If you’re craving a meal that’s sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying, these Pineapple Chicken Tacos are the perfect choice. Juicy marinated chicken, fresh pineapple salsa, and warm tortillas come together to create a flavor-packed dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings.
This recipe balances tender chicken, bright tropical flavors, and simple ingredients, making it both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.
Why You’ll Love These Pineapple Chicken Tacos
- Easy and quick to make
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
- Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients
- Great for meal prep or taco nights
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
These tacos are especially popular for anyone who loves Hawaiian-inspired chicken recipes or fresh fruit salsas.
Ingredients
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 fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Pineapple Salsa
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh 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
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
- Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat evenly
- Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes
- For best flavor, marinate up to 4 hours in the refrigerator
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Salsa
- In a medium bowl, combine:
- Diced pineapple
- Red bell pepper
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Jalapeño (optional)
- Add lime juice and salt
- Toss gently to combine
- Refrigerate until ready to serve
Tip: Chilling the salsa allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add the marinated chicken in a single layer
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Chicken should be:
- Fully cooked
- Lightly caramelized
- Juicy and tender
Remove from heat once the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or
- Wrap in foil and warm in the oven
Warm tortillas prevent tearing and improve texture.
Assembling the Pineapple Chicken Tacos
- Add a small handful of shredded cabbage to each tortilla
- Spoon warm pineapple chicken over the slaw
- Top with pineapple salsa
- Finish with optional toppings:
- Avocado slices
- Sriracha mayo
- Fresh lime juice
Tips for the Best Chicken Tacos
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor
- Adjust spice level by adding or removing jalapeño
- Double the salsa for extra freshness
Variations You Can Try
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
- Grill the chicken instead of pan-searing
- Swap pineapple for mango
- Use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
Serving Suggestions
These Pineapple Chicken Tacos pair well with:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Black beans
- Corn salad
- Fresh fruit drinks
They’re perfect for taco night, summer dinners, or casual entertaining.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Store leftover chicken and salsa separately
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Reheat chicken gently before assembling tacos
Final Thoughts
These Pineapple Chicken Tacos are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create bold, exciting flavors. Sweet pineapple, savory chicken, and fresh toppings come together in a dish that feels both comforting and refreshing.