Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple, diced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, divided
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice the chicken into bite-sized cubes. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with the taco seasoning and olive oil until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned on the edges.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the diced pineapple and half of the fresh lime juice (2 tablespoons) to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the pineapple to soften slightly and the juices to create a light glaze coating the chicken.
- Step 4: While the filling is finishing, warm the tortillas by heating them briefly on a dry griddle, in the microwave, or wrapped in foil in the oven until pliable and hot.
- Step 5: To assemble the tacos, spoon the pineapple chicken filling onto the center of each warm tortilla. Garnish immediately with the sliced red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and a final squeeze of the remaining lime juice.
Notes
- Store any leftover pineapple chicken filling separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days; discard the cilantro, onion, and tortillas, which do not store well when assembled.
- When reheating the filling, a quick toss in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat is best, but if using a microwave, add a splash of water or extra lime juice to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Elevate the texture and flavor contrast by topping the tacos with a creamy element, such as crumbled cotija cheese or a simple chipotle-lime sour cream drizzle.
- To ensure the chicken absorbs maximum flavor, let the pineapple-lime glaze simmer for the full 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the chicken, rather than leaving it watery.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American