Name: One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup pineapple chunks; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Juice of 1 lime; 8 small corn or flour tortillas; ½ cup red onion, finely chopped; ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 avocado, diced; 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat); Lime wedges, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you love recipes that balance sweet and savory flavors with very little cleanup, these One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos are about to become your new obsession. Succulent chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a pop of smoky spices come together in just one pan for a dish that’s just as easy to make as it is fun to eat. Each bite delivers a zesty, juicy mix that feels like a tropical getaway in taco form. Gather your favorite toppings and get ready to wow your taste buds—this is a weeknight dinner that tastes like a celebration!

One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos is that you only need a handful of fresh, colorful ingredients, and each has a special role. From the tang of lime to the juicy pineapple, every item is essential to building those layers of flavor and texture you’ll crave again and again.

Chicken breasts: Dice them up for speedy cooking and tender bites that soak up all those spices.
Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned will work, but nothing beats the bright sweetness of fresh pineapple caramelized in the pan.
Olive oil: Use this for a touch of richness and to help develop that beautiful golden color on your chicken.
Ground cumin: An earthy backbone that brings that signature taco flavor.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and deep color, making your tacos extra inviting.
Garlic powder: A quick and guaranteed way to infuse savory flavor throughout the filling.
Onion powder: Perfect for rounding out the spice blend and adding a gentle sweet undertone.
Chili powder: Adjust the amount to your heat preference—a little for warmth, a bit more for a kick.
Salt: Essential for highlighting and balancing all the flavors.
Black pepper: Lends a hint of sharpness that ties everything together.
Lime juice: A squeeze of freshness that brightens up the whole ensemble right at the end.
Corn or flour tortillas: Warm, soft, and perfect for cradling all that chicken and pineapple goodness.
Red onion: Finely chopped for a bit of crunch and color.
Fresh cilantro: Brings a burst of herbal brightness to every bite.
Avocado: Diced for creamy contrast and a pop of green.
Jalapeño (optional): Sliced thinly for a spicy kick if you like your tacos with heat.
Lime wedges: Finish your tacos with an extra squeeze, because you can never have too much lime.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. As soon as it’s shimmering, add your diced chicken. Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so each chunk gets coated in the vibrant seasoning. Let the chicken cook, stirring every so often, for about 6 to 7 minutes until it’s golden brown on the edges and cooked all the way through.

Step 2: Add the Pineapple

When your chicken is ready, slide it to one side of the pan. Toss the pineapple chunks onto the now-empty spot and let them sizzle undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes. This caramelizes the edges and intensifies their sweetness. Once those little golden bits start appearing, stir everything together and let the flavors mingle for another minute so the juices from the pineapple can infuse the chicken.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

No one wants a cold taco, and these One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos flourish on a fluffy, warm tortilla. Just as the filling finishes, quickly warm your tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or give them a gentle zap in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel—it’s the secret to soft, pliable tacos that won’t fall apart.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Now comes the fun: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and caramelized pineapple filling onto each tortilla. Top with plenty of finely chopped red onion, a scatter of fresh cilantro, creamy avocado cubes, and a few spicy jalapeño slices if you’re feeling bold. Squeeze over a lime wedge for that final zippy flourish.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Serve your One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos right away while they’re warm and fragrant. The sweet, sticky pineapple, the spiced chicken, and the cool, crunchy toppings fuse together for a taco night that bursts with color and personality in every bite.

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos

Garnishes

These tacos come alive with a handful of vibrant garnishes. Think generous heaps of chopped red onion, sprigs of freshly torn cilantro, and creamy avocado cubes that mellow out the smoky, spiced filling. For anyone who likes a touch of heat, thin jalapeño slices do the trick. Don’t skip the lime wedges—they’re essential for that perky, citrus finish!

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos with easy sidekicks like a crisp green salad, a scoop of Mexican street corn, or some classic Spanish rice. Even some black beans or chips and salsa will turn your taco night into a mini fiesta with hardly any extra effort.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Make it interactive by setting up a taco bar with all the fillings and fixings laid out, so everyone can build their own tacos just the way they like. For a more dramatic touch, pile the finished tacos onto a rustic wood board and nestle lime wedges and cilantro sprigs in between for that “Wow, did you really make these?” effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra filling, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making lunch or a speedy dinner a total breeze.

Freezing

The filling for One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos freezes beautifully! Pack cooled chicken and pineapple in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container, excluding any fresh toppings. Freeze for up to 2 months. When a taco craving hits, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

For that just-cooked flavor, reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until it’s warmed through. Add a splash of water or lime juice if it seems dry. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds to keep things from overheating.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful, making them a great swap for breasts in One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos. Just adjust the cook time if the pieces are larger.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free corn tortillas, these tacos are naturally gluten-free. Double-check your chili powder blend for hidden gluten if you’re sensitive.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

You can! Fresh pineapple gives a bolder flavor and better caramelization, but canned (drained well) is a convenient substitute and still works great for these tacos.

What other toppings could I add?

Try shredded cabbage or lettuce for crunch, crumbled cotija cheese for a salty punch, or a drizzle of chipotle crema for extra richness. Personalize your One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos however you like!

How spicy are these tacos?

The base recipe is mild, but you can dial up the heat with more chili powder or sliced jalapeños. For those who love it fiery, a splash of hot sauce on top goes a long way!

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright joyful about serving up One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos—they’re colorful, quick to make, and bursting with bright flavors. Whether it’s taco Tuesday or a spontaneous weeknight dinner, this dish impresses every time. Give them a try soon, and don’t be surprised if they earn a permanent spot in your taco rotation!

One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos are a delicious fusion of flavors that will elevate your taco night to a whole new level. Juicy chicken and caramelized pineapple are seasoned with a blend of spices, creating a sweet and savory filling that pairs perfectly with fresh toppings. Easy to make and bursting with tropical vibes, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite!

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown.
Step 2: Add the Pineapple – Push cooked chicken to one side of the pan. Add pineapple chunks to caramelize for 2-3 minutes. Stir everything together.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas – Heat tortillas in a skillet or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos – Spoon chicken and pineapple mixture onto tortillas. Top with red onion, cilantro, avocado, and jalapeños. Finish with lime juice.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy – Serve warm and savor the tropical flavors!