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Home » Recipes » Chicken » Pollo Pibil + VIDEO

Pollo Pibil + VIDEO

Last Updated July 30, 2019. Originally Posted July 30, 2019 By Maggie Unzueta

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pollo Pibil (or Yucatan-Style Chicken) consists of tender and tasty meat. Slow cooked for hours, developing deep and delicious flavors. Top with pickled onions and enjoy!
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Pollo Pibil (Yucatan Style Chicken) tacos on a clay plate topped with Mexican pickled onions.


Pollo Pibili tacos on a decorative clay plate topped with red pickled onions.

One of the dishes that stands out from my time living in Southern Mexico is Pollo Pibil. It’s very similar to Cochinita Pibil, but instead of pork, this recipe is made with chicken.

Watch the video or check out the step-by-step pictures and instructions below to learn how to make this authentic Mexican recipe from the Yucatan Peninsula.

How to Make the Pibil Sauce


A collage showing the process of how to make the pibil sauce.

  1. Achiote paste, onion, and garlic
  2. Cinnamon, cumin, peppercorns, cloves, oregano, salt
  3. Sour orange juice (or equal parts orange juice to lime juice)
  4. Blend everything until smooth.

This is the same sauce you need to make Cochinita Pibil.

If you have extra, be sure to freeze for a later date. The sauce can freeze for up to 6 months in a sealable plastic bag.

Chicken breast marinated with pibil sauce in a metal bowl.

  • Marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge.
  • Or, marinate for a minimum of 4 hours.

You can make the Pollo Pibil using any cut of chicken. Chicken breasts were on sale. That’s why I am making this dish with only chicken breasts.

Please note: There are bones in the chicken. Be careful and remove once it is fully cooked.

More Mexican Chicken Recipes: Chicken Mole Enchiladas, Ensalada de Pollo, Mexican Deviled Chicken.

How to Prepare the Banana Leaves


A package of banana leaves on a white granite countertop.

Banana leaves are quite easy to work with. They come in packages like this one.

You will only need 2-3 leaves. Store the rest in the freezer for later use.

Buying Banana Leaves


Banana Leaves are cheap. You can buy them fresh or frozen at Latin and Asian supermarkets. Look for them in the freezer section or the produce aisle.

If you can’t find them there, you can also buy banana leaves online. (AFFILIATE)


Banana leaves heating up on a gas stove.

Carefully and quickly place the banana leaf over the stove, moving the leaf as it changes colors to a dark, deep green.

You can also do this over a hot griddle.

What is Yucatán Style?


Any dish made Yucatán Style means that is was either cooked in one of two ways, or both.

  1. The combination of lime and orange juice resemble the flavors of Seville oranges which are commonly found and used in the Yucatán.
  2. Wrapping and cooking meat in banana leaves is also something very common in the Yucatán.


Water rinsing banana leaves.

Rinse the banana leaf. It should be pliable and ready to use.

The banana leaves were hanging on trees. They collect dust and bugs. Be sure to rinse them well before going to the next step.

How to Make Pollo Pibil in the Slow Cooker

A collage showing how to place the banana leaves inside a slow cooker.

  1. Place a banana leaf into the slow cooker lengthwise.
  2. Place another banana leaf criss cross.
  3. Add the marinated chicken.
  4. Cover the chicken with the banana leaves that are overflowing. You are creating a pocket of sorts.

What does achiote chicken taste like?

This recipe for Yucatán-Style Chicken is sometimes referred to as “Achiote Chicken.”

Achiote is made from ground annatto seeds. It’s a bright red, almost orange, spice with a pepper aroma and slightly nutty, somewhat sweet, and earthy.

Other Typical Yucatan Dishes:
Shrimp Ceviche, Tamales, Habanero Avocado Mango Salsa

A clay cup pouring water into the slow cooker around the banana leaves.

  • Pour water around the banana leaves.
  • This will prevent the chicken from drying out.

Do not add water directly into the banana leaves where the chicken is.

The chicken should be safe and snug inside.

Can you put raw chicken in slow cooker?


Yes. The chicken will cook in the slow cooker.

