How to Cook Chipotle's Chicken Al Pastor at Home - Secrets from a Former Employee!

This is the at home recipe I have created to get you as close as possible to Chipotle's new Chicken Al Pastor recipe. It tastes so similar, you won't be able to tell the difference.
Recipe:
Marinade:
1 Tsp Cumin Powder
4 Garlic Cloves - Minced
1 Tsp Dried Oregano
2 Tsp Kosher Salt
1 Tsp Black Pepper
1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Sunflower Oil
7 Oz Can of Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
3/4 Cup of Water
8 Chicken Thighs
Al Pastor Sauce:
2 guajillo chiles, 1 ancho chile, 6 morita chiles, 1 teaspoon mexican oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/3 cup pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon achiote powder, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce.
At the end for the macerating:
Add 2 teaspoons of lime, 1 tablespoon of cilantro, 4 teaspoons of sauce per 8 oz cooked adobo chicken
Chipotle Employee Video showing us how they make it in house: • Chipotle's NEW Al Past...
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All news articles were from a single source listed below. Used solely as commentary to the release of Chipotle's new Pollo Al Pastor Recipe:
www.cleveland....

[@mariamabimbola6795]

As someone who genuinely sucks at cooking this recipe was a god send. It was easy simple and delicious. I’m trying to make chipotle at home due to the lower quality ones in my area and the price and this encourages me to keep going, thank you!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Love to hear that!

[@GeorgeNadaYT]

They sell al pastor sauce already made at the supermarket if you want to even make it simpler.

[@MrKeithcl]

Dude I made more adobo sauce the other day and made your chipotle chicken marinade a few times already It is now my main chicken dish that I meal prep each week, Thanks for these great guides!!!!! I will make this one soon.

[@CookingwithChris1]

That’s awesome!! I’m glad it’s working out for you!!! Excited to hear what you think about this one!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Any thing else you’d like to see?

[@willmartin1748]

@@CookingwithChris1 Yes the barbacoa! ALSO, you know those crazy good salsas you get at taco trucks and carnicerias? There's like, an orange one and a green one. WHATS UP WITH THOSE they're so good.

[@miaaaaaaa]

just made this. tastes SO GOOD. literally tastes exactly like chipotle… maybe even better tbh.

[@chefrbs]

This recipe looks so easy to follow, even for someone who isn't very confident in the kitchen. I appreciate how clear and concise your instructions were. Thank you for making cooking less intimidating.

[@Lord_Pender]

I marinated my chicken overnight in a Filipino chicken adobo marinade and then kinda did a combination of your marinade and sauce as my sauce...Oh my gosh - it was incredible...You should keep making more copycat videos!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Thank you!!! I’m so happy it worked out for you! I’m gonna keep on making videos!

[@TheBix8257]

Whoa, saving this one! I've done the "part 1" style chicken, the chipotle peppers in adobo are incredible! Made a batch recently, chopped up the chicken after cooking, rolled into taquito style rolled tacos then grilled them... heaven!!

[@dylanheath7848]

When he says “this will smoke your apartment out like mace” he is telling the truth! Coughed up a lung making it but it was worth it

[@wafflefrys4free]

Chickens marinated in the fridge for tomorrow cannot wait to try this I loved the al pastor should be a permanent menu item. Thanks for the recipe will update tomorrow

[@revenge5656]

How was it

[@wafflefrys4free]

@revenge5656 it was alright I know you're probably nor familiar with quaker steak and lube but this literally just created their buckeye bbq sauce which blew my mind but did not have me tasting the al.pastor from chipotle at all

[@pudanielson1]

@@wafflefrys4freeLook up Alex Rio Cooks, he's a more recent Chipotle employee that has an alpastor, regular chicken recipe is the same as Chris

[@AJ-ds5gf]

@@wafflefrys4free thanks for the update, king.

[@wafflefrys4free]

No problem I will say the Adobo marinade is the tits though I been eating that almost everyday without the pastor sauce

[@crwlh6721]

Love your straight forward vids. Btw, I watched your chipotle-chicken at home video & made that recipe. OMG! That's fantastic. My family said it's the best thing I've ever made, lol. And that says TONS bc I've been cooking for them for 30 years!

[@CookingwithChris1]

That’s amazing!!!! I’m so happy to hear they loved it!!! I will do my best to keep them coming! Any thing else you’d like to see?

[@crwlh6721]

@@CookingwithChris1 I'd love to see a video about the fajita vegetables. Any secrets to that? Also, your rice recipe is wonderful. My family loves it!

