EASY 30 MINUTE CHICKEN AL PASTOR TACOS | WEEKNIGHTING

Use code BRIANL and get 20% off your Kettle and Fire order at www.kettleandfire.com/brian Your #1 taco boy is back.This super fast and easy taco recipe borrows the flavors of al pastor, but uses a shortcut cooking technique to give us the charred, spit-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time and effort of cooking on a trompo.
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RECIPE
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TOMATILLO SALSA
▪75-100g (½ of 1) White Onion, small diced
▪100g (1 whole) Poblano, small diced
▪350-400g (5-6 whole) Tomatillos, medium chopped
▪15-20g (5 cloves) garlic, minced
▪5g or ¾-1tsp salt
▪50g or 3Tbsp water
Add onion, poblano, tomatillos, garlic, salt, water to a saucepan over med-high and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, lower heat to medium low, cover and cook for about 10min. Stir and cook for another 8-10min over medium, uncovered, to allow to thicken. Transfer to cold bowl and cool in fridge or freezer.
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AL PASTOR MARINADE
▪50g or 1/4c pineapple, diced
▪100g (2 fruits worth) orange juice
▪25g or 1 3/4Tbsp water
▪25g or 1 3/4Tbsp white vinegar
▪20g or 1 2/3Tbsp sugar
▪20g or 1 heaping Tbsp salt
▪30g or 2-3Tbsp achiote annatto paste (or sub in lime juice, chile powder, & paprika)
▪2g or 2tsp dried oregano
▪5g or 3.5tsp garlic powder
▪5g or 3tsp cumin
▪10g or 4tsp chile powder
Puree all ingredients until smooth.
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MEAT
▪2lbs/1kg boneless skinless chicken thighs
▪4 “planks” of fresh pineapple, cut in similar size/thickness to chicken
Add ½ of marinade or 100g to chicken and mix to coat. Lay thighs onto a foil lined baking tray close together in the center of the tray. Place 2 planks of pineapple along side chicken (see @4:32 )
Preheat broiler on high. Place chicken/pineapple on rack closest to broiler and let cook for 5min - keeping a close eye to be sure it doesn’t burn. Rotate tray if needed, cook for another 5min. Chicken should be nicely charred on top at this point. Flip chicken and return to broiler for another 5-8 min to char 2nd side.
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FINISHING/GARNISH
▪Corn tortillas, heated
▪Oil
▪Chopped cilantro
▪White onion, small diced
▪Queso fresco (or feta)
Chop chicken and pineapple into ½”/1.5cm pieces.
Add long squeeze of oil to a nonstick pan over high/med-high, add in chicken/pineapple. Fry on first side for about a minute. Add 40-50g reserved marinade to pan. Toss to combine and satee until sauce is reduced.
Place chicken on double layer of corn tortilla, add chopped cilantro and white onion, tomatillo salsa, sprinkle of grated queso fresco.
🎧MUSIC:
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:25 Starting the salsa
1:59 Al Pastor marinade
3:30 The meat
4:56 Checking back on the salsa
5:12 Sippin on Kettle and Fire bone broth
6:15 Checking and flipping the chicken
6:55 Finishing the salsa
7:28 Finishing the chicken
9:23 Plate up
10:16 Let's eat this thing
#weeknighting #chickentacos #streettacos
**DISCLAIMER: Some links in this description may be affiliate links. If you buy any of these products using these links I'll receive a small commission at no added cost to you. All links are to products that I actually use or recommend. Thank you in advance for your support!

[@BrianLagerstrom]

Use code BRIANL and get 20% off your Kettle and Fire order at www.kettleandfire.com/brian

[@stephenstilwell1488]

when are you gonna compile a gluten free playlist?

[@JGG1999]

Took me an hour but nailed it. Worth every minute as the family devours & raves about dinner. Brian is my new secret weapon.

[@47ejecting2]

Killing it with this recipe! While I love an all-day project as much as anyone else, I think this series could end up being your signature one: complex dishes that meet the realities of everyday life. Plus, anything close to that 'al pastor' taste is an absolute W.

