Description
There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of juicy chicken, sweet caramelized pineapple, and warm, lightly toasted tortillas. These One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos bring a tropical twist to taco night, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal with family and friends.
The beauty of this recipe is that it all comes together in just one pan—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor! The sweet and smoky balance of the pineapple and spices gives every bite a satisfying depth, while fresh toppings like lime juice, avocado, and cilantro add brightness. Whether you’re a taco enthusiast or just looking for a simple and delicious meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Pineapple Filling:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For Serving:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the spices. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 2: Add the Pineapple
Once the chicken is cooked, push it to one side of the pan. Add the pineapple chunks to the empty space and let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. This allows them to caramelize slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness. Stir everything together and cook for another minute so the flavors meld.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
While the chicken and pineapple finish cooking, warm your tortillas. You can do this by heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 20-30 seconds.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Spoon the flavorful chicken and pineapple mixture onto each tortilla. Top with chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and sliced jalapeños if you like a bit of heat. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of brightness.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve your tacos immediately while they’re warm, and enjoy every sweet, smoky, and savory bite!
Notes
- Feel free to swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.