One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos is the perfect dish for busy weeknights. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines tender chicken thighs with sweet pineapple, making every bite a delight. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or whipping up something quick for your family, these tacos will impress. Plus, they’re made in just one pan, saving you time on cleanup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 40 minutes, you can whip this meal together even on the busiest nights.
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of chipotle paste and honey creates a deliciously balanced flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these tacos with corn or flour tortillas and add your favorite toppings for extra flair!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from fresh pineapple and avocado, this dish is as nutritious as it is tasty.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything on one pan means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking tray
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Chopping board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking tray: A good-quality baking tray ensures even cooking and makes it easy to roast the chicken and pineapple together.
- Medium bowl: This is essential for mixing the marinade thoroughly, ensuring all flavors are well combined.
- Knife: A sharp knife helps you chop ingredients quickly and safely, making prep work a breeze.
Ingredients
An easy sheet pan al Pastor-inspired chicken and pineapple taco recipe perfect for serving on busy weeknights.
For the Chicken & Pineapple
- 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 200g fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 small shallot
- juice 1 lime, plus extra wedges for serving
- small handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped
For Serving
- 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
How to Make One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Crush the garlic into the sauce.
- Roughly chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss the chicken in the marinade until well coated; set aside while preheating the oven.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
- Once heated, spread the marinated chicken across a baking tray.
- Sprinkle over the pineapple chunks evenly.
Step 3: Roast in Oven
- Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Check that there’s no pink left in the chicken before removing it from the oven.
Step 4: Prepare Toppings
- While waiting for the chicken to cook, peel and finely chop the shallot.
- Prepare your avocado by cubing it.
- If using corn tortillas, lightly char them in a hot frying pan or directly on an AGA hot plate.
Step 5: Serve Your Tacos
- Remove chicken and pineapple from oven once done.
- Squeeze lime juice over everything on the tray; toss with chopped shallot.
- Serve sprinkled with fresh coriander alongside avocado and taco wraps.
Now you have everything you need to create delicious One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos! Enjoy your meal!
How to Serve One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
Serving One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos is all about enhancing their vibrant flavors and textures. These tacos are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for various toppings and sides that can elevate your meal experience.
Fresh Toppings
- Chopped Cilantro – Adds a burst of freshness that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Sliced Jalapeños – For those who enjoy a spicy kick, fresh jalapeños can bring heat to your tacos.
- Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime juice enhances the flavors and adds acidity.
Creamy Additions
- Guacamole – The creamy texture of avocado provides a rich contrast to the savory chicken.
- Sour Cream – Drizzling sour cream on top adds a tangy flavor that balances the spiciness of the chipotle.
Crunchy Elements
- Shredded Cabbage – A handful of crunchy cabbage offers a delightful texture and freshness.
- Pico de Gallo – This fresh salsa adds brightness and a medley of flavors to each bite.
How to Perfect One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
To make your One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos even more delightful, consider these tips. They will help you achieve the best results possible while keeping it simple.
- Marinate Well – Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes intensifies its flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh pineapple and herbs will enhance the overall taste of your tacos.
- Preheat Your Oven – Ensuring your oven is hot before roasting helps to caramelize the chicken and pineapple nicely.
- Try Different Tortillas – Experiment with both corn and flour tortillas for varied textures and flavors.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
Pairing side dishes with One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful dish.
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with spices provides a hearty base for your taco feast.
- Black Beans – Seasoned black beans are nutritious and add fiber, making them a great accompaniment.
- Corn Salad – A refreshing corn salad with lime dressing adds sweetness and crunch.
- Charred Vegetables – Grilled or roasted veggies add smoky flavor and color to your plate.
- Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans offer richness that pairs beautifully with tacos.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – Grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese, mayo, and chili powder is a crowd-pleaser.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.
- Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the chicken enough time to marinate can result in bland tacos. Ensure you give it at least 20 minutes for the flavors to develop.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry and tough. Always check that it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) but no more.
- Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using canned or frozen pineapple instead of fresh can impact flavor. Opt for fresh pineapple chunks for a sweet and juicy addition.
- Neglecting Tortilla Preparation: Serving cold tortillas can make your tacos less enjoyable. Warm your tortillas either in the oven or on a skillet for a better texture.
- Forgetting About Toppings: Skipping toppings like avocado and coriander diminishes flavor and freshness. Always include these for a vibrant taco experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
- Freeze chicken and pineapple mixture in a freezer-safe container.
- It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts; just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs.
What if I don’t have chipotle paste?
You can use other spicy sauces or even taco seasoning as an alternative, though the flavor will vary.
How do I customize my One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos?
Feel free to add beans, bell peppers, or different spices according to your taste preferences for added variety.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and chop ingredients ahead of time; just store them separately until you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos are not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners. The dish is versatile, allowing you to customize with your favorite toppings or spices. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos total) 1x
Description
One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos are a delightful culinary experience that transforms busy weeknights into a flavorful fiesta. This simple yet mouthwatering recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a zesty chipotle and honey blend, roasted alongside sweet pineapple chunks for an irresistible combination. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or hosting friends, these tacos deliver on taste and ease. Plus, with only one pan to clean, you’ll have more time to enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 200g fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 small shallot
- Juice of 1 lime, plus extra for serving
- 2 tbsp chipotle paste
- 2 tbsp runny honey
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together chipotle paste, honey, tomato puree, salt, and crushed garlic.
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces, coat with the marinade, and let it sit while the oven heats.
- Spread marinated chicken and pineapple on a baking tray.
- Roast for about 30 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- While roasting, prepare toppings: mince shallot and cube avocado.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet if desired.
- Serve the roasted mixture in tortillas topped with shallot, avocado, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
