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Platter of four Pineapple Chicken Tacos topped with creamy sauce, cilantro, and served with lime wedges

Pineapple Chicken Tacos with a Chipotle Lime Crema

These vibrant tacos feature juicy, marinated chicken, sweet and tangy pineapple salsa, and a creamy, smoky chipotle lime crema, all nestled in warm tortillas for an unforgettable meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion, Mexican
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade & Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tbsp lime juice fresh
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin ground
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Pineapple Salsa
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro fresh, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño deseeded and finely minced (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice fresh
  • Pinch salt
For the Chipotle Lime Crema
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1-2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce minced (start with 1, add more for heat)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice fresh
  • 1/4 tsp salt
For Assembling the Tacos
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
  • Optional garnishes extra cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, extra lime wedges

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Large skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Tongs
  • Blender or Food Processor (optional)

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken Marinade
  1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with pineapple juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
Prepare the Pineapple Salsa
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the finely diced pineapple, red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (if using), 1 tbsp lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Stir gently to combine. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Prepare the Chipotle Lime Crema
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, minced chipotle in adobo sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth.
  2. Taste and adjust chipotle or salt if needed. If it's too thick, add a tiny splash of water or milk to thin it slightly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned with some caramelized edges. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Warm the Tortillas & Assemble
  1. While the chicken cooks or immediately after, warm the tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30-60 seconds, or heating them individually in a dry skillet over medium heat for 15-20 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
  2. To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of cooked pineapple chicken onto each warm tortilla.
  3. Top generously with the fresh pineapple salsa.
  4. Drizzle with the chipotle lime crema. Garnish with extra cilantro or crumbled cotija cheese and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeño for the salsa, or add more chipotle to the crema. Leftover chicken and salsa can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.