Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Chicken Tacos seeping with a rainbow of chili lime spices, piled with sweet and smoky Grilled Pineapple Salsa and drizzled with silky Avocado Crema might just become your favorite chicken taco recipe EVER! Readers call them: “absurdly good!,” “mouth watering!!” “AMAZING!” and “hands down the best tacos I’ve ever made and definitely some of the best tacos I’ve ever had.

Watch How to Make Pineapple Chicken Tacos



 

Why you’ll love Pineapple Chicken Tacos

  • Bursting with Flavor: The combination of zesty chili lime chicken and sweet, caramelized grilled pineapple creates an irresistible blend of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors all drizzled with silky avocado crema to marry it all together.
  • Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. Bonus: The chicken doesn’t require longer than 20 minutes to marinate for incredible flavor!
  • Prep Ahead Friendly: The chicken, salsa, and crema can be prepared ahead of time so your chicken tacos can come together in a flash at dinner time! 
  • Healthy and Fresh: Packed with lean protein, fresh fruits, and vibrant vegetables, this recipe offers a nutritious meal without compromising on taste.
  • Perfect for Indoor or Outdoor Grilling: The chicken and salsa can be cooked outdoors for unparalleled smoky nuances but can also be cooked on an indoor grill pan to be enjoyed yearround!
  • Crowd-Pleaser: These tacos are sure to impress guests with their unique flavor combination and vibrant presentation, making them a hit at any gathering-just read the comments!
  • Leftovers Make Great Meals: The leftover chicken and salsa can be repurposed into salads, wraps, or bowls, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

top view of serving lime chicken tacos on a platter with pineapple salsa
ingredient icon

Ingredients for Lime Chicken Tacos

There are three components to this recipe: 1) chili lime chicken, 2) pineapple salsa, and 3) avocado crema-but please don’t be intimidated! They are easy to make and worth every second. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need for each (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Chili Lime Chicken: You may use chicken breasts or thighs-whichever you prefer! The ingredient list looks lengthy, but 95% of them are spices that are simply whisked together in seconds. Olive oil, a hint of brown sugar, lime juice and zest round out the robust flavor profile.
  • Pineapple Salsa: This salsa is made with grilled sweet and smoky caramelized pineapple, red bell peppers, red onions, and jalapeno tossed with lime, cilantro, and a hint of cumin and ginger.  It can be enjoyed fresh or grilled-but I highly encourage grilled for intense caramelized smoky sweetness.
  • Tortillas: Use corn or flour tortillas. I especially love corn for their nutty, sweet corn flavor. Freshly made or homemade corn tortillas are best or packages that say, “organic” or “made in small batches.”  I love La Tortilla Factory brand found at Sprouts, Whole Foods and at many major grocery stores.  You can also pick them up on Amazon here.  They are more expensive than the flimsy, dry, cheap packages BUT so worth it!  
  • Shredded Cheese: This is optional, but adds yet another depth of YUM. Use a milder cheese like Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack if you love heat.
  • Avocado Crema:  This is my favorite topping for all my taco recipes-just try to resist the siren calls! It’s a marriage of avocados, sour cream and lime juice, is wonderfully silky, tangy and just takes minutes in your blender.  The luscious, refreshing tanginess cuts through and compliments the robust, smoky flavors.

How to Make Chicken Tacos

Let’s take a closer look at how to make Pineapple Chicken Tacos with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Step 1: Marinate Chili Lime Chicken Whisk the wet rub ingredients together, then rub it over the chicken. Marinate for as little as 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
showing how to make pineapple chicken tacos by marinating the chicken
  • Step 2: Cook the Chicken. The chicken can be grilled, cooked in an indoor grill pan, or skillet.
showing how to make pineapple chicken tacos by grilling the chicken, then slicing
  • Step 3: Make the Pineapple Salsa. Grill the pineapple, bell pepper, jalapeno and onions until charred. Chop, then toss with lime juice and spices.
showing how to make pineapple chicken tacos by making pineapple salsa
  • Step 4: Make the Avocado Crema. Combine the avocado, sour cream, lime juice and seasonings in the blender and blend until smooth.
showing how to make pineapple chicken tacos by making avocado crema with avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise and lime juice in a blender
  • Step 5: Assemble. Melt the cheese on the tortillas in the microwave or stovetop then top with Chili Lime Chicken, Pineapple Salsa followed by Avocado Crema. Dig in!
showing how to make chicken tacos by layering the lime chicken, salsa and avocado on a corn tortilla

Tips for the Best Chicken Tacos

  • Use fresh pineapple. Ripe pineapple is a must, please don’t be tempted to use canned! To tell if a pineapple is ripe, look for a golden-yellow color on the skin, particularly near the base, and a sweet, fragrant aroma at the stem end. The pineapple should also have a slight give when gently squeezed, and its leaves should be easy to pull out from the crown.
  • Use Quality Tortillas. You can taste the difference!
  • Char tortillas. It’s best to use the grill or the flame of a gas stove to achieve the authentic nutty char. Using the microwave or oven won’t achieve the same flavor.
  • Adjust crema to taste. The avocado crema should be independently craveable. I usually add more salt and lime juice. As always, taste first!
  • Spice it up. The spice level as written is not very spicy, just flavorful. If your chicken feels like it’s missing something, it is probably a depth of heat, so add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Use a clean, hot grill.  Heat up the grill with the lid closed cranked to the maximum temperature so it can achieve temperature more quickly; plan on 10 minutes.  Once the grill is hot, adjust the temperature and clean with a wire grill brush to remove any residue if needed.  Don’t add the chicken until the grill reaches temperature or you won’t get that coveted char.
  • Don’t overcook!  Use a meat thermometer to eliminate all of the guess work to achieve succulent, juicy chicken every time.  You can pick up an inexpensive instant read thermometer at the grocery store or Amazon, or I am obsessed with this digital probe thermometer – you will never overcook any protein again! 

up close of lime chicken tacos showing juicy chicken

Chicken Taco REcipe variations

  • Swap Salsa: Try a different salsa to change the flavor profile every time by trying a different salsa! Choose from: Corn Salsa, Mango Salsa, Pineapple Mango Salsa, Black Bean and Corn Salsa, Corn Avocado Salsa, Pico de Gallo, or Strawberry Salsa.
  • Add Beans: Black, pinto, etc. 
  • Add Veggies: You can add any veggies you desire, such as corn, bell peppers, zucchini, sweet potatoes, and spinach. 
  • Spicy Kick: Add additional jalapeños to the salsa, swap them for serrano peppers, or drizzle chipotle sauce over top—it’s so good!  
  • Tropical Fusion: Swap the pineapple for grilled mango or peaches to create a different fruity flavor profile.
  • Add Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut over the tacos to enhance the tropical vibe.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
  • Low-Carb: Serve the chicken and salsa in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a lighter, low-carb version.
  • Skip the Tacos: Add the chicken, pineapple salsa, and avocado crema to greens to make a salad, to rice to make grain bowls, to burrito-size tortillas to make quesadillas, over cheesy chips to make tropical nachos, etc.

How to serve Lime Chicken Tacos

These chicken tacos are fabulous with any of the following options:

up close of holding a chicken taco showing the charred tortilla

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Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Chili Lime Chicken Tacos seeping with a rainbow of chili lime spices, topped with oozing Jack cheese, sweet and smoky Grilled Pineapple Salsa and drizzled with silky Avocado Crema.  Holiday worthy.  Every day easy.
Servings: 2 -4
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

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Ingredients

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

Instructions

  • Prepare Chili Lime Chicken (click here) and Grilled Pineapple Salsa (click here) according to the directions.
  • Avocado Crema: Add the ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth, scraping sides down as needed. I typically add additional lime juice and salt to taste. You can make this 4 hours ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against its surface.
  • To Assemble: Melt the cheese on the tortillas in the microwave or stovetop, then top with the Chili Lime Chicken, Pineapple Salsa, and Avocado Crema.

