Name: One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs; 200g 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; 2 tbsp chipotle paste; 2 tbsp runny honey; 1 1/2 tsp tomato puree; 1 tsp salt; 2 large garlic cloves

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that brings bold flavors with minimal effort. The sweet and smoky chicken pairs perfectly with fresh pineapple, making each bite an explosion of flavor. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need something quick, but still want a flavorful, satisfying meal. With the added freshness of avocado, lime, and coriander, these tacos are not only tasty but also vibrant and full of texture.

One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos

Ingredients

For the Tacos
4 skinless boneless chicken thighs
200g 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chipotle paste, honey, tomato puree, salt, and crushed garlic.
Marinate the Chicken: Roughly chop the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Set aside to marinate while the oven preheats.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (about 400°F).
Cook the Chicken and Pineapple: Spread the marinated chicken out across a baking tray and scatter the pineapple chunks over the top. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Prepare the Toppings: While the chicken is roasting, peel and finely chop the shallot. Prepare the avocado by cubing it. If you’re using corn tortillas, lightly char them in a hot frying pan or directly on the AGA hot plate.
Assemble the Tacos: Once the chicken and pineapple are done, remove them from the oven. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss in the chopped shallot.
Serve: Serve the chicken and pineapple mixture with tortillas, avocado cubes, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander. Add extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 2 servings and takes about 40 minutes to prepare in total. This includes 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time.

Variations

Meat alternatives: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast or peef for a different protein option.
Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
Taco toppings: You can also add salsa, sour cream, or a sprinkle of cheese (if dairy is not an issue).
Spicy kick: For more heat, add extra chipotle paste or fresh chili slices.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken and pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken and pineapple in a pan over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat tortillas in a dry frying pan or microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but the cooking time may vary slightly as breasts cook faster.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and pineapple mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat when ready to serve.

3. Can I use frozen pineapple for this recipe?

Fresh pineapple is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but frozen pineapple can be used in a pinch. Just thaw it before adding it to the tray.

4. How can I make the tortillas crispy?

If you like your tortillas crispy, you can heat them in a dry pan or lightly fry them in a bit of oil before serving.

5. Can I add cheese to these tacos?

Yes! If you’re not avoiding dairy, a sprinkle of cheese, like cheddar or cotija, would be a great addition to these tacos.

6. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the spice level, add more chipotle paste or toss in some sliced fresh chilies when baking.

7. What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?

You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn to the baking tray along with the chicken and pineapple for more variety.

8. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, you can use either corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference.

9. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and pineapple mixture. Just let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use corn tortillas, this recipe is gluten-free. Just make sure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have severe allergies.

Conclusion

One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos are a perfect weeknight dinner, delivering a combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors all in one dish. With minimal prep and cleanup, this recipe is a must-try for taco lovers looking for an easy, delicious meal. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite toppings, this dish is sure to become a regular on your dinner table.