Chipotle recently launched a new limited-time menu item that has many fans excited – Chicken Al Pastor. This smoky, sweet and slightly spicy chicken dish is inspired by the classic Mexican street food tacos al pastor. As a big Chipotle fan, I was eager to try this latest offering and see how it compares to the traditional pork al pastor. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on the flavors, ingredients, and overall experience of sampling Chipotle’s chicken al pastor.
An Appealing Remix of a Classic Mexican Dish
Tacos al pastor feature thin slices of spit-roasted marinated pork stacked with sweet pineapple, paired with onions and cilantro on a corn tortilla. Chipotle put their signature spin on this classic by using chicken instead of pork and incorporating it into bowls, burritos and tacos.
At first glance, the chicken al pastor from Chipotle looks tempting, with its vibrant reddish-brown marinade and slight charring from the grill While it’s only available for a limited time, Chipotle chicken al pastor is worth trying, especially if you enjoy the complex balance of flavors in Mexican cuisine.
A Harmonious Blend of Smokiness, Spice and Sweetness
My first bite of the chicken al pastor was an explosion of complex flavors. The predominant taste is a deep, smoky adobo seasoning, with a noticeable kick from the morita peppers in the marinade. The sweetness of pineapple juice adds a tropical fruitiness that perfectly balances out the savory and spicy flavors.
The chicken itself was perfectly cooked – moist tender and juicy with nice grill marks adding a subtle charred taste. Texture-wise it had a nice firmness that held up well in burritos and tacos without being tough or dry. Overall the flavors blended together beautifully, with no single taste overpowering the others.
How Spicy is Chipotle’s Chicken Al Pastor?
While the chicken al pastor definitely has a good amount of spice from the morita peppers, it wasn’t overly hot in my opinion. I would describe it as medium spice level, enough to give it some kick without being too much for spice-sensitive palates. The pineapple sweetness helps temper the heat.
That said, the spice level can vary depending on your preferences and tolerance. Those who avoid spicy foods may find it too hot, while spice lovers may want to add extra salsa to amp up the heat. The spice also intensifies the more you add to your bowl or burrito. Overall, I thought Chipotle achieved a great balance of smoky, sweet and spicy.
Nutritional Value of Chicken Al Pastor
Compared to other Chipotle proteins like steak or carnitas, the chicken al pastor is relatively healthier, with less calories, fat, and sodium. A serving contains 180 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 380 mg of sodium. It’s also gluten-free, though not suitable for those with pineapple allergies.
While not strictly low-carb due to the pineapple, it fits into a keto-friendly lifestyle better than the pork al pastor options from other Mexican restaurants. The fiber from the fresh vegetables adds nutrients as well. Overall, chicken al pastor is a lighter yet still flavorful meat choice.
Best Ways to Customize Your Chicken Al Pastor Order
One of the best things about Chipotle is customizing your perfect bowl, burrito or taco. Here are some of my favorite add-ons that paired nicely with the smoky chicken al pastor:
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Cilantro-lime rice: The fresh lime juice mirrors the flavors in the chicken and the cilantro adds a complementary herbal note.
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Black beans: The creamy, hearty beans balance out the spiciness of the chicken.
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Fajita veggies: Onions and bell peppers add crunch and sweetness.
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Pico de gallo: The fresh tomato, onion and lime accentuate the citrus flavors.
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Guacamole: Cool, creamy guac helps temper the heat.
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Cheese: A little bit of melty cheese rounds things out nicely.
Room for Improvement
While I really enjoyed Chipotle’s take on chicken al pastor, I do have a couple suggestions to make it even better:
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Offer a mild version without morita peppers to accommodate those who don’t like spicy food.
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Chop the pineapple more finely to distribute the sweetness in every bite rather than getting big chunks.
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Consider keeping it as an ongoing menu item rather than limited time only!
Final Verdict on Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor
Overall, Chipotle’s latest protein option is a winner in my book. The flavors are complex without being overwhelming, and the tender chicken pairs so well with classic Mexican ingredients like pineapple, cilantro and lime. I would highly recommend spicing up your usual Chipotle order with the chicken al pastor before it disappears from menus. The combination of smoky, sweet and spicy satisfies on every level, so don’t miss out!
Let’s connect – follow me on Instagram and Facebook @spicymargsblog for more recipes and reviews! What new menu items do you want to see Chipotle offer next? Share your thoughts in the comments!
A Delicious Blend of Spices and Sweetness
Upon tasting the Chicken Al Pastor, I was immediately struck by the complexity and balance of flavors. The blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and paprika, created a warm and smoky taste, while the pineapple juice added a touch of sweetness. The chicken was cooked to perfection – tender and juicy, with a slight char on the outside that added to its smoky flavor.
I particularly enjoyed the interplay of the smoky chicken with the tangy pineapple, which added a unique and refreshing twist.
The chicken itself was cooked to perfection – tender and juicy, with a slight char on the outside that added to its smoky flavor. I appreciated that the chicken wasnt too dry or chewy, which can sometimes be the case with grilled meats. The texture was just right, making it easy to enjoy in a burrito, bowl, or tacos.
Overall, the flavors were well-balanced and not too overpowering, making it a delightful option for those who enjoy a bit of a kick in their meals.
In comparison to other Chipotle offerings and dishes from other Mexican restaurants, the Chicken Al Pastor holds its own. The unique combination of flavors and the tender, juicy chicken set it apart from more traditional options like grilled chicken or steak. While it may not replace the classic Tacos al Pastor made with pork, Chipotles Chicken Al Pastor offers a delicious and healthier alternative for those seeking a new taste adventure.
One of the advantages of Chipotles Chicken Al Pastor is its relatively healthy nutritional profile. The dish is lower in calories and fat compared to other protein options like pork. For those with dietary restrictions, the Chicken Al Pastor is gluten-free, but it may not be suitable for those who need to avoid spicy foods or pineapple due to allergies or sensitivities.
A Classic Dish with a Chipotle Twist
Chipotles Chicken Al Pastor is inspired by the traditional Mexican dish “Tacos al Pastor.” The dish typically features marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. Chipotles version replaces the pork with chicken, marinated in a blend of spices and pineapple juice, and offers it as an option for burritos, bowls, tacos, or salads.
The first thing I noticed about Chipotles Chicken Al Pastor was its vibrant and appetizing appearance. The chicken pieces were generously coated in a reddish-brown marinade, with bits of char from the grilling process adding a rustic touch.
Although it is said that the chicken al pastor will be available only for a limited time, its certainly worth trying this unique and flavorful dish while you have the chance.
What does chicken al pastor taste like?
FAQ
What is chicken al pastor taste?
… al Pastor is a craveable protein featuring bold flavors like adobo, morita peppers, and ground achiote with a splash of pineapple and fresh lime and cilantroMar 12, 2024
What is al pastor supposed to taste like?
It uses pineapple chunks, chipotle chilies, and other Mexican ingredients. With its savory and sweet taste, Mexican restaurants serve the meat as a burrito or taco alongside other dishes like carnitas, pescado tacos, and chicken burritos.Jul 22, 2024
Is chicken al pastor better than chicken Chipotle?
Nutritional profile. In comparison to other Chipotle offerings and dishes from other Mexican restaurants, the Chicken Al Pastor holds its own. The unique combination of flavors and the tender, juicy chicken set it apart from more traditional options like grilled chicken or steak.
What is the meaning of pastor chicken?
An Asado al Pastor recipe from 1888. The name “al pastor”, which literally translates to “herdsman”, “cowherd” or “shepherd” style, comes from «Asado al Pastor», which can be translated as “spit roast” or “spit barbecue” over an open fire.