[@joshuafoster1772]

As far as food KZbinrs go, there honestly isn’t anyone better at creating recipes that are both delicious looking and practical for most people to be able to recreate during the week. Thank you for consistently producing quality content that is both informative and entertaining! Another awesome recipe that I’ll be sure to make!

[@curbscrape8343]

Papa would like a word...

[@johntoves9015]

@4:15 He's right. I'm in food R&D. "Marinating" meat is most times only coating it. You can thin a marinade out and put all of it under a vacuum. The vacuum helps open up the meat structure and pull in the marination. They make table top vacuum tumblers that you can use to get a really good marinade on meat.

[@sgodbout2213]

When I marinate something that I really want to have that flavor (teriyaki chicken) I let it sit for at least 3 days or more.

[@kenchandrasena2070]

@@sgodbout2213 According to bon appetit, "Marinades usually consist of some type of sugar, salt, and acid, along with a variety of other flavor enhancers. Salt and sugar both break down muscle fibers to some degree (in the same way a brine does), but acid is the real culprit in this scenario. We like a little bit of tenderizing with meat, but when your chicken thighs are exposed to lemon juice, lime juice, yogurt, or vinegars for too long, the texture of the meat turns from tender to mushy and stringy, two words that have never been used in tandem to describe something pleasant."

[@The_Timinator]

Holy Shit, there's a "Food Research and Development" in Community Colleges? I would have thought that sort of "Science" would have been regulated to the Ivy League MORONS where the Government could FUND and TWIST the "Science" to suit their Agenda...

[@bsteven885]

I think you meant to reference 3:54 for your point on marinating -- nonetheless, great point! 👍

[@foxfire1112]

right, brine then mariante if you want season to pernitrate

[@paintsketch]

Made this last week and my husband who lived in Mexico for two years about died. He said they took him back to his time there. Thank you for the fantastic recipe! ♡

[@6loscar448]

what???

[@Garapetsa]

It's a good authentic recipe. .

[@Andy_ARBS]

I-is he ok?

[@Mr_Spaghetti]

love how we all misread this. something about your phrasing makes it sound like your husband actually died. hope he’s doing well!

[@Andy_ARBS]

@@Mr_Spaghetti I didn't misread nothing. The bit was funny.

[@emilyheiss1236]

I made this tonight and it was incredible! I’m not a great cook so that tells me that anyone could make this. The instructions are really great and I love how they’re all listed out with the ingredients in the info section on the video. Brian, thank you so much! It was soooo good!!!

[@noellecantcook]

I doubt I’d be able to do this in 30 minutes, but it sure does look good!! 🤣😃👍🏻

[@SuzanneBaruch]

You can do it, Noelle! 🌮

[@wademathias151]

His chicken cooked for what he said was around 23 minutes and rested for 5 and that's not including the marinade. Add the salsa and you're looking at way closer to an hour. Still not terrible for a dinner night. Protip is to have a super quick dinner night with like a sandwich or something and make your marinade and salsa that night and make this the next night. Then you're way closer to 30 minutes

[@Skrittle21]

It took me about an hour to make tonight. It was worth it.

[@zwalkert]

I did this tonight and it is going on the rotation.

[@karagrant5778]

I wish they would factor in people who are very slow at chopping things.

[@shawnstimson239]

Recipe was a hit tonight. Thank you Brian, every recipe if yours I’ve made so far has turned out great!

[@shanewest5188]

Best tacos I’ve ever had and the salsa complimented them very well. Took me about an hour and a half lol but well worth it!

[@devinmartin3673]

I just made these with a pico for some friends for Cinco. This a really simple recipe, but the results are incredible! This is one I'm looking forward to experimenting with to find even more levels of flavor. Thanks, Brian!

[@lynettelocatelli3252]

Thank you! I love how simply you demo and you kitchen is so clean!

