Description
These Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are a vibrant and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring juicy, spice-rubbed chicken paired with a fresh, tangy pineapple salsa. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, they combine savory and sweet elements wrapped in warm tortillas, offering a delicious tropical twist on classic tacos.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional)
- lime wedges (for serving)
Pineapple Salsa
- 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- juice of 1 lime
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create an even spice blend for the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Rub the prepared spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts or thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Make the pineapple salsa: While the chicken cooks, in a bowl combine diced pineapple, red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to mix all ingredients and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat the corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds each side or microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable.
- Assemble the tacos: Slice or shred the rested chicken and distribute it evenly among the warmed tortillas. Top each taco with a generous spoonful of pineapple salsa and shredded lettuce or cabbage if using.
- Serve: Serve the chicken tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for an added zesty kick.
Notes
- Grilled chicken can be used instead of skillet-cooked for a smoky flavor.
- The pineapple salsa can be prepared a few hours ahead to enhance the taste as the ingredients meld.
- Add sliced avocado or a drizzle of sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Use corn tortillas to keep the dish gluten-free if necessary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
