Pineapple Chicken Tacos Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/pineapple-chicken-tacos-recipe/