However, putting frozen chicken may be unsafe. Thaw the chicken meat, marinate, then place inside the slow cooker.


A slow cooker cooking the Pollo Pibil, or Yucatan Style Chicken.

DUTCH OVEN VERSION:


Follow the instructions up until step 9 under “How to Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker.”
Cover with the lid. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Bake until chicken is tender. 2 ½ hours.

Pollo PIBIL INSTANT POT:


Follow the instructions up until step 3 under “How to Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker.”
Place the metal trivet inside the instant pot. Add ½ cup water.
Put one piece of the banana leaf in the pot, put the second piece criss cross, making an X.
Add the marinated chicken in the center of the leaves.
Fold the leaves over the chicken to secure them inside the leaves.
Lock the lid. Move valve to “Sealing.”
Cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes.
Full natural release for 20 minutes.


Tongs removing the cooked Pollo Pibil that is still inside the banana leaves.

Once the Yucatan-Style Chicken is ready, remove the lid and open the banana leaves.

  • Take out the chicken and discard the bones.
  • Shred the meat for tacos.
  • Discard the banana leaves.

This recipe is similar to Birria de Res or Menudo in that it will feed a lot of people. It’s also a celebration dish. Perfect for parties and family get togethers.

How long does Pollo Pibil Last?

  • In the fridge, it lasts up to 5 days.
  • In the freezer, it lasts up to 3 months.

Pro Tip: When reheating frozen Pollo Pibil, add some of the remaining pibil sauce. For 2 cups of cooked pollo pibil, add ¼ of the marinating sauce. It will help in getting rid of the frozen flavor.


Hand holding a Pollo Pibil Taco topped with Mexican pickled onions.

What to serve with Pollo Pibil Tacos?


Traditionally, the tacos are served with red pickled onions and Mexican salsa.
Or try refried beans and Mexican rice.

The best part about this Mexican recipe is that you can make it ahead of time. Turn the slow cooker on in the morning, and serve to your guests with minimal effort.

Pollo Pibil is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Hard to resist and easy to enjoy!

Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

Pollo Pibili tacos on a decorative clay plate topped with red pickled onions.

Pollo Pibil

Pollo Pibil (or Yucatan-Style Chicken) consists of tender and tasty meat. Slow cooked for hours, developing deep and delicious flavors. Top with pickled onions and enjoy!
5 from 11 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 185kcal
Author: Maggie Unzueta

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

For the Marinade

  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 1 3.5 oz achiote paste package
  • 1/2 tspn dried oregano
  • 1/2 tspn whole cumin
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1/2 tspn black peppercorn
  • 1/4 piece cinnamon stick
  • 10 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 onion rough chopped
  • 2 tspn salt

For the Chicken

  • 4 lbs chicken any cut
  • 9 feet banana leaves cut into 3-feet pieces
  • 1/2 cup water

To Serve

  • 1 dozen corn tortillas optional
  • pickled red onions optional

Instructions

For the Marinade

  • Add all the marinade ingredients into a blender.
  • Blend until smooth. Set aside until ready to use.

For the Chicken

  • Rinse the chicken well.
  • In a large container, pour some of the marinade over the chicken pieces.
  • Individually marinate the chicken. Use only the sauce necessary to coat the chicken.
  • Cover the chicken, and place inside the fridge overnight. Minimum 4 hours.

How to Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker

  • When ready, heat the banana leaves over a gas stove or over a hot griddle.
  • Carefully move the banana leaf over the flame. As soon as it turns dark green, it is ready.
  • Rinse the banana leaves.
  • Place a banana leaf in the slow cooker lengthwise.
  • Place another banana leaf, over the other leaf criss cross. Making an X.
  • The banana leaves will overflow out of the slow cooker.
  • Add the marinated chicken into the center of the banana leaves.
  • Cover the chicken with the overflowing banana leaves, wrapping the chicken into a packet.
  • Add water around the banana leaves. Not directly inside the packet.
  • Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker on low for 6 hours, or high for 4 hours.
  • Once ready, remove the lid from the slow cooker. Open the banana leaves.
  • Carefully remove the chicken and shred the meat.
  • Discard any bones and banana leaves.
  • Serve as tacos on corn tortillas and top with pickled red onions.

