If you’re craving a burst of tropical flavor wrapped up in a tender, juicy bite, the Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish perfectly balances the smoky, savory notes of grilled chicken with a zesty, sweet-and-spicy pineapple salsa that will brighten up any taco night. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, these tacos bring together simple, fresh ingredients for a vibrant and unforgettable meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—enhancing the flavors, adding texture, and delivering that colorful, island-inspired presentation that will make your taste buds dance.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 pound): Juicier and more flavorful than breast, perfect for grilling.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a savory umami kick to the marinade.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances savory with natural sweetness for a beautiful glaze.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle, deep garlic flavor without overpowering.
- Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, slightly spicy aroma, enhancing the tropical vibe.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the marinade stick and keeps the chicken moist on the grill.
- Fresh pineapple, diced (1 cup): The star of the salsa, providing juicy sweetness and acidity.
- Jalapeño, seeded and minced (1 medium): Adds a mild heat that wakes up the palate.
- Red onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Delivers crunch and a bit of sharpness against the sweeter elements.
- Cilantro, chopped (1/4 cup): Brings a refreshing herbal note to the salsa.
- Lime juice (1 lime): Brightens everything, adding a tangy zesty lift.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential to tie together all the flavors perfectly.
- Small corn tortillas (8): The classic taco base that adds a gentle corn flavor and holds all the goodness.
- Shredded lettuce (1 cup): Adds crisp freshness and texture to each bite.
- Avocado, sliced (1): Creamy richness that cools down the spice and rounds out the dish.
How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, create the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ground ginger, and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade and let them soak up those flavors for at least 15 minutes. Marinating isn’t just optional—it’s what seals in the juiciness and layers in that wonderful taste.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Get your grill heated to medium-high, a perfect setting to achieve those enticing char marks while cooking the chicken all the way through. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until perfectly cooked. Once done, set them aside and let them rest briefly to keep every bite tender.
Step 3: Make the Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa
While the chicken is grilling, mix together the diced fresh pineapple, minced jalapeño, finely chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. This salsa is what truly steals the show in this Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe, combining heat, sweetness, and zing in every spoonful.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Slice your rested chicken into tender strips and give your corn tortillas a quick warm-up on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side—this warms them and adds a subtle smoky note. Build your tacos by laying down a bed of shredded lettuce on each tortilla, topping with chicken strips, spoonfuls of pineapple salsa, and finally, a few creamy avocado slices. Serve immediately for the freshest, most vibrant taste.
How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates the experience. Consider sprinkling extra chopped cilantro or a light drizzle of lime crema for a tangy touch. Thinly sliced radishes can add crunch and a peppery bite that complements the heat of the jalapeño.
Side Dishes
Complement these tacos with refreshing sides like coconut rice or a black bean salad to keep up the tropical theme. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette will also balance out the bold salsa and grilled chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive feel, serve the tacos on a wooden board with small bowls of different salsas and toppings for a build-your-own taco bar. Alternatively, use colorful plates and napkins that pop with color to enhance the bright, island-inspired vibe of the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover chicken and salsa can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the salsa fresh and the chicken perfectly tender for easy, quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken, place cooked strips in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the salsa fresh for each use, to maintain its crisp texture and bright flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to avoid drying it out. Warm the tortillas separately, and keep the salsa chilled until serving to preserve its fresh taste and vibrant crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work fine; just be sure not to overcook it, as it tends to dry out faster than thighs. Consider marinating a bit longer to help keep it juicy and flavorful.
How spicy is the jalapeño pineapple salsa?
The heat level is mild to medium since the jalapeño is seeded and minced. You can adjust the spice by including some seeds or adding more jalapeño if you love a bigger kick.
Can I prepare the salsa ahead of time?
Yes, making the salsa a few hours ahead is perfect as it allows the flavors to meld nicely. Just keep it refrigerated and add the avocado slices fresh when assembling the tacos to prevent browning.
What type of tortillas work best?
Small corn tortillas are ideal for this recipe due to their authentic flavor and texture. However, soft flour tortillas can be used if preferred—they just won’t have the same classic bite.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Definitely, with a slight tweak to control the spice level in the salsa by reducing or omitting the jalapeño. The sweet pineapple and tender chicken are usually very appealing to kids.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe that brings joy with every bite. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering. Trust me, once you try this, it will become an instant favorite at your table. Go ahead, give it a whirl and watch your loved ones smile with every vibrant, tropical mouthful!
Print
Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian Fusion
Description
These Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa combine juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a savory-sweet blend with a fresh, zesty pineapple salsa for a perfect balance of flavors. Served on warm corn tortillas with crisp lettuce and creamy avocado, this recipe offers a vibrant, tropical twist on classic tacos, ideal for a quick and delicious meal in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (can substitute with chicken breast)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Assembling the Tacos
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ground ginger, and olive oil until well combined. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for approximately 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and juices run clear. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.
- Prepare the Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa: In a separate bowl, combine the diced fresh pineapple, minced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat), finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly and set aside to meld the flavors.
- Warm the Tortillas: Place the small corn tortillas on the grill and warm them for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable and slightly charred for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Tacos: Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips. On each warmed tortilla, add a layer of shredded lettuce, top with sliced chicken, a generous scoop of jalapeño pineapple salsa, and finish with slices of fresh avocado.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the assembled tacos fresh to enjoy the blend of smoky grilled chicken with the sweet and spicy salsa. These tacos pair well with a cold beverage or a light side salad.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs provide juicier results.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spiciness of the salsa.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.
- To make ahead, prepare the salsa and marinade the chicken in advance.
- Leftover grilled chicken works well for quick taco assembly the next day.