[@Ceb773]

7:08 If you don't want to risk cracking your dishes: take a large bowl (biggest you have, preferably metal), fill it with ice water, then take a second smaller bowl (again, preferably metal) and put your salsa (or whatever) in there. Stir it continuously and it will be cool in a couple minutes. I would *not* recommend putting very hot liquids into freezing cold bowls for the same reason you should always let your pots/pans cool before you wash them under running water.

[@nicolejohnson7897]

I made this for dinner tonight and it was AMAZING. The salsa was super flavorful and the perfect consistency and the chicken/pineapple mixture was heaven. Will 100% be making this all the time. Really a perfect weeknight meal. I cannot wait to try more of your recipes!

[@ryanbroda2217]

Thank you for writing down the tablespoons and teaspoons directions as well!!! So good. I make it all the time now. Thank you. Once you start getting it, it doesn't take long at all. Love your work

[@dimilton3166]

I freaking LOVE whenever we see something else Brian has prepared from an earlier video chillin’ in his fridge or freezer. Nice cameo of that delectable Danish.

[@sandys5826]

Hands down the Al Pastor recipe! Thank you, Brian! I love your channel. Please keep the videos coming.

[@SuzanneBaruch]

*YES!* Our #1 Taco Boy comes through for us again! 🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮

[@thomasrovers482]

Made this yesterday and it's an instant classic! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and the great way of presentation in your videos.

[@tonykincl]

Made this last night and we loved the tacos. Great and easy recipe.

[@radsy5821]

I made this, everyone loved it. Nothing else to say.

[@allisonfugere2098]

MAKING THIS TONIGHT! THANK YOU BRI!

[@Heretic1373]

A quick and easy weeknight version of al pastor tacos? I'm all in. Definitely going to make this over the weekend. Thanks!

[@braddixon3338]

Your videos never fail to be excellent! Having followed some of your other boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes, I'm all over this one too. Thanks for such great content.

[@BayShore2001]

Your food always looks beautiful and delicious! Thanks for this recipe.

[@goldbondisgod]

This was incredible, it was so easy to make too! Amazing recipe thanks so much!!!

[@matthewfultz]

Always impressed by this guy's knowledge on food.

[@cynthiahanna]

I made this last night and it was freaking delicious! Thanks Brian!

[@PelaeloMatabane]

This has to be my new favorite channel. ❤️❤️

[@johncspine2787]

Another way to speed things up is to have a “prep day,” where you make up packages like the thighs in the marinade, then vacuum seal and toss in the freezer. In the morning, or night before, just toss into the fridge to thaw. The freezing helps the marinade penetrate too..

[@kenchandrasena2070]

Read from both kenji lopez alt and america's test kitchen that marinades don't penetrate beyond 1-3mm. That's why I think it was effective to marinade with half the sauce and to baste with the other half. The other thing one can do is to score the meat so that there is more surface to penetrate. If one is not in a rush, it wouldn't hurt to marinade it longer; however, I understand that it wasn't done in this case for the sake of completing a 30 minute flavor-rich meal.

[@toughluck8012]

Baller recipe as always Bri. Made these tonight and they were supremely good

[@Bread._]

Love the weeknighting series, definitely going to make this. The wife doesn't really go for pork so I appreciate the chicken adaptations.

[@F4T4LFL4W]

Honestly this was so much better than I had expected it to be. Will absolutely be making this again!

[@ashjarnicki8558]

I made the same face when you tasted the raw achiote paste. Also I like heating corn tortillas right over the gas flame, gets some good char going.

[@Narweaker]

just made these with minor adjustments to the salsa. The food was awesome and added a brand new flavour to my life. awesome!

[@000585677]

Thanks Brian! Looks scrumptious

[@ThaBizzo1]

I made this today with some black beans and Mexican rice... not overly complicated to make and is absolutely delicious. Thanks!!

[@ericfallabel9201]

I love your channel and your style so much! The face after tasting the achiote! The splat sound when the chicken plopped into the bowl! The awesome looking tacos!

[@HAL-1984]

I live on these, my tip is cut up the chicken into pieces first then marinade (longer the better) sling into a medium hot pan for 5 mins (evaporates some moisture) then 10 mins (in same pan) in a very hot oven to crisp up and cook through.

[@24kachina]

Fabulosity. My kids are going to want these 3 nights a week. And so will I! Thanks Brian! Yet another reminder of the often overlooked utility of an oven broiler.

[@ejekt1]

This was a great family meal, thank you!

[@warrenolds625]

Just made these and can tell you, they were awesome. Thanks Brian for this great recipe. Being a guy that grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and now live outside Columbus Ohio your italian beef is the next recipe I'm going to make.

[@Jonbob836]

Made this tonight. Can confirm, this is awesome!

[@Funcoland]

Going to have to try this. Love the videos as always!

[@26N80W]

Beautiful. As a taco making fool, this is a new one I've got to try. Bonus points for the happy dance at the end!

[@d9_1056]

Excellent recipe man. I dig the vibe. Not quite grandmas style, but good enough for a quick meal without busting out the disc.

[@Cradotalks]

I appreciate the authenticity of your recipe. Many times, people overcomplicate their recipes by adding superfluous items (I'm looking at you, people who add lettuce and tomatoes as taco toppings) and steps when trying to make an authentic mexican dish without realizing that traditional mexican food is supposed to be simple and use as few ingredients as possible, while simultaneously maximizing flavor. This video, I feel, respects that.

[@violetqueen450]

Nice to meet you man. Always looking for a quality cooking channel and I have found it with you! I must make these tacos immediately!

[@sphcvzc]

This is a staple recipe for us now, I can’t believe how easy and delicious it is!

[@nadine8198]

That dance at the end of your videos 😂 love it!

[@photoscotty]

Instead of a cold ceramic bowl, you could use a metal bowl which will conduct the heat more readily away from the salsa.

[@JohnHausser]

Classic deliciousness ! Good job Brian Cheers from San Diego California

[@happytomeetyou.3027]

Chicken Pastor! I have to say, this is another winner! Great tip on finishing the meat with reserve marinade, yum! Thanks, Brian, you are awesome.

[@erickmarin228]

Looks awesome! Definitely giving it a try!

[@americanrebel413]

Awesome video thank you Brian.

[@JB_Fraulein_Kunst]

This is definitely gonna become a regular in our house for sure! Absolutely love Mexican food

[@wlkrevans]

Love making tacos, so this is definitely going into the mix right after I re-make your beer-battered cod sandwich recipe, altered for fish taco experiments! 😅

[@birdsonsa39395]

Made this tonight.... holy moly!

[@tregaricus00]

gonna make this today!! ❤

[@4kniveskitchen159]

What a delicious taco recipe. Great job!

[@shankpeterman]

So these were the best thing ever.

[@PumpedChef]

i guess i know whats for dinner tonight! thanks Brian. keep up the great work. i love the explanation you attach to your process of cooking. it helps me become more creative cook in general and lets me mix and match stuff to adjust to my liking!

[@BrianLagerstrom]

That's what I'm hoping for. Thanks for being here, Naas!

[@PumpedChef]

​@@BrianLagerstrom There's a very thin line between sharing a random cook video and actually trying to get people educated, at least in my opinion. it's the little things, you know. like "the water in the pot with the tomatillo will help steam it", or "that sauce freezes well", which lets you know that's okay to follow the recipe without worrying about food waste, or even the reality of marinading meat and WHY you make your marinade thick. you can take it and apply it to many many other recipes or even ideas, unfortunately, many youtube videos are "Take this, put it here, cook it at X degrees for X minutes, there you go" which in reality doesn't really help at all in terms of getting better!

[@Yamp44]

Thanks for all those delicious ideas you send our way! :D

[@cadechiles1143]

Wife and I just made these tonight after eating more than we can count on our honeymoon in Cancun last week. These were darn near just as good and can’t wait to make these a weekly staple!

[@TinaLetter]

I’m a recent subscriber and my fiancé and I made two of your recipes this week and THIS ONE SLAPPED. I also made your Thai Peanut Shrimp B.A.S. and that was also wonderful. Your recipes are actually approachable and combine fantastic flavors, techniques, with practical home cook tricks. Can’t wait to see what you do next!

