This Mexican-inspired grilled chicken al pastor pairs warmly spiced chicken and sweet, caramelized pineapple with a fresh Mediterranean-style salad and fragrant cilantro rice. Finished with Canaan Rumi Olive Oil, it’s a colorful, vibrant meal made for sharing.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs
- 2 lbs Chicken Thighs
- ½ Pineapple
- 2 Oranges
- 5 Dried Chile Puya
- 6 Dried Chile Guajillo
- 7 Dried Chile California
- 4 Garlic
- 1 tsp Cumin spice
- 4-5 whole Allspice berries
- ¼ White Onion
- 1 ½ tbsp Salt
- 1 tsp dried Mexican Oregano
- Rumi Olive Oil for Drizzle
Mediterranean Salad
- 4 Persian Cucumbers
- 2 grilled Corn
- ¼ Red Onion
- 15 Cherry Tomatoes
- ¼ cup Cilantro
- 1/2 cup Canaan Rumi Olive Oil
- 1 cup Feta Cheese
- 2 Limes
- 1 Avocado
- 1 tbsp Salt
Butter/Olive Oil Cilantro Rice
- 1 ½ cup Basmati Rice
- ¼ cup Canaan Rumi Olive Oil
- ½ tbsp Butter
- 3 cups Water
- ¼ cup Cilantro
- 1 tsp. Salt
Directions
- Make the Al Pastor Marinade: Soak all dried chiles in hot water for 5–10 minutes until softened. Add softened chiles to a blender along with garlic, cumin, allspice berries, white onion, Mexican oregano, orange juice, and salt. Blend until completely smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs and coat well. Top with a light layer of olive oil. Marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
- Grill the Chicken & Pineapple: Skewer marinated chicken and pineapple chunks. Grill chicken and pineapple over medium-high heat until charred and cooked through, about 12–15 minutes.
- Prepare the Mediterranean Salad: Combine cucumbers, grilled corn, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, olive oil, feta cheese, lime juice, and salt. Toss gently and chill until serving.
- Cook the Cilantro Rice: Lightly heat olive oil and butter in a pot. Add rice and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Add water and salt, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and fold in chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken al pastor with pineapple skewers, Mediterranean salad, and cilantro rice.
