Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken and pineapple tacos are a fresh, flavorful twist on traditional tacos. The combination of juicy, seasoned chicken with sweet, caramelized pineapple offers a satisfying balance of savory and tropical flavors. These tacos are simple to prepare, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfect for a weeknight meal or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Pineapple chunks (fresh preferred, or canned and drained)
Olive oil or avocado oil
Lime juice (zest optional)
Ground cumin
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Chili powder
Salt and pepper
Optional: jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, avocado, lime wedges
Corn or flour tortillas

Directions

Prepare the chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or use whole breasts to shred after cooking.
- Season with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 6–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Add the pineapple
- Push the chicken to one side of the skillet.
- Add pineapple chunks and let them cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until caramelized.
- Stir together with the chicken and cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
Warm the tortillas
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side, or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds.
Assemble the tacos
- Fill tortillas with the chicken and pineapple mixture.
- Top with desired garnishes such as chopped red onion, jalapeño slices, fresh cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 4 servings (about 8 tacos)
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Slow Cooker Version: Cook seasoned chicken and pineapple in a slow cooker for 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low, then shred and serve.
Sheet Pan Option: Roast seasoned chicken and pineapple together at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
Instant Pot Method: Pressure cook the seasoned chicken and pineapple for about 11 minutes, then shred and mix.
Tropical Salsa: Add roasted or fresh pineapple to a salsa made with tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, lime, and cilantro.
Add Heat: Include chipotle chili, cayenne, or extra jalapeño for a spicier version.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or black beans.
Grilled Chicken: Grill the chicken and pineapple separately, then chop and combine.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the chicken and pineapple mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
- If reheated from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.

FAQs

What type of chicken should I use?

Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid during cooking.

Are these tacos spicy?

They can be mild or spicy depending on your preference. Add jalapeño or chili powder for more heat.

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken and pineapple mixture can be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve.

How do I keep tortillas from falling apart?

Warm them before filling, and consider doubling up with two corn tortillas if they’re thin.

What toppings go well with these tacos?

Try red onion, jalapeño, avocado, shredded cabbage, cilantro, or a drizzle of lime crema.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free corn tortillas and verify all seasonings are gluten-free.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Add a splash of water or broth when reheating in a pan or microwave to keep the chicken moist.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely. Shred rotisserie or cooked chicken and warm it with pineapple and seasonings.

What side dishes pair well with these tacos?

Serve with rice, black beans, grilled corn, or a light slaw for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Chicken and pineapple tacos offer a delicious blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite. They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion from family dinners to casual get-togethers. With simple ingredients and flexible preparation methods, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.