
Cast Iron Skillet Pastor Tacos
High-heat seared chicken strips with caramelized pineapple and onions.
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Servings
3
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips
- 1.5 cups fresh pineapple, diced into small chunks
- 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons achiote paste
- 0.25 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 12 pieces small corn tortillas
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 whole lime wedges
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the achiote paste, pineapple juice, vinegar, oregano, and garlic powder until smooth.
- 2
Add the chicken strips to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly, and let sit for at least 20 minutes.
- 3
Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke slightly, then add one tablespoon of oil.
- 4
Add the diced pineapple and sliced onions to the skillet, searing for 3-4 minutes until they develop dark caramelized edges, then remove and set aside.
- 5
Add the remaining oil to the hot skillet and spread the chicken strips in a single layer, letting them sear undisturbed for 3 minutes to get a deep char.
- 6
Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes until fully cooked through and crispy on the edges.
- 7
Return the pineapple and onions to the skillet, tossing everything together for 1 minute to combine the flavors.
- 8
Warm the corn tortillas on a separate griddle and serve the chicken mixture topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
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