Whole30 Al Pastor Chicken

Savor the bold and zesty flavors of this Whole30 Al Pastor Chicken, a healthy spin on the classic Mexican favorite that's perfect for your clean-eating lifestyle. Juicy, marinated boneless chicken thighs are infused with a vibrant pineapple-based marinade blended with fresh citrus juices, smoky chipotle powder, and warm spices like cumin and coriander. Cooked to perfection on the grill, these tender chicken thighs develop a gorgeous char that intensifies their rich, smoky-sweet flavor. Topped with caramelized grilled red onions and fresh cilantro, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it over cauliflower rice, in lettuce wraps, or enjoy it on its own for a paleo, gluten-free, and Whole30-compliant meal. Packed with vibrant tropical notes and classic al pastor seasonings, this recipe is your go-to for a healthy, flavorful dinner with minimal prep and maximum taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup fresh pineapple
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 0.25 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

1. In a blender or food processor, combine pineapple, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth to make the marinade.

Step 2

2. In a large bowl, mix the chicken thighs with chipotle powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.

Step 3

3. Pour the pineapple marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 4

4. Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.

Step 5

5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and discard the leftover marinade.

Step 6

6. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks.

Step 7

7. While the chicken is cooking, grill the sliced red onion until they are softened and have grill marks.

Step 8

8. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 9

9. Serve the sliced Al Pastor Chicken topped with grilled onions and garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy as is or in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice for a complete Whole30 meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1420.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2374.9

Total Fat 129.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1134.0mg	0%
Sodium 3183.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 51.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.2g	0%
Total Sugars 28.7g
Protein 241.4g	0%

Vitamin D 63.5IU	0%
Calcium 278.0mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 3134.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.0%

Protein: 41.3%

Carbs: 8.8%