One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet easy to prepare. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with sweet pineapple, all roasted together on a single pan for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just having dinner with family, these tacos are sure to impress with their vibrant taste and simple preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful: The combination of chipotle paste, honey, and lime creates a unique and exciting flavor profile.
- Versatile: Serve these tacos as a main dish or use the filling in salads or burrito bowls.
- Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooked on one pan, you save time on both cooking and cleaning.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, these tacos are a healthier choice without sacrificing taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, gather your essential tools before starting. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking tray
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Chopping board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking tray: Provides ample space for roasting chicken and pineapple evenly.
- Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing the marinade ingredients while allowing enough room to toss the chicken thoroughly.
Ingredients
An easy sheet pan al Pastor-inspired chicken and pineapple taco recipe perfect for serving on busy weeknights.
For the Chicken & Pineapple Filling
- 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 200g fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 small shallot
- juice 1 lime, plus extra wedges for serving
- small handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
For the Marinade
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp chipotle paste
- 2 tbsp runny honey
- 1 1/2 tsp tomato puree
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large garlic cloves
How to Make One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Crush the garlic into the sauce. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the marinade until well coated. Set aside while preheating the oven.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Once heated, spread the marinated chicken across a baking tray and sprinkle over the pineapple chunks.
Step 3: Roast Chicken & Pineapple
Roast in the oven for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen!
Step 4: Prepare Accompaniments
While roasting, peel and finely chop the shallot. Prepare the avocado by cubing it. If you’re using corn tortillas, lightly char them in a hot frying pan or directly on an AGA hot plate.
Step 5: Assemble Tacos
Remove the chicken and pineapple from the oven. Squeeze lime juice over everything on the tray and toss with chopped shallot. Serve sprinkled with coriander alongside avocado cubes and taco wraps.
Enjoy your delicious One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos!
How to Serve One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
Serving One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos is a delightful experience. These tacos can be customized to suit your taste and preferences, making for a fun meal that everyone will enjoy.
Fresh Garnishes
- Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with extra lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos.
- Sliced Jalapeños: Add some heat with sliced jalapeños for those who like it spicy.
Toppings Bar
- Guacamole: Offer creamy guacamole for added richness and texture.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can balance the spices perfectly.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa adds a zesty kick and freshness to each bite.
Tortilla Options
- Corn Tortillas: Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option that pairs well with the flavors.
- Flour Tortillas: For a softer experience, opt for flour tortillas which can hold the filling nicely.
How to Perfect One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
To elevate your One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos, consider these tips. They will help you create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and perfect every time.
- Marinate Longer: Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh pineapple and herbs to enhance the taste significantly.
- Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of chipotle paste based on your spice preference.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or onions for additional texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
Pairing side dishes with your One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices that complements the tacos beautifully.
- Refried Beans: Creamy beans add protein and richness to your meal, making it more filling.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing salad with corn, tomatoes, and dressing brings a sweet crunch.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and onions add color and nutrients.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make an excellent starter or snack.
- Black Bean Salad: A hearty salad featuring black beans, corn, and cilantro provides fiber and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the dish’s flavor and presentation.
- Ignoring marinade time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate properly results in less flavor. Aim for at least 15-30 minutes for the best taste.
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too much chicken and pineapple on the baking tray can lead to steaming instead of roasting. Ensure there’s enough space between ingredients for even cooking.
- Using unripe avocado: An unripe avocado won’t have the creamy texture you want. Choose ripe avocados for the best flavor and consistency.
- Forgetting lime juice: Skipping the lime juice at the end dulls the flavors. Always squeeze fresh lime over your tacos before serving for a zesty kick.
- Neglecting toppings: Not using fresh toppings like coriander or avocado can make your tacos less appealing. Don’t forget to add these for added freshness and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
- Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and heat on a baking tray until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, checking every 30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat until heated, adding a splash of water if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may require slightly less cooking time.
What type of tortillas work best?
Both corn and flour tortillas are suitable. Choose based on your personal preference for texture and flavor.
How can I customize One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos?
Feel free to add other toppings like diced jalapeños, sour cream, or shredded cheese for added flavor and texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chipotle paste adds some heat, but you can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance or opt for mild alternatives.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something quick yet satisfying. Give it a try, and enjoy a delightful meal that will please everyone at your table!
One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos are a delightful and quick meal option perfect for busy weeknights. This easy recipe features tender chicken thighs combined with sweet pineapple, all roasted together on a single pan. The mix of chipotle paste, honey, and lime creates a unique flavor profile that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With minimal cleanup and the ability to customize with your favorite toppings, these tacos are not just delicious but also versatile enough for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 200g fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 small shallot
- Juice of 1 lime
- Small handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp chipotle paste
- 2 tbsp runny honey
- 1 ½ tsp tomato puree
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large garlic cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients: chipotle paste, honey, tomato puree, salt, and crushed garlic.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss in the marinade until well coated. Set aside.
- Spread marinated chicken on a baking tray and top with pineapple chunks.
- Roast for 30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
- While roasting, chop shallot and cube avocado. Lightly char tortillas if desired.
- Once cooked, squeeze lime juice over the mixture before assembling tacos with toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