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Carlsbad Cravings© Originally published 5/21/2015, updated 8/27/24

Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with pine apple and lime.

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72 Comments

  1. Thao @ In Good Flavor says

    This taco is the bomb! The salsa is fantastic—I love grilled pineapples, and I can only imagine how it elevates the entire dish.

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much! Yes, grilled pineapple is AMAZING! It makes everything better – like these tacos 🙂

  2. Whitney says

    I came across this yesterday and knew I had to get to the store to get the ingredients! I did not grill, and I know that they would have been even better if I did, but it was all nonetheless delicious. I have a fairly picky boyfriend, and he just gobbled up 2 of them. I wasn’t sure about making pineapple salsa, but I think I like it. And the avocado crema, obviously great. It really was all a great combination, and your pictures are beautiful!!

    • Jen says

      Hi Whtiney, I am so happy you found this recipe and I love that you went to the store right away – and I am SO Happy they did not dissapoint – yay! I hope you find more recipes to love here!

  3. Martin says

    Damn that look tasty! I’ll put this on my cooking list.

    • Jen says

      Thank you! I am excited for you to make them!

  4. Rochelle says

    Made this for dinner tonight and received raving reviews from everyone! The flavor combinations were amazing! I had to keep myself from eating all of the avocado crema before the tacos were ready. 🙂

    • Jen says

      YAY! So happy the tacos received rave reviews and I hear ya about the avocado crema – it is SO addicting! Thanks so much Rochelle!

  5. Tanya says

    Looks yummy! What kind of tortillas are you showing in the picture? And are they toasted or soft?

    • Jen says

      Hi Tanya! They are soft flour tortillas that I toast in a dry skillet and then I charred the edges over an open flame – delicious but be careful 🙂

  6. Sheila says

    So very delicious! Chicken was so flavorful and I was thrilled it looked just like yours when completed. The pineapple salsa was so good I had to make another batch because we all ate it beforehand with chips. And the Avocado Crema sauce was the absolute best! Thank you so much, Jen.

    • Jen says

      You are so welcome Sheila! Thank you for trying my recipes and commenting – I love it! And I love that you loved these tacos, salsa and crema!!!

  7. Paddi says

    These tacos are amazing!!!! So flavorful, and so pretty!! Everyone -husband and 2 kids(6 &9)- devoured them!! I love grilled pineapple, and your salsa made all the chopping totally worth it!
    I have made 3 or 4 of your recipes and every one is a winner! You are my go to recipe site – I love that your recipes are healthy and so fresh! This one is my personal favorite. Thank you for sharing your talent with us!!

    • Jen says

      Hi Paddi! You are too kind! I am so happy you loved the tacos and the other recipes of mine you have tied – yay! Thank you so much for making my day!

  8. Therese says

    WOW!!!! There is nothing not to love about these chicken tacos! love the flavors of the salsa from grilling the pineapple and veggies! Added mango too 🙂 And the avocado creme was so good we were eating out of the bowl! These are now our go to for tacos! Only been a couple of weeks since I made them and the family is already requesting them again!!!!! Can’t say no to these. 🙂 I’ve been spreading the word to my friends about your amazing recipes! May God continue to Bless you as you have been a blessing to us through your recipes!!!!

    • Jen says

      I haven’t made these tacos in a while but your comment is making me crave them right now, thank you! I love the complex flavors in this dish and like you, eat the crema from the bowl – I just can’t get enough! And I love that you added mango to the salsa – mango makes everything better! Thank you so much for spreading the word about my recipes, that is so thoughtful of you! Thank you for always brightening my day with your kindness, warmth and enthusiasm!

  9. Christina says

    I just made these last night and this recipe turned out AMAZING! I have a little “grill” pan for using on the stove, and everything worked just as well, im sure grilling this in the summer would be even better. Perfect amount of spicy and tangy, this will be something I keep cooking for years to come! I used the leftovers to throw over lettuce for my lunch today – still tasty :]

    • Jen says

      Hi Christina, thank you for your awesome comment! I am thrilled you loved this recipe so much and were able to use your indoor “grill” – perfect! I love the idea of throwing this over lettuce – I see a salad recipe in the near future 🙂 Thank you!

