This one pan chicken and pineapple taco recipe is an easy, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that brings sweet, smoky, and spicy together beautifully. I roast everything on a single tray, making cleanup a breeze, while the combination of juicy chicken and caramelized pineapple keeps things fresh and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how effortless this dish is to prepare. The chipotle-honey marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavor while the pineapple adds a juicy burst of sweetness. Roasting it all together means less time at the stove and more time relaxing. I serve it with creamy avocado, fresh coriander, and warm tortillas for a taco night that’s anything but ordinary.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the tacos:
4 skinless boneless chicken thighs
200 g 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
1½ tsp tomato purée
1 tsp salt
2 garlic cloves, crushed
directions
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I mix the chipotle paste, honey, tomato purée, salt, and crushed garlic in a bowl to create the marinade.
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I chop the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the marinade until fully coated. I let it sit while preheating the oven to 200°C (392°F).
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On a large baking tray, I spread out the marinated chicken and scatter the pineapple chunks over the top.
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I roast everything for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the pineapple begins to caramelize.
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While that’s cooking, I finely chop the shallot and cube the avocado. I warm or lightly char the tortillas in a dry pan.
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Once the tray is out of the oven, I squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and pineapple, then toss it together with the chopped shallot.
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I serve the mixture with the avocado, sprinkle with coriander, and let everyone assemble their tacos using the warm tortillas.
Servings and timing
Serves 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
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I double the recipe when cooking for four, spreading everything across two trays and rotating them halfway through baking.
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I use canned pineapple when fresh isn’t available—it’s slightly less caramelized but still works well.
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I’ve swapped the chicken thighs for chicken breast; it’s a bit leaner but still delicious.
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For extra toppings, I sometimes add pickled red onions, shredded cabbage, or jalapeños.
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I make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken with roasted tofu or mushrooms.
storage/reheating
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I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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To reheat, I spread the mixture on a baking tray and warm it in the oven at 180°C (356°F) until heated through.
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I warm the tortillas separately so they stay soft.
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This recipe freezes well—although the texture of the pineapple changes slightly, it’s still flavorful after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, I’ve used chicken breast before. It cooks a bit faster and is leaner, so I keep an eye on the oven to avoid drying it out.
What tortillas work best for this recipe?
I use either small corn or flour tortillas. Corn gives a more traditional flavor, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to fold.
How spicy is the chipotle marinade?
It’s moderately spicy with a nice smoky depth. I adjust the chipotle paste to taste if I want it milder or hotter.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then I just pop it in the oven when I’m ready.
What side dishes go well with these tacos?
I like serving these with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These one pan chicken and pineapple tacos have become a go-to recipe in my kitchen. They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for when I want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight or an easy dinner with friends, I know this recipe will always hit the spot
Print
One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sheet Pan
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
An easy and flavorful sheet-pan taco recipe inspired by tacos al pastor, made with juicy marinated chicken, caramelized pineapple, and fresh toppings for a fuss-free, vibrant meal.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 200 g fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 small shallot
- Juice of 1 lime, plus extra wedges
- Small handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp chipotle paste
- 2 tbsp runny honey
- 1½ tsp tomato puree
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
Instructions
- Whisk together chipotle paste, honey, tomato puree, salt, and crushed garlic in a medium bowl.
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss in the marinade to coat. Let it sit while preheating the oven.
- Preheat oven to 200 °C (392 °F). Spread marinated chicken on a baking tray and scatter pineapple chunks on top.
- Roast for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and pineapple is caramelized.
- While baking, finely chop shallot, cube avocado, and warm or char the tortillas in a hot pan.
- Remove tray from oven, squeeze over lime juice, and toss with chopped shallot.
- Serve with avocado, sprinkle with coriander, and pair with warm tortillas.
Notes
- Double the recipe for more servings—use two trays and rotate halfway through.
- Canned pineapple works in place of fresh, though fresh caramelizes better.
- Chicken breast can be substituted but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add shredded cabbage, jalapeños, or sour cream for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored up to 3 days in the fridge or frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg