These pineapple chicken tacos are like a little tropical vacation wrapped in a tortilla. Juicy chicken meets the sweet tang of pineapple for a refreshing twist on taco night. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, and just the thing when you want something light, bright, and totally satisfying.
Ingredients List
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 small corn tortillas
– Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
– Lime wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until it’s no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Flavors
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add Pineapple
Mix in the diced pineapple with the chicken and spices. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Warm the Tortillas
While your chicken and pineapple are cooking, warm your corn tortillas in a separate pan or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable.
Assemble Tacos
Divide the pineapple chicken mixture evenly among the warmed tortillas. Garnish each taco with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
4-5 Ways to Improve It
1. Add a dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper for some heat.
2. Incorporate diced red onion for an extra crunch.
3. Top with crumbled feta or queso fresco for added creaminess.
4. Drizzle with a little bit of sriracha mayo for a spicy twist.
5. Add slices of avocado for richness and texture.
(Side) Dishes to Serve
These pineapple chicken tacos pair beautifully with a simple side of black beans or refried beans to round out the meal. A light cucumber and tomato salad would add freshness and balance to the plate. You might also consider serving with a bowl of tortilla chips and fresh guacamole or salsa.
Substitutions
1. Substitute chicken breast with boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
2. Use canned pineapple if fresh is unavailable, just make sure to drain it well.
3. Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas if you prefer their softness.
4. Replace olive oil with coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor.
Recipe Variations
1. Turn it into a taco salad by serving over mixed greens instead of tortillas.
2. Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit.
3. Add grilled bell peppers and onions for fajita-style tacos.
4. Incorporate shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood variation.
