One Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos

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Craving something tropical, zesty, and ready in under 30 minutes? These One Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos bring all the beachy vibes to your dinner table without the fuss. Tender grilled chicken mingles with juicy pineapple chunks and fresh cilantro, all nestled inside warm tortillas. It’s a bright and flavorful dish that feels like summer, no matter the season.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. One pan does it all, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re hosting taco night, meal-prepping lunches, or simply looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this combo delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

Corn tortillas offer a more traditional, slightly chewy base that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken and tangy fruit. But if you’re after a softer bite, flour tortillas are a great alternative. Whichever you choose, be sure to warm them on the pan or over an open flame to bring out their flavor and prevent tearing.

Ingredients for the One Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos

Chicken breast – Lean and full of protein, chicken breast is the ideal base for these tacos. It absorbs marinade beautifully and grills to perfection.

Pineapple chunks – Sweet and slightly tangy, pineapple balances the savory chicken and adds that tropical flair.

Olive oil – Used for both marinating the chicken and cooking, it ensures everything is juicy and golden.

Garlic and onion powder – These pantry staples layer in a quick burst of flavor without needing to chop.

Smoked paprika – A touch of smokiness adds depth and contrast to the sweet pineapple.

Salt and pepper – Essential seasoning for balance.

Corn or flour tortillas – Choose your favorite base to wrap all that goodness in.

Fresh cilantro – Adds freshness and a herby bite to every taco.

Lime wedges – Brighten the final dish with a zesty squeeze right before serving.

Sour cream or crema (optional) – Adds creamy coolness to round out the flavors.

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How To Make the One Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Slice the chicken breast into thin strips. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken to coat and let it marinate while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Caramelize the Pineapple

In the same pan, add pineapple chunks. Sear for 3-4 minutes until they start to caramelize and brown at the edges. This intensifies the sweetness and adds a lovely texture.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Either use the same pan or a dry skillet to warm your tortillas for about 30 seconds per side. This makes them pliable and brings out their aroma.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Fill each tortilla with chicken and pineapple. Top with chopped cilantro, a drizzle of sour cream or crema if using, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

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How to Serve and Store These Tacos

These tacos are best served fresh, straight off the pan while the pineapple is warm and juicy. Arrange them on a wooden board or platter and let everyone build their own for a fun, interactive meal.

To store, place leftover chicken and pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet before serving. Keep tortillas and toppings separate to maintain freshness.

What to Serve With One Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos?

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Grilled corn slathered with creamy sauce, cotija cheese, and chili powder pairs beautifully with the tangy tacos.

Cilantro Lime Rice

A zesty side that soaks up all the extra taco juices.

Mango Salsa

A fruity, spicy salsa brings extra brightness to the meal.

Black Bean Salad

Nutritious and hearty, this is a fiber-rich pairing that balances the sweetness of the pineapple.

Tortilla Chips with Queso

Because no taco night is complete without a creamy cheese dip.

Guacamole

Rich, creamy avocado rounds out the flavor with its cooling texture.

Pineapple Agua Fresca

Double down on the tropical with this light, refreshing beverage.

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Want More Taco Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re all in on tacos, you’ll love these unique twists that bring something new to the table:

• Chicken Street Tacos for a classic with zesty simplicity.
• Taco Ranch Bites for snackable, party-ready flavor.
• Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes when you want something handheld and hearty.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you’re looking to switch gears but stay in comfort-food territory.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest taco board so you can whip it up whenever the craving hits.

I’d love to know how you make these your own! Did you add jalapeños for heat? Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Drop a comment and let’s talk taco tweaks.

Explore more creative flavor-forward recipes over on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest for your next kitchen inspiration burst!

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