[@DinahmiteSal]

You absolutely nailed it! I followed your recipe exactly how you made it. It was perfection! I am excited to serve it to my family tonight. Thank you so much!

[@freshnachos]

Just made this and wow! It’s freaking on point. Thank you for your videos.

[@PoeLemic]

We all thank you for teaching us everything that you learned at Chipotle, Chris. Yes, I think all of us should pitch-in and buy you a superman cape, because you are our Hero. Chipotle's too expensive now. You should see how many people on TikTok think that they are cheating everyone, because they just don't give enough to justify their prices.

[@novastar5564]

So…I wanna thank you for this video! It’s on point! I followed everything to the T, and amazed my whole family. The right ingredients and peppers is a must! This is so perfect! Thank you :) 10 out of 10, bouta make it again! Deuces ✌️

[@novastar5564]

Never going back to chipotle either,

[@jadyntrent7491]

Yo like everyone else I’ve tried this at chipotle and fell in love with it. I’m going to enjoy making this. Thanks

[@CookingwithChris1]

Let me know how it goes!

[@UpUpDnDnLtRtLtRtBAStart]

OMG - I had the same reaction when i took the first bite. Taste exactly like it if not better. This plus the salsa and rice recipe = i broke the chipotle curse

[@CookingwithChris1]

I love to hear that!!! Now you get make at home for a discount.

[@DC-dz1zr]

Best & most straightforward cooking channel you will find on KZbin. Thanks Chris!!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Wow thank you so much!!

[@Zelayasiemprefuerte]

Thanks for adding the recipe in the description. Just for that I already subscribed

[@benny_hauna4575]

You are a godsend brother thank you 🙏

[@rainnmoon114]

OH GOD THANK YOU 😭 i just tried this the other day from chipotle and i was in love, the their pastor is sweeter than the normal pastor and i love it (Im a sugar addict) Edit: Can you also teach us how to make fajita veggies and their queso? ❤️

[@CookingwithChris1]

I have a short for their fajita veggies and I can make the queso. 😎 let me know what you think of this recipe once you try it!

[@CookingwithChris1]

I just finished the queso video! It is in my shorts.

[@rainnmoon114]

@@CookingwithChris1 BET IM GONNA WATCH IT NOW :D THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@skipdog9912]

Looks awesome! I’ll have to try this. I’ve made your chipotle recipe chicken before. So good, it’s a meal I cook weekly! The wife and I love it!

[@shawnlennon1947]

I love this guy, the meal prep king. That first chicken vid stepped up my game!

[@CookingwithChris1]

I’m glad the recipe worked out so well for you! Anything else you’d like to see?

[@Mememe1838]

@@CookingwithChris1Halal cart chicken and rice

[@ralphmartinez8616]

Doing the lords work broski

[@Mememe1838]

This looks delicious, you might be on Chipotle’s hit list after this one.

[@CookingwithChris1]

nahh hahaha

[@Czarina888777]

Made it, it tastes the same or maybe even better because you can decide how little or how much al pastor sauce to use. Thank you Chris.

[@CookingwithChris1]

I’m glad it worked out for you! Let me know if you have any other recipe recommendations

[@aidan9656]

Oh you wasted no time 💀

[@CookingwithChris1]

Not at all! 😂 I was in the test market city so I did have a few months to research!

[@infrit123]

@@CookingwithChris1 Are you able to explain how chipotle makes their pinto beans?

[@CookingwithChris1]

Basically it’s cumin, citrus juice, bay leaf, kosher salt, an adobo pepper and garlic powder with pinto beans simmered on a stove. Remove the bay leaf and chipotle pepper and wallah

[@infrit123]

@@CookingwithChris1 do the chipotle beans come canned?

[@tonygabagool]

@@infrit123they arrive in plastic bags already cooked

[@tshinotu145]

Chris always glad to see a new recipe from you! Can't wait to give this a try!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Thank you!!! I’m excited for you to try it!

[@blueballoon7832]

Bro....the comment about unnecessary bathroom trip was on point😂 iykyk

[@southern_sound]

My mom just whipped this up for us, so good!!!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Awesome!

[@BFehL262]

you’re appreciated my man. I eat this shit 4x a week. finally decided to just make my own. tonight, we feast. cheers 🍻

[@CookingwithChris1]

I am glad! Let me know how it turns out for you!

[@PaullHutchh]

Love these videos. Thank you Chris!!!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Glad you like them!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Any thing else you’d like to see?

