Pineapple Chicken Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Pineapple chicken tacos offer a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that bring a tropical twist to your dinner table. This easy recipe combines juicy marinated chicken with fresh pineapple salsa, creating a vibrant and refreshing meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 12 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, sriracha mayo, lime wedges

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
2. Step 2: Prepare the pineapple salsa by combining diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl. Add jalapeño if desired, then stir in lime juice and salt. Toss to combine, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard marinade. Cook chicken in a single layer without overcrowding, for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through and browned, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. To assemble, place shredded cabbage on each tortilla, add cooked chicken, and top with pineapple salsa. Garnish with optional avocado slices, sriracha mayo, and lime wedges as desired.

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the chicken for at least an hour to deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat.
• For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking.
• Swap pineapple for mango or peach for a different fruity twist.
• Use corn tortillas for a traditional touch or flour tortillas for a softer texture.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the heat if using jalapeño and red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken and pineapple salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling tacos. Salsa is best served fresh but can be kept chilled and stirred before use.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Fresh pineapple is preferred for its texture and brightness, but canned pineapple drained well can be used in a pinch. Avoid pineapple packed in syrup to keep the salsa from becoming too sweet.

How can I make these tacos gluten-free?

Choose corn tortillas that are labeled gluten-free and double-check soy sauce ingredients, or substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.

Pineapple Chicken Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 150 reviews

Experience a tropical flavor explosion with these Pineapple Chicken Tacos, combining tender, savory marinated chicken with a vibrant and refreshing pineapple salsa, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a fun gathering, these tacos offer a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy tastes with a touch of heat and fresh crunch.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 tacos 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Fusion (Mexican and Polynesian Inspired)

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Tacos:

• 12 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, sriracha mayo, lime wedges

Instructions

1. Marinating the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Add cubed chicken and massage marinade into the pieces thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Preparing the Pineapple Salsa: Combine diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Add minced jalapeño if desired for heat, after removing seeds. Stir in lime juice and salt, toss gently to combine, then refrigerate to let flavors meld.
3. Cooking the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding excess marinade. Cook chicken in a single layer without overcrowding the pan, searing for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside.
4. Assembling the Tacos: Warm tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with cooked chicken, pineapple salsa, and shredded cabbage or slaw mix. Add optional toppings such as avocado slices, a drizzle of sriracha mayo, and lime wedges for extra zest.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken for at least one hour for best flavor absorption.
• Control the heat of the salsa by adjusting or omitting jalapeño and red pepper flakes.
• Use either corn or flour tortillas based on your preference or dietary needs.
• Try adding other fresh toppings like diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
• Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet is small to ensure proper searing.

Keywords: pineapple chicken tacos, tropical tacos, easy chicken tacos, pineapple salsa, weeknight dinner, quick tacos, savory sweet tacos