Pineapple Chicken Tacos (Printable Version)
Juicy spiced chicken with fresh pineapple salsa in warm tortillas. Ready in 35 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
# What You 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 - 0.5 tsp chili powder
08 - 0.5 tsp salt
09 - 0.25 tsp black pepper
→ Pineapple Salsa
10 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
11 - 0.5 small red onion, finely chopped
12 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
13 - 0.25 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
# How To Make It:
01 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the salsa.
02 - Combine diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and develops a light brown exterior.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 30 seconds until pliable and warm.
05 - Place cooked chicken on warm tortillas, top generously with pineapple salsa, arrange avocado slices, and garnish with additional cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken hits every craving at once
- Ready in under 40 minutes but tastes like you spent all day cooking
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself on a Tuesday
02 -
- Do not skip marinating the chicken, even 15 minutes makes a noticeable difference
- Warm tortillas are essential, cold ones will crack and fall apart
- The salsa needs at least 10 minutes to let flavors meld together
03 -
- Char the pineapple pieces in a dry pan before adding to salsa for extra smokiness
- Double the spice rub and save half for future meals