[@PaullHutchh]

I like that you make fan favorites from fast food restaurants. Maybe some other popular meals like the crunch wrap supreme from taco bell or vegan sofritas from chipotle would be great.

[@SergioHernandez-ik8nb]

I'm MackDaddy of planet Earth and I approve of this channel's Chipotle copycat recipes.😊

[@CookingwithChris1]

I love it!

[@JayJayGrady4U]

Hey Chris, love the video! Can you show us how to make the their Chicken Quesadillas??? I would love your version of it!!!!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Will do!!

[@ThatRipOff]

I humbly request the Brisket. Definitely my favorite limited-time meat they had.

[@CallmeMrKelly]

A sauce instead of a marinade! Makes sense. Can’t wait to try it! Wouldn’t mind seeing a “street corn” recipe to serve on the side.

[@CookingwithChris1]

Right? I know this because of this video: Besides street corn, is there anything else you'd like to see?

[@CookingwithChris1]

kzbin.infoeUn5FXxsLII

[@CallmeMrKelly]

@@CookingwithChris1 I subscribed and have been watching your other videos. Going to make the flank steak this weekend.

[@SP-ql9xz]

Hi Chris 🥰Can you plz show how to make simple chicken black bean burritto .. thx❤

[@googabear5223]

dude this is an amazing recipe holy shit I love the shit out of this. New meal prep unlocked could not thank you enough

[@googabear5223]

I did this with chicken breast amazing if any people were wondering, it works. I would say make sure to cut the breast in half might have had un-even cooked chicken but nevertheless I hope this helps :)

[@aravdundon4397]

Does it taste the same

[@Hyperr9]

I've been making this for the past couple of weeks and it is SOOOO good, probably better than Chipotle. Do you have any idea the calories in 3 tbsp of the sauce?

[@CookingwithChris1]

hell yeah! I have no idea haha

[@sheiswhitney]

Delicious. Patiently waiting on Honey Vinaigrette dressing, Pinto Beans and Barbacoa recipe 😋😜

[@CookingwithChris1]

I have two short videos for the dressing and barbacoa! I will look into the pinto beans.

[@sheiswhitney]

@@CookingwithChris1 thank you, I'll go check your shorts for the recipe. Greatly appreciated 🙏🏿

[@joshuagonzalez200]

I just used this video and omfg this shii is bussing I Fr can’t even tell the difference

[@notlucas6859]

if u made a quesadilla video, i'd be the happiest boy alive (i cant find any cheese that has the taste of the cheese chipotle uses)

[@madscientistkicks]

Nailed it, I gotta try this

[@CookingwithChris1]

Let me know how it was!

[@skyresendez1420]

Hi Chris!! Could you do a video on the Chipotle salad dressing? I can’t have my salads without it!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Hey! I have a short video of it.

[@ejs023]

Thanks man, looks on point! I’m wondering to sub out the sugar for pineapple juice? Seems that’s the only thing missing?

[@CookingwithChris1]

It has pineapple juice in the recipe! I also added sugar!

[@kapa0224]

Hi Chris, can you recreate Applebee's fiesta lime chicken breast? Also can you make authentic Indian Naan and Tandorii chicken? Thank you.

[@classyjohn1923]

this guy is a beast. Hope this video gets viral too!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Thanks John! I’m working on some more stuff

[@explorerny1]

Hey Chris! Love the content. Please keep it coming. Anything and everything!!!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Thank you! I am working on a lot more now that I have time. Anything you'd like to see?

[@SEXINUNOIT]

Awww man I can’t wait to try this

[@CookingwithChris1]

I can’t wait to hear how it goes! Anything else you’d like to see?

[@hoodieninja70]

I made extra sauce and froze it in Seal-a-meal bags to save time for the next meal. I'm about to make some more 'cause I used it all already. Lol

[@joshuagonzalez200]

Me mf too I get a meat from a Mexican supermarket its pre-seasoned already so I just make the sauce it taste exactly like chipotle

[@CookingwithChris1]

awesome!!

[@hoodieninja70]

I've gone through all of your Chipotle recipes and the only one that I didn't find that I wanted was the Queso Blanco. Any chance you could do that one next? BTW, thanks for all of these. I just tried Chipotle for the first time and got a Chicken Al Pastor bowl and now I want to make them at home. I've got chicken marinating as we speak. I found a queso blanco recipe on someone's blog, but not sure if it's going to be a true copycat. So, I'd love to see your take on it. Thanks so much!

