Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 cup Fresh or canned pineapple chunks (drained, if canned)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Taco seasoning blend
- 1/4 cup Pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 12 Small corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Season the chicken with the salt.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the taco seasoning, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken and dissolve the sugar.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken pieces and shred or dice them, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with the pineapple sauce.
- Step 4: While the chicken mixture finishes simmering, warm the tortillas according to package directions (either quickly frying them in a dry skillet or heating them in the microwave).
- Step 5: Assemble the tacos by spooning 2-3 tablespoons of the pineapple chicken filling into the center of each warmed tortilla. Serve immediately, optionally topped with cilantro or lime wedges.
Notes
- Store leftover pineapple chicken filling tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; keep tortillas separate to prevent sogginess.
- To reheat the filling, place it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of extra pineapple juice or water, covering briefly to restore moisture.
- Enhance the tropical flavor profile by topping the tacos with crumbled Cotija cheese or a quick lime-cabbage slaw for added crunch.
- For maximum flavor depth, ensure the cubed chicken gets a good brown crust in Step 1 before adding the sweet and acidic pineapple sauce mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American