Pineapple Chicken Tacos (Print version)
Juicy spiced chicken with sweet pineapple salsa in warm tortillas. Ready in 35 minutes for a flavorful weeknight meal.
# 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 freshly squeezed lime juice
04 - 1 clove garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp chili powder
08 - ½ tsp salt
09 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Pineapple Salsa
10 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
11 - ½ small red onion, finely chopped
12 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
13 - ¼ 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 evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the salsa.
02 - Combine diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and develops a light golden-brown color.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until pliable and warm.
05 - Place cooked chicken on each warm tortilla. Top generously with pineapple salsa and arrange avocado slices over the filling. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired and serve with lime wedges on the side.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- The marinade comes together with pantry staples you probably already have sitting around
- Fresh pineapple salsa cuts through rich chicken for that perfect sweet and spicy balance
02 -
- Do not skip the marinating time, even 10 minutes makes a difference in flavor penetration
- Warm tortillas properly or they will crack and fall apart when you try to eat them
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before adding the marinade so the spices actually stick
- Let the skillet get properly hot before adding chicken for better browning