[@CookingwithChris1]

I will do my best to make it! Let me know how the chicken turns out!

[@CookingwithChris1]

I just finished the queso video! It is in my shorts.

[@hoodieninja70]

​@CookingwithChris1 duuude, I made all your Chipotle recipes, and they are spot on! I meal prep my lunches for the week, and I have already eaten 3 weeks' worth. I look forward to my lunch every day! Thank you so much!

[@user-xc8jg6gq6o]

Nice work! This is awesome😄

[@CookingwithChris1]

Thank you!! A lot of work it was haha

[@huzefapedhiwala4296]

Thanks for the recipe, I'll try it. How many servings?

[@TradingLaboratory]

Love your videos man. Can you do one for how to make a steak bowl? I’m curious about the seasoning they put on the steak. Thanks!

[@CookingwithChris1]

I actually have a video recipe for the steak in my shorts videos! I appreciate it! Anything else you’d like to see?

[@RowletGod69]

Thank you!!

[@footlongchen]

the chipotle whisperer

[@mohammadshahin4922]

Chris, I spend too much money on chipotle steak. I am dying for a recipe. When is it coming?!

[@CookingwithChris1]

I have a short video for it!!!

[@emberlite]

Love this recipe. How do you make adobo sauce or can you buy it in a can?

[@trentfichtner1812]

I love your recipes Chris! Do you know the queso recipe? If so I think that would be a hit!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Thank you! I can definitely do that

[@trentfichtner1812]

@@CookingwithChris1 Awesome! I can’t wait!

[@CookingwithChris1]

I just finished the queso video! It is in my shorts.

[@yoninet1103]

Thank you for you Share

[@REV890]

Great recipe! Can you do one on chipotles sofritas?

[@KB-qk7kn]

At least you pronounced it better than they did in the commercial. But still not right. Gringos are freakin hilarious.

[@zoeyturner9921]

Imagining you cooking for me 😍

[@CookingwithChris1]

Any time

[@uhN0id]

You really don't need to simmer the dry peppers in water for 20 minutes. Get the water boiling and put the peppers in and turn off the heat. After about 5 minutes with a random stir every minute or so they'll be fully hydrated and ready for blending. I make homemade chili paste for my chili about 6 times a year and never needed more than 5 minutes in hot water to get them fully softened. Obviously you can do it your way but hopefully it's helpful for people trying to save time anywhere they can for a fast weeknight meal.

[@varma3641]

how long can i store the marinated sauce and el pastor sauce in room remoerature and fridge?

[@JoeLoera-wh9wl]

How long can i keep the al pastor sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge?

[@Frankie23105]

Just made it and it’s marinating Can’t wait to cook it tomorrow! Just relealized you said garlic powder in sauce in video but in description below it’s not listed 🤦🏻‍♂️ Which means I forgot to put the garlic powder in!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Awesome! I can’t wait to hear how it goes! Let me know!

[@EzeAsuoha]

Update?

[@shermaynebrown5165]

This was incredibly delicious!❤

[@hades232]

Looks great dude, thank you. There was a clear yellowish component to the sauce at Chipotle when I got it. Any idea what that is?

[@CookingwithChris1]

That sounds like the citrus juice!!

[@altinc9574]

Can you do Chicken Gyro

[@fairy6071]

we needddd the sofritas recipe!

[@CookingwithChris1]

Coming soon!

[@wetfungus1504]

do you have specific weight values for the peppers you used since the sizes of the peppers are all very variable? Tried both recipes today and they were fantastic. the alpastor was a bit stronger than anticipated though. i ended up with 0.65oz, 0.4oz, and 0.85oz based on the peppers i grabbed today. was yours similar?

[@CookingwithChris1]

Too be honest I did not weigh them, but either way it won't make much of a difference. Just make sure the guajillo chiles are larger than usual! Let me know how it turns out!

[@SandyStrugiHuskies1285]

Is it possible to get list of ingredients? Thank you 😊

[@fuquanzhang8727]

Hi Chris! Thank you for sharing recipe with us! I was wondering can we only use one kind of chili? It's a little bit hard for me to find three kind of Mexican chili in the market.

[@CookingwithChris1]

I would say at least use the guajillo Chile. That gives it its color! Ancho gives it a rich smoky flavor as wdll

[@vidar188]

Google a Latin deli/market near you. Unless you live out in the sticks there is probably one near you where you can get all the peppers in one stop

[@porcelainplant]

did you really add the whole 3/4 water to the marinade? when i did it i ended up with so much of it and the chicke was drowning in it when i left it in the bowl 😭

[@SandraGrice-cb1re]

Wish I could print all this out

[@SP-ql9xz]

What do you serve this with Chris? ❤ thx

[@CookingwithChris1]

Tacos, salad, burritos, etc!