Video

Notes

If you have extra sauce, be sure to freeze for a later date. The sauce can freeze for up to 6 months in a sealable plastic bag.
You can make the Pollo Pibil using any cut of chicken. Be sure to remove any chicken once it is fully cooked.
You only need 2-3 banana leaves. Store the rest in the freezer for later use.
You can buy banana leaves fresh or frozen at Latin and Asian supermarkets. Look for them in the freezer section or the produce aisle.
Any dish made Yucatán Style means that is was either cooked in one of two ways, or both.
  1. The combination of lime and orange juice resembles the flavors of Seville oranges which are commonly found and used in the Yucatán.
  2. Wrapping and cooking meat in banana leaves is also something very common in the Yucatán.
Banana Leaves collect dust and bugs. Be sure to rinse them well. 
Do not put frozen chicken in the slow cooker. 
HOW LONG DOES POLLO PIBIL LAST?
  • In the fridge, it lasts up to 5 days.
  • In the freezer, it lasts up to 3 months.
Dutch Oven and Instant Pot versions for this recipe are in the blog post. 

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 242mg | Potassium: 605mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 71IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!


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Filed Under: Chicken

About Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amanda

    July 30, 2019 at 6:08 pm

    5 stars
    What a fun recipe! I don’t get the chance to cook with banana leaves often, and I love all the flavor going on in this pork. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Leslie

    August 2, 2019 at 8:37 am

    This recipe looks super fun and delish!! I love that the whole family can enjoy it too!

    Reply
  3. Sharon

    August 2, 2019 at 7:03 pm

    5 stars
    This chicken dish is the perfect way to get my fix on tacos for taco Tuesday. I love the marinade on this.

    Reply
  4. Sharon

    August 2, 2019 at 7:07 pm

    5 stars
    This chicken dish is the perfect way to get my fix on tacos for taco Tuesday.

    Reply
  5. Eden

    August 2, 2019 at 9:28 pm

    5 stars
    We absolutely love Mexican food in our home and love venturing out to try something new. This recipe is really tasty and I found most of the ingredients at a Spanish market near my house. This was a fun treat for my kids and it turned out great!

    Reply
  6. Analida Braeger

    August 4, 2019 at 9:58 am

    5 stars
    This is amazing! I love recipes like this. Especially latin ones; I have some banana leaves in my freezer right now ! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  7. Paula Montenegro

    August 4, 2019 at 10:47 am

    5 stars
    Sound simply perfect! I have always wanted to make pibil sauce yet never got around to it. I don’t know where I’ll find banana leaves, but that won’t stop me from eating these beauties!

    Reply
  8. Cathleen

    August 4, 2019 at 12:41 pm

    5 stars
    I love that this can be frozen! Definitely considering making a huge amount and freezing it 🙂

    Reply
  9. Leanne @ Crumb Top Baking

    August 4, 2019 at 4:23 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve never heard of pollo pibil, but I love slow cooked chicken and tacos, so I’m guessing I would enjoy this recipe! Looks so flavourful and those toppings are a must too!

    Reply
  10. Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life

    August 4, 2019 at 6:18 pm

    I’ve never heard of pibil sauce, but it looks like it has an amazing flavor profile! And I love that you can cook this whole dish in a slow cooker. Talk about perfect for these hot summer days!

    Reply
  11. Jacquelyn Hastert

    August 4, 2019 at 8:22 pm

    5 stars
    I just made some pickled onions the other day and now I have an excuse to use them on top of tacos. What’s better than this? Taco Tuesday can’t get here quick enough.

    Reply
  12. Des

    August 4, 2019 at 8:23 pm

    5 stars
    These are perfect for any night of the week. I love that I can throw this together and head out the door. It’s seriously amazing!

    Reply
  13. Amy

    August 5, 2019 at 3:49 am

    5 stars
    I’ve never tried Pollo Pibil But I want to try this recipe! The flavors from the sauce and banana leaves look incredible! I also appreciate the instructions for the many ways of cooking this dish!

    Reply

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iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

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