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Pineapple Chicken Tacos

Sweet and savory chicken tacos featuring honey-soy glazed chicken and fresh pineapple salsa. A quick weeknight dinner bursting with tropical flavors.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 tacos
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion, Mexican
Calories: 245

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 red onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and minced, optional
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice fresh
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt for salsa
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
  • avocado slices optional topping
  • sriracha mayo optional topping
  • lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • large skillet or wok
  • Medium bowls for marinating and salsa
  • meat thermometer
  • whisk
  • Chef's knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  2. While the chicken marinates, combine the diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using) in a separate medium bowl. Pour in the lime juice and sprinkle with salt. Toss to combine, taste and adjust seasonings. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (discard the marinade). Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer without crowding.
  4. Cook the chicken undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned on all sides with a caramelized exterior. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) and the chicken should be golden brown with visible caramelization. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  5. Warm tortillas using your preferred method: dry skillet (30 seconds per side), microwave (30-60 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel), or directly over a gas flame (a few seconds per side). Keep warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
  6. Lay out the warmed tortillas. Spoon shredded cabbage or slaw mix into the center of each tortilla. Top with the cooked chicken and generous spoonfuls of pineapple salsa.
  7. Add any additional toppings such as avocado slices, sriracha mayo, or a squeeze of lime juice. Fold and serve immediately while the chicken and tortillas are still warm.

Notes

Don't overcook the chicken - use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches exactly 165°F. For extra flavor, grill the pineapple before dicing for the salsa. Make sriracha mayo by combining mayonnaise with sriracha sauce and lime juice to taste. The chicken and pineapple salsa can be prepared in advance and stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
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