Name: Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 Recipe All Purpose Chili Lime Chicken; 1 Recipe Grilled Pineapple Salsa; 6-8 corn tortillas or 4 flour tortillas; 1/2 cup Monterrey or Pepper Jack cheese, more or less (optional); 1 medium avocado; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 tsp EACH ground cumin, garlic powder

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If you’re on the hunt for a dish that captures the spirit of a summer fiesta, Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa will steal the show. Juicy, boldly spiced chicken, sweet bites of caramelized pineapple, and a dreamy avocado crema are all tucked inside warm, melty tortillas. Every bite offers a lively burst of citrusy tang, smoky char, and creamy coolness that’s equal parts satisfying and unforgettable. This is the taco recipe you’ll crave for weeknight dinners, backyard gatherings, and impressing your most taco-loving friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa so irresistible is the way each simple ingredient delivers a crucial punch of flavor, color, or creamy texture. Let’s break down what you need, and why each item deserves a spot at your taco bar.

Chili Lime Chicken: This is your foundation—spicy, garlicky, and citrus-spiked, freshly grilled and juicy.
Grilled Pineapple Salsa: Pops of sweet, smoky pineapple with fresh cilantro and onion for crunch and brightness.
Corn or Flour Tortillas (6-8 corn or 4 flour): Choose your favorite base—corn for earthiness or flour for pillowy softness.
Monterrey or Pepper Jack Cheese (½ cup, optional): Melty, creamy cheese adds richness and a little spice if you pick Pepper Jack.
Medium Avocado: The secret behind the silky, fresh avocado crema you’ll absolutely want on every bite.
Sour Cream (½ cup): Tangy and cool, it balances the spicy, bold flavors in the chicken.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Makes the avocado crema fluffy and extra smooth.
Lime Juice (1 tablespoon, plus more): A burst of sunshiney acidity to brighten every component.
Salt (½ teaspoon, plus more): Enhances every flavor and makes your crema pop.
Ground Cumin (¼ teaspoon): Adds earthy warmth that makes the dish taste complex and comforting.
Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): A quick hit of garlicky depth in the avocado crema, tying it into the chicken’s seasoning.

How to Make Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Step 1: Prepare the Chili Lime Chicken and Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Start by making your Chili Lime Chicken and Grilled Pineapple Salsa using your favorite tried-and-true recipe, or the linked versions if you’re looking for foolproof perfection. The chicken is best grilled or pan-seared for that smoky char, while the salsa comes alive when the pineapple gets those irresistible golden grill marks. Both components can be made ahead so assembling tacos is a breeze!

Step 2: Whip Up the Avocado Crema

In a blender or food processor, combine your ripe avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, salt, cumin, and garlic powder. Blitz until you have a smooth, pale green sauce. Don’t hesitate to scrape down the sides and add extra lime or salt to suit your taste. This dreamy crema ties together every flavor and can be made up to four hours in advance. If prepping ahead, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto its surface to keep it vibrant and green.

Step 3: Warm and Cheese-Up the Tortillas

It’s amazing how something as simple as melting cheese on a tortilla elevates your taco dining experience. Sprinkle cheese onto your tortillas and melt either in the microwave for a few seconds or on a skillet until gooey and irresistible. Not only does this create a luxe foundation, but it also keeps the tortillas moist and flavorful while holding up to all your tasty toppings.

Step 4: Assemble Your Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Layer slices of your juicy chili lime chicken onto each cheesy tortilla, followed by generous spoonfuls of smoky, sweet grilled pineapple salsa. Drizzle that thick, luscious avocado crema all over, and marvel at your colorful, mouthwatering handiwork. Every bite promises an explosion of flavors and textures, just as tacos should.

How to Serve Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Garnishes

For extra wow factor (and a delightful crunch), finish your tacos with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, sliced jalapeños, or thinly sliced radishes. A sprinkle of extra cheese is never out of place, and if you’re a heat lover, a dash of hot sauce ties it all together.

Side Dishes

Pair Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa with cilantro-lime rice, classic refried beans, or a quick crunchy slaw for balance. If you’re in a celebratory mood, a pitcher of margaritas or even icy cold aguas frescas will keep the vibe lively and festive at your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Invite your guests to assemble their tacos tableside for a fun, interactive dinner. Serve the tacos on a large wooden board family-style, or go casual and offer a DIY taco bar with all the toppings. Not only does it look impressive, but everyone can load up their tacos exactly how they like them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover chili lime chicken and grilled pineapple salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. The avocado crema is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but storing it with a layer of plastic wrap pressed onto its surface helps prevent browning if you need to keep it a bit longer.

Freezing

The chicken can be frozen for up to two months—just cool completely before packing in a freezer-safe bag. Unfortunately, the salsa and avocado crema don’t freeze well due to their watery and creamy nature, so it’s best to make those fresh or use up within a few days.

Reheating

Warm leftover chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until just heated through; add a splash of water or a squeeze of lime to keep it moist. Tortillas can be revived with a few seconds on a dry skillet or in the microwave between damp paper towels.

FAQs

Can I grill the chicken and pineapple ahead of time?

Absolutely! Both the chili lime chicken and the pineapple for the salsa can be grilled a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This makes assembly super fast when you’re ready to eat.

What’s the best way to keep corn tortillas from breaking?

Warm corn tortillas in a damp paper towel in the microwave or quickly on a hot skillet before filling. Melting cheese on them helps, too—it acts as a moisture barrier.

Can I make Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa dairy-free?

Definitely! Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, and swap the sour cream and mayo in the avocado crema for coconut yogurt or an unsweetened plant-based sour cream substitute.

Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level is moderate, but you can always tame it by using Monterrey Jack instead of Pepper Jack or dialing back any chili in the chicken and salsa. Add extra jalapeños if you want to turn up the spice!

What protein alternatives work well in this recipe?

If you don’t eat chicken, grilled shrimp, tofu, or even flaky fish like mahi-mahi take brilliantly to the chili lime marinade and taste amazing topped with the pineapple salsa.

Final Thoughts

Tacos like these don’t come around every day, so don’t wait to bring Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa into your kitchen. Every component is a standout on its own, but together, the flavors just sing. You’ll look forward to taco night, knowing these beauties are on the menu—don’t be surprised when they disappear in minutes! Give them a try and get ready for some seriously happy faces around your table.

Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa are a burst of flavors in every bite. Tangy, spicy chicken paired with sweet and smoky pineapple salsa, all topped with a creamy avocado crema – these tacos are a fiesta for your taste buds!

Instructions

Prepare Chili Lime Chicken: Follow the recipe for All Purpose Chili Lime Chicken.
Prepare Grilled Pineapple Salsa: Follow the recipe for Grilled Pineapple Salsa.
Avocado Crema: Blend avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, cumin, and garlic powder until smooth. Adjust lime juice and salt to taste. Refrigerate if not using immediately.
Assemble Tacos: Melt cheese on tortillas, then top with Chili Lime Chicken, Pineapple Salsa, and Avocado Crema.

Notes

You can customize these tacos with additional toppings like cilantro, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or veggies.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Mixing
Cuisine: Mexican