Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa are perfect for any occasion, bringing a burst of flavor to your table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos delight with their spicy, tangy chicken and sweet, smoky salsa. With creamy avocado crema drizzled on top, this dish stands out as both delicious and visually appealing. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these tacos will surely become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The harmony of chili lime spices and grilled pineapple brings an irresistible taste that excites the palate.
- Quick and Easy Prep: With minimal cook time and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these tacos in under an hour.
- Versatile Meal Options: Great for dinners, parties, or meal prep; serve them as is or customize with your favorite toppings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for gatherings, these tacos are guaranteed to impress your guests and keep everyone coming back for more.

Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking process smoother, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes preparing Chili Lime Chicken Tacos simple and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Blender
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Ideal for cooking the chicken evenly while developing those delicious flavors.
- Blender: Essential for creating smooth avocado crema that perfectly complements the tacos.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Salsa
- 1 Recipe All Purpose Chili Lime Chicken
- 1 Recipe Grilled Pineapple Salsa
For the Tacos
- 6-8 corn tortillas or 4 flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup Monterrey or Pepper Jack cheese, more or less (optional)
For the Avocado Crema
- 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
How to Make Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Salsa
- Start by preparing the Chili Lime Chicken according to its recipe.
- Simultaneously, prepare the Grilled Pineapple Salsa as directed.
Step 2: Make Avocado Crema
- In your blender, combine the ingredients: avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Adjust seasoning with extra lime juice or salt to taste. Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
- Heat tortillas by melting cheese on them using a microwave or stovetop method.
- Layer each tortilla with Chili Lime Chicken followed by Grilled Pineapple Salsa.
- Drizzle Avocado Crema generously over each taco before serving.
Enjoy a delightful meal with these Chili Lime Chicken Tacos topped with Grilled Pineapple Salsa! Perfect for any day of the week!
How to Serve Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Serving Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa is an exciting way to bring vibrant flavors to your table. These tacos are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering.
Taco Bar Style
- Set up a taco bar where guests can customize their own tacos. Provide all the ingredients separately, including the Chili Lime Chicken, Grilled Pineapple Salsa, and Avocado Crema.
With Fresh Cilantro
- Garnish each taco with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. The herb complements the spices beautifully and adds color to your dish.
Add Lime Wedges
- Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra zing. A squeeze of fresh lime juice enhances the flavors of the chili and pineapple salsa.
Pair with Refried Beans
- Serve refried beans on the side for a hearty complement. They add protein and make for a filling meal alongside your tacos.
Top with Pickled Red Onions
- Consider adding pickled red onions as a topping. Their tangy flavor contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the pineapple salsa.
How to Perfect Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Perfecting your Chili Lime Chicken Tacos is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish even further.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, ripe avocados, and in-season pineapples make all the difference in flavor.
- Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken overnight in the chili lime mixture before grilling.
- Grill for Flavor: Grill your chicken instead of pan-frying it. The smoky flavor enhances the overall taste of the tacos.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm your tortillas before serving to make them more pliable and delicious.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like Cotija or Queso Fresco for varied flavors.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust spice levels by adding more or less chili powder based on your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Pairing side dishes with your Chili Lime Chicken Tacos can enhance the meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.
- Mexican Street Corn: Charred corn on the cob topped with lime juice, cotija cheese, and chili powder creates a flavorful side that complements tacos perfectly.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with fresh cilantro and lime juice offers a refreshing contrast to spicy tacos.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with tomatoes, onion, and lime makes for a classic dip that pairs wonderfully with any taco night.
- Black Bean Salad: A cold salad made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing adds protein and texture to your meal.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide a satisfying crunch before diving into those delicious tacos.
- Spanish Quinoa: This nutritious alternative adds a nutty flavor while being packed with protein, making it an excellent companion for chicken tacos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced cooks can make errors when preparing Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
- Ignoring the marinade time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate adequately can lead to bland tacos. Ensure you let the chicken soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes or longer for best results.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for 165°F (75°C) for juicy, tender chicken.
- Skipping the crema: Omitting the avocado crema means losing a creamy texture that balances the spices. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for flavor and richness.
- Not grilling the pineapple: Grilling enhances the sweetness and smokiness of the pineapple salsa. Make sure to grill your pineapple slices until they are caramelized for maximum flavor.
- Using stale tortillas: Old tortillas can ruin your taco experience. Always use fresh tortillas and warm them before filling to maintain softness and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
- You can freeze assembled tacos wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- They will last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual tacos on a microwave-safe plate for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm tacos on a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.
How do I make Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa spicy?
You can add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños to increase spiciness. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Monterrey or Pepper Jack cheese is recommended, feel free to substitute with cheddar or queso fresco for different flavor profiles.
What should I serve with Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa?
These tacos pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and pineapple salsa ahead of time. Assemble just before serving for best results.
Final Thoughts
Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite toppings like cilantro or jalapeños. This recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. Give it a try, and enjoy every bite!

Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos) 1x
Description
Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa offer a vibrant mix of flavors that will elevate any meal. Tender, marinated chicken infused with chili and lime spices pairs beautifully with sweet, smoky grilled pineapple salsa. Topped with creamy avocado crema and served in warm tortillas, these tacos are not only a feast for the senses but also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings, they are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the burst of freshness and spice in every bite!
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 (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 teaspoon EACH ground cumin, garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Chili Lime Chicken according to your recipe while simultaneously making the Grilled Pineapple Salsa.
- In a blender, combine avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, cumin, and garlic powder. Blend until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Warm the tortillas and melt cheese on top if desired.
- Assemble each taco by layering the chicken and salsa on the tortilla and drizzling with avocado crema.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (150g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For extra spice, add jalapeños or increase the chili powder in the chicken marinade. Customize your toppings with fresh cilantro or pickled onions for added flavor.