free yet still gives you restaurant-style flavor at home.
Think Spring/ Summer Dinner
Enjoy family dinner on the grill, serve them up for taco night, or make a bunch for summer gatherings. Pro tip: Have people assemble their own.
These tacos are a favorite go-to during warm-weather months. Grill outdoors for extra smoky flavor or use a grill pan indoors to enjoy these easy al pastor chicken tacos year-round.
★ Ingredients You'll Need ★
Here's a look at everything you'll need to make these easy al pastor chicken tacos.
- Chicken breast. Tenderloins or boneless thighs can also be used.
- Al Pastor seasoning blend.
- Avocado oil. Or any cooking oil.
For the salsa:
- Roma tomatoes.
- Jalapeño. Fresh is best.
- Red onion. White onion or a shallot could also be used.
- Lime
- Cilantro
- Pineapple. Canned or fresh.
Flour or corn tortillas can be used.
★ How to Make this Recipe ★
Here's a look at how thee tasty tacos come together.
- Gathering ingredients for the chicken and salsa.
- Filet and season chicken.
- Grill chicken on each side.
- Let rest then slice.
- Prepare salsa.
- Assemble tacos.
Easy as that!
★ Tips & FAQs ★
Al pastor seasoning typically includes dried chiles, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika or achiote, and vinegar for tangy, smoky flavor. Many store-bought blends capture this classic combination, making it easy to create authentic-tasting al pastor chicken at home but you can use the individual ingredients to create your own blend and adjust amounts to your liking.
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even tenderloins work great and often turn out more moist. Cook a few extra minutes if needed to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
You can cook the chicken on an outdoor grill, indoor grill pan, skillet, or even bake it in the oven. A grill or grill pan adds extra smoky flavor, but the recipe works well with any method.
Yes, the pineapple salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will blend and become even more delicious as it chills.
Corn tortillas are more traditional and add authentic flavor, but our family likes flour tortillas better. You choose or offer them both!
★ More Taco Recipes ★
Browse all my easy taco recipes.
This recipe for easy al pastor chicken tacos was featured on South Your Mouth!
Al Pastro Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 3 tablespoon Al Pastor seasoning
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil
Salsa
- 20 oz pineapple diced (drain if using canned)
- 2 roma tomatoes diced
- ½ cup red onion diced
- 1 lime zested and juiced
- 1 jalapeño de-seeded and minced
- 3 cilantro chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Serve with
- 6 small tortillas flour or corn
- ½ cup lettuce romaine
Mighty Mrs. is a #WalmartPartner.
Instructions
- Halve chicken breast to thin them into cutlets.
- Season with al pastor seasoning and set aside.
- Make the pineapple salsa: Add tomato, pineapple, onion, jalapeño, lime and cilantro to a bowl and toss. Season with salt and pepper to taste then set aside.
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Oil grates to prevent sticking.Cook chicken breast for 2-3 on each side minutes. Check that the middle is cooked to 165ºF.
- Remove and let rest for 2-3 minutes then cut into thin strips.
- Warm tortillas on the grill for 1 minute per side.
- Assemble tacos by layering chicken, pineapple salsa and lettuce into each tortilla.
Notes
- Marinate chicken 15–30 minutes for deeper flavor (optional)
- Grill or use a grill pan for the best charred, smoky taste
- Finely dice salsa ingredients for best texture
- Warm tortillas to soft and add flavor
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