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Grilled Pineapple Chicken Tacos

These Grilled Pineapple Chicken Tacos combine sweet, smoky pineapple with tender chicken and fresh toppings for a vibrant, tropical taco night!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 fresh pineapple peeled and cored, sliced into rings
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

  • Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat thoroughly with the spice mixture. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Prep the Pineapple

  • Peel and core the fresh pineapple, then slice it into about ½-inch thick rings. Keep the slices uniform for even cooking.

Heat the Grill

  • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan indoors, lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.

Grill the Chicken and Pineapple

  • Place the chicken breasts and pineapple rings on the grill. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and nicely charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Grill the pineapple for about 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and fruit softens slightly.

Warm the Tortillas

  • Warm the corn tortillas directly on the grill for about 20 seconds per side or heat them in a dry skillet until pliable and warm.

Assemble the Tacos

  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips. Cut the grilled pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Place chicken strips and pineapple chunks on each tortilla. Top with diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve the Grilled Pineapple Chicken Tacos immediately while warm. Add extra lime wedges on the side if desired. Pair with a fresh salad or black beans.

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Medium Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Knife

Notes

  • Use fresh pineapple for the best texture and sweetness; avoid canned pineapple for grilling.
  • Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy and tender when sliced.
  • Control grill heat to medium-high to get good char without burning the chicken or pineapple.
  • Warm tortillas properly to make them flexible and less likely to tear when wrapped.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding cayenne or smoked paprika for more heat and smokiness.