Pineapple Chicken Tacos (Printable Version)
Tender spiced chicken meets sweet pineapple salsa in warm tortillas. A quick, vibrant Mexican-inspired meal ready in 35 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
04 - 1 clove garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Pineapple Salsa
10 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
11 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
12 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
13 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 2 tbsp lime juice
15 - Pinch of salt
→ To Serve
16 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
17 - 1 avocado, sliced
18 - Extra cilantro leaves (optional)
19 - Lime wedges
# Method:
01 - Combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the salsa.
02 - Mix diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir well to combine and set aside at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until warm and pliable, or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 20-30 seconds.
05 - Place cooked chicken on each warm tortilla. Top generously with pineapple salsa and avocado slices. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves if desired and serve with lime wedges on the side.
# Chef's Tips:
01 -
- The sweet and spicy combo hits every craving button in one bite
- Ready in 35 minutes but tastes like something you planned all week
- The marinade transforms basic chicken into something extraordinary
02 -
- Dont overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken or it will steam instead of getting those nice browned edges
- The salsa tastes even better after sitting for 15 minutes so make it first
- Warm tortillas are nonnegotiable cold tortillas will ruin the whole experience
03 -
- Char your pineapple pieces in a hot dry pan before adding them to the salsa for next level flavor
- Double the marinade and use half as a sauce to drizzle over the finished tacos