Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Tacos

Savor bold Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Tacos—juicy, sweet-savory bites perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or quick flavor-packed meals.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Bold fusion flavors: A mix of sweet teriyaki, juicy fruit, and spicy jalapeño delivers serious flavor.
• Quick and easy: Ready in about 35 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Tropical flair: Pineapple and pear add a refreshing twist to classic tacos.
• Customizable toppings: Add cabbage, avocado, or your favorite taco fixings.
• Grill-friendly: Ideal for summer grilling and outdoor meals.
• Healthy option: Lean protein, fresh produce, and simple ingredients.
• Make-ahead friendly: Marinate the chicken and prep salsa in advance.
• Great for entertaining: Serve taco bar-style so everyone can build their own.
• Colorful and eye-catching: A beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes.
• Kid and crowd approved: Balanced flavors with the option to adjust spice levels.

Ingredients

For the chicken
1 lb (≈ 450 g) chicken breast, cut into strips
½ cup teriyaki sauce
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp neutral oil (e.g. canola or vegetable)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the salsa
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1 ripe pear, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed if you prefer milder heat)
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

For assembly
8 small tortillas (corn or flour, about 5‑inch)
Optional toppings: shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, extra lime wedges

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, garlic, honey, oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium‑high heat. Grill pineapple pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred. Remove and dice if necessary.
3. Grill chicken strips 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Let rest, then slice into bite‑sized pieces.
4. In a bowl, mix grilled pineapple, pear, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper, stir well, and set aside.
5. Warm tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side. Wrap in a clean towel to keep warm.
6. Assemble tacos by layering sliced chicken, pineapple-pear salsa, and any optional toppings in warm tortillas. Serve with lime wedges.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 (makes approximately 8 tacos)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 285 kcal per taco

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add sriracha mayo or drizzle with spicy chili oil for heat lovers.
• Vegan version: Swap chicken for grilled tofu or jackfruit and use a plant-based teriyaki sauce.
• Low-carb option: Serve the filling in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.
• Asian slaw: Add a sesame-dressed cabbage slaw instead of pear salsa.
• Tropical overload: Mix in mango or papaya with the salsa for extra fruitiness.
• Crunchy topping: Add crispy wonton strips or toasted sesame seeds for texture.
• Cheese lovers: Sprinkle crumbled cotija or feta for a creamy, salty finish.
• Extra glaze: Brush chicken with more teriyaki in the last minute of grilling.
• Different protein: Try shrimp, or grilled tempeh.
• Pickled twist: Replace red onion with quick-pickled onions for tang.

Storage/reheating

Storage:
Store leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for up to 3 days, and the salsa for 2 days.

Reheating:
Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Reheat tortillas fresh before assembling.

Freezing:
Chicken can be frozen after grilling for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing salsa as the fruit texture may change.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh pineapple gives a better char and texture. If using canned, drain it well and pat dry before grilling.

What type of teriyaki sauce works best?

Use a thick, glaze-style teriyaki for maximum flavor. You can also make your own with soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

You can prep all the components ahead, but assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

How do I keep tortillas warm for serving?

Wrap warmed tortillas in a clean kitchen towel or store them in a tortilla warmer to keep them soft and pliable.

Is there a substitute for pear in the salsa?

Yes, you can use apple, jicama, or cucumber for a similar crunch and mild sweetness.

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Boneless skinless thighs work well and tend to stay juicier on the grill.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Use more or less jalapeño, or leave it out entirely. You can also add hot sauce on the side.

Can I cook this without a grill?

Yes, use a stovetop grill pan, cast iron skillet, or even bake the chicken in the oven until cooked through.

What sides go well with these tacos?

Try coconut rice, black beans, grilled corn, or a mango salad to round out the meal.

Can I turn this into a taco bowl?

Absolutely. Serve the chicken and salsa over rice or salad greens with toppings for a delicious taco bowl.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Tacos are the ultimate flavor-packed, summer-inspired meal that brings together sweet, savory, and spicy elements in one warm tortilla. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re grilling for friends or spicing up a weeknight dinner, these tropical tacos will leave everyone asking for seconds.

More Flavor-Packed Chicken & Fusion Dishes

If you loved these Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Tacos, you’ll enjoy more vibrant and easy-to-make recipes from our kitchen. For a classic comfort twist, try our Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole. If you love tropical flavors, the Pineapple Coconut Cheesecake Delight brings sweetness to dessert. For another quick chicken dinner, check out our Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms. If you want something perfect for parties, the Taco Ranch Bites make a fun, flavorful appetizer. And for a seafood option with a zesty twist, don’t miss our Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp.

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