Name: Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian Fusion
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 shallots, chopped; 1/3 cup pickled ginger; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1/3 cup soy sauce or tamari; 1-3 tablespoons sriracha; 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks (divided: 2 cups for cooking, 1 cup for salsa); 1-2 jalapeños; warm tortillas; shredded lettuce; avocado slices; 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 1/3 cup mayo; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup fresh basil; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives; 1 roasted jalapeño, seeded if desired; kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·4 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant and mouthwatering dish that bursts with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, you absolutely have to try this Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe. Imagine tender chicken infused with tangy pineapple and aromatic garlic, paired with a fresh, zesty salsa that’s both sweet and fiery. These tacos bring together tropical island vibes and bold Mexican flair in one unforgettable bite, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as your own little celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of shredded cooked meat with golden-brown tones mixed with small pieces of yellow vegetables, spread thinly on a rustic baking tray. On top of the meat, there are two long grilled green peppers with char marks, giving a slightly blackened texture. Near the peppers, a pair of silver tongs holds some of the meat, and there is a small green herb sprig adding a fresh touch. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from juicy sweetness to lively heat. They are simple but star performers that make this dish sing and deliver a tempting texture and irresistible color palette.

Chicken breasts or thighs (2 pounds): Choose your favorite cut; thighs add more juiciness while breasts keep it lean.
Garlic (4 cloves, chopped): Provides a punchy depth of flavor that wakes up the palate.
Shallots (2, chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and a hint of mild onion sharpness.
Pickled ginger (1/3 cup): Brings a tangy brightness that complements the savory chicken beautifully.
Chili powder (2 teaspoons): Delivers gentle warmth and spice, a key element for authentic taste.
Soy sauce or tamari (1/3 cup): Introduces umami richness, balancing sweet and spicy notes effortlessly.
Sriracha (1 to 3 tablespoons): Adjust this to your heat tolerance for a customizable kick.
Fresh pineapple chunks (3 cups): The star tropical fruit that offers juicy sweetness and refreshing acidity.
Fresh cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds a bright, herbal lift to both the chicken and salsa.
Jalapeños (1 to 2): Infuses the salsa with vibrant heat and a fresh, crisp bite.
Warm tortillas: Soft, warm tortillas are essential for wrapping up all the delicious fillings.
Shredded lettuce: Adds crunch and a fresh counterbalance to the rich chicken.
Avocado: Creamy avocado slices provide luscious texture and mellow flavor.
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Creates a cooling ranch-style sauce that’s a dream with spicy elements.
Mayo (1/3 cup): Enriches the creaminess in the jalapeño ranch sauce.
Lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Offers a tangy brightness that awakens the flavor layers.
Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Adds a hint of savory complexity and depth.
Fresh basil (1 cup): Infuses the sauce with fresh, aromatic notes that round out the flavors.
Fresh cilantro (1/2 cup): Again for maximum herbaceous punch in the sauce.
Chopped fresh chives (1/4 cup): Brings a gentle oniony crispness to the creamy sauce.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every taste.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Combine and Cook the Chicken

Start by tossing the chicken, garlic, shallots, pickled ginger, chili powder, soy sauce or tamari, sriracha, and 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks into your cooking vessel. Whether you choose an Instant Pot, oven, or crockpot, this combination will infuse the chicken with a lovely balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Instant Pot lovers can cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, while those baking should roast at 425°F for about 30 minutes, and slow cooker fans can simmer on low for 3 to 4 hours. No matter the method, the chicken will turn tender and packed with tropical goodness.

Step 2: Shred and Broil the Chicken

Once you’ve got juicy, cooked chicken, shred it using forks so it soaks up every bit of the sauce. Spread the shredded meat onto a greased baking sheet, scatter some sliced jalapeños on top, and broil for 10 to 15 minutes until the edges start to char slightly. This step caramelizes the natural sugars in the pineapple and gives a smoky, almost crispy edge that’s absolutely addictive.

Step 3: Prepare the Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa

While the chicken broils, mix the remaining fresh pineapple with chopped cilantro for a refreshing pineapple salsa that’s juicy and bursting with herbaceous notes. The jalapeños add a gentle heat that complements rather than overpowers, making this salsa the perfect bright topping for the rich chicken.

Step 4: Whip Up the Jalapeño Ranch Sauce

Blend together sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, basil, cilantro, chives, and one roasted jalapeño (seeded if you prefer less heat) until smooth and creamy. This cool, zesty ranch sauce ties all the flavors together, adding a luscious, tangy finish to your tacos.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Warm your tortillas, spoon on a generous amount of that beautifully charred chicken, layer with pineapple salsa, drizzle with jalapeño ranch, and add shredded lettuce and creamy avocado slices for texture and freshness. These tacos are bursting with layers of flavor and will make your taste buds dance.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Two grilled corn tortillas with dark char marks hold layers of shredded caramel-colored meat mixed with small yellow pineapple chunks and green cilantro leaves. Beneath the meat is a bed of finely shredded green lettuce. A light green creamy sauce is drizzled over the top, adding texture and contrast. The tacos are placed on parchment paper on a white plate, accompanied by fresh lime wedges showing both cut and whole pieces. The background features a white marbled texture with a glass jar of pale green sauce visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro sprigs, extra sliced jalapeños for those who love heat, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice are perfect final touches. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Serve with cool, creamy coleslaw to balance the spicy tang or a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. Black beans or Mexican street corn make wonderful hearty accompaniments, great for rounding out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn your Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe into a taco salad bowl by layering all ingredients over a bed of greens and tortilla chips. Or pack the filling into lettuce wraps for a light, low-carb option perfect for summer gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover chicken and salsa in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This separation preserves freshness and prevents the tortillas from getting soggy if you haven’t assembled the tacos yet.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken mix (without the fresh salsa or ranch sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and garnish freshly to keep those vibrant flavors intact.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. Rewarm tortillas wrapped in foil in a low oven or microwave and add fresh salsa and sauce after reheating for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pineapple for this Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen pineapple works well when fresh isn’t an option. Just thaw and drain any excess juice before using to keep your salsa from becoming too watery.

What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I make this milder?

Definitely. Reduce or omit the jalapeños and sriracha, or remove seeds before adding peppers to tone down the heat. The dish still shines with its tropical and savory flavors.

Is it okay to use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work fine and provide a leaner option, although thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during cooking.

Can this recipe be made vegan or vegetarian?

For a plant-based twist, substitute the chicken with grilled pineapple, mushrooms, or jackfruit and swap out mayo and sour cream for vegan alternatives. The salsa and seasonings remain fantastic in this adapted version.

What kind of tortillas work best?

Soft corn or flour tortillas both work beautifully. Warm them well before assembling to make folding easier and enhance their flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe is a tropical paradise on a plate and a total crowd-pleaser. With its gorgeous mix of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and spicy jalapeño ranch, it’s a joyful dish to make any time you want a flavorful getaway without leaving your kitchen. I promise once you try it, it’ll become a much-loved favorite in your cooking repertoire.