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Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Tacos

These Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Tacos are a burst of flavor with smoky chipotle and sweet pineapple. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, they are sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice
  • 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice, chopped chipotle peppers, soy sauce, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a cohesive marinade. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is uniform and fragrant — about 1 minute.
  2. Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. If you’re in a hurry, even 15 minutes will impart some flavor, but longer is better!
  3. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice char on the outside and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  4. Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender bite. Avoid cutting it too soon, or you risk losing those flavorful juices!
  5. While the chicken is resting, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they become pliable. This step is essential; warm tortillas enhance the overall taco experience and prevent them from tearing.
  6. To assemble the tacos, slice the chicken into strips and place a portion on each tortilla. Top with diced pineapple, red onion, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices. The vibrant colors should make your tacos visually appealing!
  7. Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. The fresh lime juice will brighten all the flavors, making each bite even better.

Nutrition

Keywords: Don't skip marinating the chicken! This step is essential for infusing the meat with flavor. If you're short on time, even a 15-minute marinade can make a difference. For best results, use a grill pan or outdoor grill for a smoky flavor.