Sheet Pan Magic: Chicken Al Pastor Recipe Delight

1. Sheet Pan Magic: Chicken Al Pastor Recipe Delight In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes evoke the same level of satisfaction and excitement as Chicken Al Pastor. Originating from the streets of Mexico, this dish boasts a rich history and a flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds. While traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, we'll explore a contemporary twist on this classic with a sheet pan Chicken Al Pastor recipe. This recipe promises the same bold flavors and tender textures, all while simplifying the cooking process and making it accessible to home kitchens. Unveiling the Essence of Chicken Al Pastor Chicken Al Pastor is a dish deeply rooted in Mexican culinary tradition, yet it carries influences from afar. Its origins can be traced back to the Lebanese immigrants who brought with them the technique of spit-roasting meat, which eventually merged with Mexican flavors and ingredients to create Al Pastor as we know it today. At the heart of Chicken Al Pastor lies its signature marinade—a symphony of flavors that includes dried chilies, spices, vinegar, and pineapple juice. This marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Traditionally, the marinated meat is stacked on a vertical spit, allowing it to rotate and caramelize slowly as it cooks. However, our sheet pan Chicken Al Pastor recipe` offers a simpler yet equally flavorful approach to achieving the essence of this beloved dish. Crafting the Perfect Sheet Pan Chicken Al Pastor Recipe Ingredients:

2. 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced 1 large pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks 1 red onion, thinly sliced 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 2 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded 1 dried ancho chili, stemmed and seeded 1 tablespoon achiote paste ¼ cup white vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Salt and pepper to taste Fresh cilantro, for garnish Lime wedges, for serving Corn or flour tortillas, for serving • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Instructions: 1. Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, dried guajillo chilies, dried ancho chili, garlic, achiote paste, white vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated. • • 2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the thinly sliced chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize. • • • 3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. • • 4. Arrange Ingredients on the Sheet Pan: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and transfer it to the prepared sheet pan, spreading it out in an even layer. •

3. Scatter the pineapple chunks and sliced red onion around the chicken, distributing them evenly across the pan. • 5. Roast in the Oven: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred. If desired, you can switch the oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a deeper caramelization on the chicken and pineapple. • • 6. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish the Chicken Al Pastor with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Warm up some corn or flour tortillas and invite your guests to assemble their own tacos, filling them with the succulent Chicken Al Pastor, sweet pineapple, and tangy red onion. • • • Conclusion In the world of culinary innovation, sheet pan recipes have become synonymous with convenience and flavor. Our Sheet Pan Chicken Al Pastor recipe is a testament to this, offering a simplified yet deeply satisfying take on a beloved Mexican classic. By marrying the bold flavors of Al Pastor marinade with the ease of sheet pan cooking, this recipe opens the door for home cooks to recreate the magic of Chicken Al Pastor in their own kitchens. So why wait? Dive into this culinary adventure and experience the delight of Sheet Pan Chicken Al Pastor for yourself.