[@SP-ql9xz]

@@CookingwithChris1 Thx Chris…💕

[@criii4950]

I’m training on the grill at my local chipotle 😁

[@vannhollandiii3711]

Isn't this the same recipe from three years ago? Would like to see the carnitas and steak marinades

[@timi.o9459]

Where did he use the peppers/water mixture that was simmering I got to the end and didnt find it so now im left with the chiles in water with nothing to do with it 😭 great recipe tho

[@celestialflood7196]

Do you recommend a certain brand of adobo to get the flavor closer to chipotle? I tried the Goya brand and it was definitely off on the old recipes

[@CookingwithChris1]

San Marcos has good sauce and la costeña. I’ve never tried Goya but I could see that being off. Thanks for askingb

[@Dynamite703]

Stare so it blends faster fr 🤣🤣🤣

[@CookingwithChris1]

Haha you got it

[@jacksoncuka1]

Can you make a video on how to make their queso 🙌🏼

[@CookingwithChris1]

Ysa

[@CookingwithChris1]

I just finished the queso video! It is in my shorts.

[@sjeuebwnw]

The man

[@BatMan-fj8dy]

Can we leave the seeds in if we want the heat or would that make it inedible?

[@CookingwithChris1]

Yes! Just make sure to blend well

[@qaecobitv2295]

where to find these exotics guajillo chile, ancho chile, morita chiles, mexican oregano, achiote?

[@CookingwithChris1]

Online, or depending on where you live, a certain local grocery store.

[@PranavGuru-pc4bq]

Hey, does anyone know how much this would cost on average per meal

[@KingSpartanPhil]

My hombres Mom's verified authentic AL Pastor chicken or pork calls for 7 Guajillo chillies, 2 tbsp Mexican oregano, 2 bay leave, 4 cloves, 4 garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tbsp cumin, 1tsp black pepper, 1/2 tbsp taco fajita, 1 1/2 box achiote, 1 cup orange juice, 1 cup pineapple juice, 3/4 cup apple juice. Blend then Marinate for 2 to 4 hours and grill it. Chop up for tacos. Sshhh don't tell anyone especially Chipotle. Hahaha 😂

[@staacey1000]

Can you please make the tofu sofritas at home?!

[@jeffm5099]

Just search on Google, there's exact copy cat recipes for the sofritas everywhere

[@Angieserene]

What about the barbecoa?

[@dawnnelson8357]

Fyi, the sauce recipe is missing the 1 teaspoon garlic powder.

[@SeeMzFTW]

you did WHAT with the sauce

[@r.masonburnett1693]

🔥

[@Czarina888777]

Recipe for the corn and poblano?

[@CookingwithChris1]

There is a video for that in my full length videos

[@GeorgeNadaYT]

I thought al pastor was just for pork only. Glad I can use chicken. It is a sauce not a marinade. I bought store bought al pastor sauce and I think I put too much. A little goes a long way.

[@MrRockfish01]

Can you make sofritas ?🤔

[@CookingwithChris1]

Yes

[@MrRockfish01]

@@CookingwithChris1 - oh heck yeah 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤘🏽

[@shermaynebrown5165]

Wait, are you mixing/mascerating the Al pastor sauce without heat?

[@CookingwithChris1]

Yes

[@thecommenter9678]

See for some reason i taste five spice in this chicken when i get it at Chipotle... This didn't taste like that. and im wondering why. Still it tasted pretty damn good so i mean, i get a new recipe anyway =D

[@CookingwithChris1]

You tried it? That’s awesome! Try some five spice with it next time and let me know!

[@santolify]

New sub here. Could you share Chipotle's pinto beans recipe, please?

[@CookingwithChris1]

I can make a short video!

[@HoHum321]

I'm sure your recipe tastes good, but there's no way you'll ever convince me that the Chipotle recipe doesn't have clove in it---and that's what makes it special imho. I'll keep looking. Thanks anyway.

[@BigG627]

Just add it on your own accord…?

[@PoeLemic]

No, we need to GIVE ATTENTION to all of the "Cooking with Chris" Lovers out here on KZbin ... 0:00 ... Your channel is THA BOMB, because Chipotle charging too much and being stingy.

[@Left0verCuRry]

Smoke out your apartment like mase lol