Take taco night to the next level with these Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa. Juicy marinated chicken with a zesty chili-lime kick is tucked into warm tortillas and topped with sweet, smoky grilled pineapple salsa. Every bite is a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet—fresh, vibrant, and totally irresistible!
Why You’ll Love These Tacos
- Bold & Refreshing Flavors – The chili lime marinade pairs perfectly with the smoky-sweet pineapple salsa.
- Easy Weeknight Meal – Simple to prep and ready in 30 minutes.
- Summer Vibes All Year – Grilled pineapple brings tropical flavor even on chilly nights.
- Customizable Toppings – Dress them up with avocado, cabbage, or crema for your perfect taco.
Ingredients
For the Chili Lime Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice & zest of 2 limes
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for balance)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Grilled Pineapple Salsa:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple rings
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- Shredded cabbage or lettuce (optional)
- Avocado slices or guacamole (optional)
- Sour cream or Mexican crema (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken – In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice/zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours).
- Grill the Chicken – Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F/74°C). Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Grill the Pineapple – Grill pineapple rings for 2–3 minutes per side until charred. Dice and combine with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to make salsa.
- Assemble the Tacos – Layer tortillas with shredded cabbage, chili lime chicken, grilled pineapple salsa, and your favorite toppings.
- Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Tips & Variations
- Swap Protein – Try shrimp, steak, or tofu with the same marinade.
- Make it Creamy – Add a drizzle of chipotle mayo or avocado crema.
- Taco Bar Style – Serve everything separately so everyone can build their own tacos.
Perfect Pairings
These tacos pair beautifully with:
- Cilantro lime rice or Mexican street corn
- A chilled margarita or refreshing agua fresca
🌮✨ These Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa are fresh, smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy—perfect for taco Tuesday or your next summer cookout!