Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are a fresh and flavorful take on classic tacos, combining juicy marinated chicken with a sweet and zesty homemade salsa. The balance of savory spices, citrusy lime, and naturally sweet pineapple makes this dish both vibrant and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these tacos come together quickly while delivering bold, restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Ingredients

Chicken Tacos
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons lime juice plus zest of 1 lime
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ¾ teaspoon paprika, sweet or smoked
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas

Pineapple Salsa
• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
• 1 cup diced tomato
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño
• 1 tablespoon lime juice plus zest of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

• Slice chicken breasts horizontally and flatten to an even thickness
• Place chicken in a large resealable bag
• Whisk together lime zest, lime juice, honey, spices, and 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Pour marinade over chicken, seal, and refrigerate for 20 to 60 minutes
• In a bowl, mix pineapple, tomato, red onion, jalapeño, lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro
• Cover salsa and refrigerate until ready to serve
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add remaining olive oil
• Cook chicken until golden on both sides and internal temperature reaches 165°F
• Let chicken rest, then dice, slice, or shred
• Warm tortillas in a pan until lightly toasted
• Fill tortillas with chicken and pineapple salsa and serve

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the chicken tacos immediately while the tortillas are warm and the chicken is juicy. Set up a taco bar with extra toppings like sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, sour cream, or crumbled queso fresco so everyone can customize their tacos. These tacos pair well with Mexican rice, cilantro lime rice, black beans, or a simple corn salad.

For storage, keep the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the pineapple salsa separately and enjoy it within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the tacos. Tortillas are best warmed fresh just before serving.

Variations

1. Grilled Chicken Pineapple Tacos
   Grill the marinated chicken over medium heat for a smoky, charred flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet salsa.
2. Chicken Thigh Tacos
   Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and richer result.
3. Mango Salsa Tacos
   Replace pineapple with fresh mango for a softer, sweeter tropical twist.
4. Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos
   Add chipotle powder or minced chipotle peppers in adobo to the marinade for deep smoky heat.
5. Avocado Pineapple Tacos
   Add diced avocado to the salsa or top the tacos with sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
6. Pineapple Corn Salsa Tacos
   Mix fresh or grilled corn into the pineapple salsa for added texture and sweetness.
7. Low-Carb Chicken Tacos
   Serve the chicken and salsa in lettuce cups instead of tortillas for a lighter option.
8. Crispy Chicken Tacos
   Pan-sear the chicken a little longer to create crispy edges before slicing.
9. Pineapple Pico de Gallo Tacos
   Dice all salsa ingredients very small for a pico-style topping with bright flavor.
10. Honey Lime Shrimp Swap
    Replace chicken with shrimp marinated in the same honey-lime spice mix for a fast seafood version.
11. BBQ Pineapple Chicken Tacos
    Brush cooked chicken with a light layer of BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky fusion.
12. Creamy Pineapple Slaw Tacos
    Swap the salsa for a pineapple slaw made with shredded cabbage and a light lime dressing.
13. Cheese-Lovers Chicken Tacos
    Top with shredded Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.
14. Breakfast-Style Tacos
    Use leftover chicken and salsa with scrambled eggs for a bold breakfast taco.
15. Baked Chicken Tacos
    Bake the marinated chicken at 400°F until cooked through for an easy hands-off method.

FAQs

1. Can I make the chicken ahead of time
   Yes, the chicken can be cooked up to 4 days in advance and reheated before serving.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken
   At least 20 minutes is recommended, but marinating up to 24 hours adds more flavor.
3. Is fresh pineapple necessary
   Fresh pineapple is best, but well-drained canned pineapple can be used if needed.
4. Are these tacos spicy
   They are mildly spiced. Adjust heat by adding or removing cayenne and jalapeño.
5. Can I freeze the chicken
   Yes, cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
6. What tortillas work best
   Both corn and flour tortillas work well. Use what you prefer.
7. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking
   Yes, grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor.
8. Is this recipe gluten-free
   Use corn tortillas and ensure spices are gluten-free to make it gluten-free.
9. Can I use bottled lime juice
   Fresh lime juice is recommended for best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
10. What other toppings work well
    Avocado, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and cheese are all great additions.

Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are an easy yet impressive meal packed with fresh, bold flavors. The juicy, spiced chicken paired with bright, tropical salsa creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite. Whether served for a quick family dinner or a casual get-together, these tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

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