Name: One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs, roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp chipotle paste; 2 tbsp runny honey; 1 1/2 tsp tomato puree; 1 tsp salt; 2 large garlic cloves, crushed; 200g fresh pineapple chunks; 1 small shallot, peeled and finely chopped; Juice of 1 lime, plus extra wedges for serving; Small handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped; 1 ripe avocado, cubed; 8 small corn or flour tortillas

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a vibrant fiesta on your plate, look no further than One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with the sweet tang of pineapple and smoky chipotle in a way that will have your taste buds dancing. What makes it even better is its simplicity—you only need one pan to create a colorful, lively taco experience packed with bold flavors and fresh textures. Once you dive into these tacos, they’ll quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors, textures, and colors of One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos. From the spicy chipotle paste to the juicy pineapple chunks, each component is simple but powerful, making the cooking process both easy and rewarding.

4 skinless boneless chicken thighs: These give the tacos tender, flavorful meat that stays juicy after roasting.
200g fresh pineapple chunks: Adds a refreshing sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spices.
1 small shallot: Provides a delicate sharpness and crunch for depth in every bite.
Juice of 1 lime, plus extra wedges for serving: Brightens the dish with a zesty kick and enhances all other flavors.
Small handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped: Adds an herbal freshness that lifts the tacos.
1 ripe avocado, cubed: Creamy texture that complements the spice and acidity.
8 small corn or flour tortillas: The perfect vessel to hold your delicious filling.
2 tbsp chipotle paste: Brings smoky heat that gives the dish its unforgettable character.
2 tbsp runny honey: Balances the heat with just the right amount of sweetness.
1 1/2 tsp tomato puree: Adds richness and depth to the marinade.
1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all elements together.
2 large garlic cloves: Crushed into the marinade for a bold, aromatic backbone.

How to Make One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken

Start by whisking together the chipotle paste, runny honey, tomato puree, lime juice, salt, and crushed garlic cloves in a medium bowl. This marinade is the heart of the dish, combining spicy, sweet, and tangy notes that will soak perfectly into the chicken. Roughly chop your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss them thoroughly in the marinade. Letting the chicken soak in these flavors for a bit while the oven heats up makes all the difference, allowing each bite to be richly infused.

Step 2: Roast the Chicken and Pineapple

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius so it’s nice and hot for the perfect roast. Spread the marinated chicken pieces evenly on a baking tray and scatter the fresh pineapple chunks on top. Roast everything for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the pineapple becomes beautifully caramelized, releasing its sweet juices to mingle with the smoky-spiced chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Toppings

While the chicken and pineapple roast, get your fresh ingredients ready. Peel and finely chop the shallot for a mild crunch, and cube the ripe avocado for a creamy contrast. If you’re using corn tortillas, lightly char them in a hot frying pan or directly over the heat source if you have an AGA cooker, which adds a smoky hint and a touch of crispiness that’s irresistible.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and pineapple to add zest and brightness. Toss everything together directly on the baking tray with the chopped shallot so the flavors mix thoroughly. Plate it all alongside your chopped coriander, creamy avocado, and warm tortillas, ready to be filled with your vibrant chicken and pineapple filling.

How to Serve One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos

Garnishes

Fresh coriander is the classic finishing touch, giving the tacos a herbal lift that cuts through the smoky and sweet flavors beautifully. Extra lime wedges are perfect for an added zing if you like things a little more tart. For a little heat, consider a fresh chili or a drizzle of sour cream to balance the smoky chipotle paste.

Side Dishes

These tacos pair wonderfully with a light, crisp side to complement their bold flavor. Think a simple cabbage slaw with a tangy dressing, black beans for extra heartiness, or even a refreshing mango salsa for that tropical vibe to echo the pineapple’s sweetness. Rice with cilantro and lime is another classic that ties the meal together perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve the filling in mini taco boats or lettuce wraps for a fun twist. You could also turn the filling into a hearty taco salad by piling it over mixed greens and topping with crunchy tortilla strips. Garnishing with colorful edible flowers or pickled red onions adds both visual appeal and an exciting flavor contrast that will wow everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of the One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos filling, store the chicken and pineapple mixture separately from the tortillas in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the tortillas from getting soggy while the flavor-packed chicken stays fresh for up to three days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and pineapple mixture for up to one month by placing it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and label with the date so you use it while it’s at its best. Avoid freezing the tortillas to keep their texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken juicy and avoid drying it out. You can add a splash of water or chicken stock to revive the moisture. Warm the tortillas separately in a dry pan or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for a soft, pliable texture ready for assembly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer more juiciness and tenderness, chicken breast can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep a close eye on cooking time to avoid drying it out.

Is there a good substitute for chipotle paste?

If you don’t have chipotle paste on hand, a mix of smoked paprika and a dash of chili powder can provide a similar smoky heat. Adjust to your spice preference carefully.

Can these tacos be made gluten-free?

Definitely. Using corn tortillas ensures the dish is gluten-free. Just double-check that all your other ingredients, like chipotle paste, don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.

How spicy are these tacos?

The chipotle paste brings a gentle smoky heat that can be adjusted based on how much you use. If you prefer milder tacos, reduce the amount or balance it with extra honey or avocado.

What’s the best way to char tortillas?

Use a very hot dry skillet or your stovetop burner to quickly singe each side of the tortilla. This adds great flavor and prevents sogginess from the filling.

Final Thoughts

One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos are a total game-changer for anyone wanting an easy meal packed with punchy flavors and minimal cleanup. The combination of smoky chicken, juicy pineapple, and fresh, bright toppings makes every bite feel special. Give this recipe a try and you may find yourself coming back for seconds – or even making it your regular go-to meal for happy, hassle-free dinners.

One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 (about 2 tacos per person) 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

These One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos offer a vibrant fusion of smoky chipotle-marinated chicken paired with sweet pineapple chunks, fresh avocado, and zesty lime. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, the recipe combines tender roasted chicken with a tangy, slightly spicy marinade, wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with fresh shallots and coriander for a refreshing finish.

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade and Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chipotle paste, runny honey, tomato puree, salt, and crushed garlic to form the marinade. Toss the roughly chopped chicken pieces in the marinade until well coated. Set aside to marinate while the oven heats up.
Roast Chicken and Pineapple: Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Spread the marinated chicken evenly over a baking tray and scatter the fresh pineapple chunks on top. Roast for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
Prepare Accompaniments: While the chicken roasts, peel and finely chop the shallot, cube the ripe avocado, and, if using corn tortillas, lightly char them in a hot frying pan or directly on a hot surface like an AGA plate to bring out a smoky flavor.
Combine and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken and pineapple from the oven. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tray and gently toss everything together with the chopped shallot. Serve the mixture sprinkled with fresh coriander alongside the avocado and warm tortillas with lime wedges for squeezing.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner version, but thighs offer more juiciness.
Using fresh pineapple gives better texture and sweetness compared to canned.
Adjust the amount of chipotle paste based on your preferred spice level.
Corn tortillas add authentic flavor but flour tortillas are a good alternative if preferred.
To make this recipe gluten free, ensure the tortillas are corn-based and check that the chipotle paste and tomato puree are gluten free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired