Pineapple Chicken Tacos (Printer-Friendly)
Juicy spiced chicken with fresh pineapple salsa in warm tortillas
# 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 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
19 - Lime wedges
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine 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 - Mix diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until well combined. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and develops a light golden-brown color.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30-60 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred, or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 20-30 seconds.
05 - Place cooked chicken on each warmed tortilla. Top generously with pineapple salsa, add avocado slices, and garnish with extra cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The marinade does double duty, infusing the chicken with smoky warmth while the lime keeps everything bright and fresh
- That pineapple salsa brings the perfect sweet heat balance that keeps you coming back for another bite
- Everything comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like you put in way more effort
02 -
- Do not crowd the pan when searing chicken, or you will steam instead of sear and miss out on those gorgeous browned edges
- Letting the salsa sit for even 10 minutes mellows the raw onion bite and lets the pineapple juice mingle with everything
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the marinade for better searing and more flavor absorption
- Let your cooked chicken rest for a couple minutes before assembling, so those juices redistribute