This vibrant and flavorful taco recipe combines tender chicken pieces with sweet pineapple chunks, all roasted together on a single pan for a fuss-free meal. Inspired by the classic flavors of Tacos al Pastor, this dish offers a delightful blend of spicy, sweet, and savory notes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Tacos:

4 skinless boneless chicken thighs
200g (7 oz) fresh pineapple chunks
1 small shallot
Juice of 1 lime, plus extra wedges for serving
Small handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped
1 ripe avocado, cubed
8 small corn or flour tortillas

For the Marinade:

2 tbsp chipotle paste
2 tbsp runny honey
1 1/2 tsp tomato puree
1 tsp salt
2 large garlic cloves

Directions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chipotle paste, runny honey, tomato puree, and salt. Crush the garlic cloves into the mixture and whisk until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Roughly chop the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Set aside to marinate while you preheat the oven.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Roast the Chicken and Pineapple: Once the oven is heated, spread the marinated chicken pieces evenly across a baking tray. Scatter the pineapple chunks over the chicken. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Prepare the Toppings: While the chicken and pineapple are roasting, peel and finely chop the shallot. Cube the avocado. If using corn tortillas, lightly char them in a very hot frying pan or directly on an AGA hot plate, if available.
Combine and Serve: After 30 minutes, remove the baking tray from the oven. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the chicken and pineapple mixture. Add the chopped shallot to the tray and toss everything together. Sprinkle with the chopped coriander. Serve the chicken and pineapple mixture with the cubed avocado and warmed tortillas on the side, along with extra lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: ~32g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Sugars: ~18g
Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~3g
Fiber: ~6g
Sodium: ~750mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pan for Easy Cleanup: No need for multiple pots and pans—everything roasts together on a single tray.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The spicy, smoky chipotle pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of pineapple.
Quick and Simple: This recipe requires minimal effort and is ready in about 30 minutes.
Great for Meal Prep: You can cook the chicken and pineapple in advance and reheat it later for quick meals.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients, or add extra toppings to make it your own.

The Magic of Chicken and Pineapple

At first glance, the idea of combining pineapple with chicken might seem unusual, but the combination is a game-changer. The natural sweetness of pineapple helps to balance out the heat from the chipotle paste, creating a dynamic contrast of flavors. When roasted, the pineapple caramelizes slightly, enhancing its sweetness while adding a subtle smokiness. Chicken thighs are used in this recipe because they stay juicy and tender, even after roasting at a high temperature. Unlike chicken breast, which can sometimes dry out, thighs retain their moisture and absorb the marinade exceptionally well. The result is flavor-packed, tender chicken pieces that make every bite satisfying.

What Makes These Tacos Stand Out?

Many taco recipes require marinating the meat for several hours, but this one simplifies the process. The chipotle marinade is bold enough that even a short marination time infuses the chicken with deep, smoky heat.

Best Toppings for Chicken & Pineapple Tacos

The toppings you choose can elevate your tacos even further. Here are some of the best additions:

Avocado or Guacamole: The creamy texture helps balance the heat from the chipotle.
Red Onion or Shallots: Adds a touch of sharpness and crunch.
Fresh Coriander (Cilantro): Brings a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice enhances all the flavors.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Cools down the spice for those who prefer a milder taste.
Crumbled Feta or Cotija Cheese: Adds a salty, tangy kick.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos are delicious on their own, but if you want to make them part of a larger meal, here are some great side dish ideas:

Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn with cotija cheese and chili powder.
Cilantro Lime Rice: A refreshing, zesty rice dish that pairs perfectly with tacos.
Black Beans or Refried Beans: Adds protein and heartiness to the meal.
Tortilla Chips with Salsa or Guacamole: A crunchy, flavorful addition to your taco night.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time. If you have leftovers, follow these simple storage tips:

Refrigeration: Store the chicken and pineapple mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and pineapple for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes.

If you’re planning to meal prep, cook the chicken and pineapple ahead of time, then store them separately from the tortillas and toppings. When ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble the tacos.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy ways to modify this recipe:

Make it Spicier: Add extra chipotle paste or include chopped jalapeños.
Use a Different Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
Try a Different Marinade: If you don’t have chipotle paste, use smoked paprika and chili powder instead.
Grill Instead of Roast: If you prefer a smoky, grilled flavor, cook the chicken and pineapple on a barbecue or grill pan instead of roasting.

Conclusion

One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. The combination of sweet caramelized pineapple and spicy chipotle-marinated chicken creates a perfect balance of flavors, making these tacos an instant crowd-pleaser.

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