Chicken and Pineapple Tacos (Printable Version)

Juicy chicken, pineapple, and spices in one pan for easy, vibrant tacos.

# Ingredient List:

→ Poultry

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

→ Produce

02 - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or drained canned pineapple)
03 - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 jalapeño, deseeded and chopped (optional)
07 - Juice of 1 lime
08 - 1 small bunch cilantro, chopped

→ Pantry & Spices

09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
11 - 1 ½ tsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - ½ tsp garlic powder
14 - ½ tsp salt
15 - ¼ tsp black pepper
16 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas

→ To Serve (Optional)

17 - Diced avocado
18 - Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese
19 - Extra lime wedges

# How to Make:

01 - In a large bowl, toss diced chicken with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
03 - Add seasoned chicken to the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes until starting to brown.
04 - Add onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
05 - Stir in diced pineapple and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the fruit to caramelize slightly.
06 - Squeeze in lime juice and sprinkle half the chopped cilantro. Toss everything to combine.
07 - Warm tortillas in the pan for 30 seconds per side or in the microwave wrapped in a towel.
08 - Fill each tortilla with the chicken-pineapple mixture. Top with avocado, cheese, cilantro, and extra lime as desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It is an entire meal made in just one pan, meaning cleanup takes practically no time at all.
  • The combination of juicy pineapple and savory chicken creates a flavor that feels like a vacation.
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken, or it will steam instead of getting that nice golden crust.
  • Let the pineapple sit in the hot spots of the pan without stirring too much to get the best caramelization.
03 -
  • Leftover filling actually tastes better the next day as the spices meld together.
  • If you want to save time, chop all the vegetables and pineapple the night before.

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