[@cordonsalgueromc]

Great recipe!!!

[@tristanrl1940]

Lovely!

[@joshpaulsen7837]

Looks great❤ making this for lunch🌮🌮

[@SpaceBotany]

This is literally the best cooking video I've seen on KZbin.

[@karlstinger50]

Excellent!

[@Shackbanshee]

That looks incredible

[@brettmoore6781]

lol I love when you try eating an ingredient that is clearly going to make you gag 🤣 But these tacos look seriously good and I'm putting it on my list for next week. Thanks Bri!

[@BrianLagerstrom]

this one was pretty rough haha

[@MURDASTANG69]

YESSSS!! thats one of my favs about Brian lmao. so many good reactions in these videos to the direct/concentrated ingredient.

[@brettmoore6781]

@@MURDASTANG69 there should be one in every episode!

[@InspiritShawol82]

this looks so good i cant wait to try it

[@CocinandoConEmmaPinto2020]

You are great and everything you make!! I am mexican and I really loved the recipe!! It looked so yummy and perfecto!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@000585677]

Made a (slightly) modified version where I used grilled skin on chicken thighs and it was absolutely incredible!! My cousin was raving about them, thank you Brian!

[@thomasteel1790]

These are amazeballs!!! Chicagoan here!!!

[@BrianLagerstrom]

Woo! Thanks for trying

[@sarahvacca9363]

Looks amazing!

[@askawizard]

Nice to see @JoshuaWeissman lent you his old kitchen.

[@NurseDre]

Just made tonight. Straight phenomenal

[@greenlizardballs]

Bro that looks incredible.

[@Skrittle21]

This tasted fantastic! I made it in about an hour tonight. I will be making it again.

[@phildenegri2801]

Well, looks I know what I am having this weekend! Thanks B-MAN!

[@caleb4thand10]

May weeknighting live forever

[@EMPcharged]

I was just thinking of how to make Al pastor work, but with chicken. Thanks for saving me the time!

[@jennifertennant4837]

It’s like a flavor fiesta in my mouth! 😎

[@susi28]

🤤 wish we could get tormatillos over here... miss méxico 🇲🇽

[@mariacoombes9062]

I love all your videos but I especially enjoy the happy dance of satisfaction 🎉😂❤ everyone should be that happy 😊

[@adrienneseldon8544]

These are the best tacos I’ve ever made!!! Def took me longer than 30 minutes but it was worth it

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

I totally agree with your comment on marinade not penetrating meat.

[@giraffesinc.2193]

O my gosh, Brian, I made this for the guys at work and they LOVED it. The recipe is literally perfect!! The only change I did make was to sub the poblano for four serranos (they like it hot). Other than that, this recipe is going to permanently stay in my collection as a really impressive and deceptively easy dish. Thank you!

[@CescSoler]

Made these tonight! Very hard to find tomatillos in Australia, so I changed the salsa to a chimichurri instead and it worked a treat. Delicious.

[@c5jp904]

Made this tonight. Grilled the thighs and pineapple so plenty crispy so no need to pan sear. Great recipe!😋

[@kevinfoley7704]

Looks delicious. I love tacos.

[@kayleighskitchen646]

this look so good. thanks for this recipe. they look great . I love a taco x

[@MAMABRUNOSKITCHEN]

Brian! Seriously dude this method is so easy, so flavorful and it’s made it’s way into the rotation for dinners around here. Great video!!

[@BrianLagerstrom]

Thanks so much!

[@galeano89]

Saw your bagel video and got my curiosity… just saw the al pastor tacos video and now you have my full attention! Looks great gatta try this one for sure!

[@ImGangster23]

Made this tonight and damn. Absolutely amazing, thanks for the recipe!

[@user-fs9hn3eg7z]

ahh BRi another winner. i especially love the dancing and eating at the end.

[@topacio9326]

I made the sauce recipe and it was excellent. Will be making it frequently to have on hand!!

[@naiadbaksh3996]

Making this at the lake house for my friends, stoked to give it a shot :)