  10. Maria says

    I made these last night and I must say hands down the best tacos I’ve ever made and definitely some of the best tacos I’ve ever had. Fantastic recipe ! I will definitely trying some of your other recipes. Only one question. Do you happen to have nutritional information for these bad boys?
    Cheers!

    • Jen says

      Hi Maria, thank you for the ultimate compliment of being the Best tacos! wahoo! Thrilled you love them so much! I don’t have the nutritional info but you can get it at http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator I hope you have fun trying more of my recipes!

    • Jen says

      Thanks so much Lucy, I think you will love them!

  11. Krista says

    I never comment on pins I’ve tried bc well, as a mom of 5 littles I just don’t have the time! I’m on the Internet enough anyway looking up what to make. Lol. But as my husband stole a bite of chicken off the grill and stated it was absolutely amazing, I knew I had to thank you! My kids said we should have this every week and the youngest are only 3 and 4! Every part of this was amazing! The chicken, mmm so flavorful, the salsa was sweet and fresh and the avocado crema was like the icing on top! Luckily I had all the ingredients on hand and it wasn’t too hard or time consuming to make. Another major plus for me. Thank you in helping us add another recipe to the menu!

    • Jen says

      Hi Krista, thank YOU for taking time to comment even with your crazy busy life! I am so flattered everyone from your husband to your kids loved these tacos and that they were easy to make! I hope you have fun exploring my site and hopefully find some more recipes to add to the menu! Thanks again!

  12. Maren says

    My guy is a picky eater, but something tells me that he’ll love this chicken tacos! Your photos are fantastic, btw. I’ll let you know how they turn out!

    • Jen says

      Hi Maren, I hope both you and your picky eater love these tacos! And thank you so much for your flattery – I have a lot of fun taking the photos!

  13. Judi says

    These are BEYOND amazing! The complex flavor combinations bring this dish to a whole new level for tacos! I will be trying this recipe using shrimp and also will try fish. The crema is superb as a dip with tortilla chips. And the salsa is great on it’s own, as well. So I will be making those two components at times just for munching purposes. Cannot say enough about the flavor profile of these tacos. They are our #1 taco of choice!

    • Jen says

      THANK YOU so much Judi for your sincere compliments! I am so flattered and pleased you loved each component so much and even more together and that they are your #1 taco of choice- yay! I hope you continue to love them all year long and find more recipes to love here!

  14. Betsy says

    This was amazing!! I was tempted to leave out either the salsa or the avocado cream sauce. So glad I didn’t! The combination is phenomenal. It definitely has some heat to it, so use less spice if you don’t like really spicy things. Definitely making this again and again!

    • Jen says

      Hi Betsy, I’m so happy you made both the salsa and the avocado cream sauce and that it was worth it, yay! Thank you so much!

  15. Abi says

    these tacos seems to be very tempting just want to grab them

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much Abi, I hope you can make them soon and grab them in real life 🙂

  16. plasterer bristol says

    Oh delicious, i love this sort of food, Great recipe.

    Simon

  17. Judy says

    I would love to make these taco’s but I can’t have avacado as I’m highly allergic to it. Any suggestions on what I can use in it’s place??? Perhaps salsa???

    • Jen says

      Hi Judy, I would just use sour cream – the pineapple salsa is already very flavorful so they will still be delicious!

  18. Kirsty says

    Hi Jen
    These look so good!! Can’t wait to try them. Very different to the Mexican I’ve cooked in Australia. Thanks for the ideas.

    • Jen says

      You are so welcome Kristy! I love every type of spin on tacos! and hello all the way to Australia!

  19. Kristin says

    Absolutely delicious!!! Another family favorite to add to the meal plan 🙂 Thank you!
    Especially that avocado dip – wow!

    • Jen says

      You are so welcome Kristin! I LOVE the avocado dip too – I want to serve it with everything and have a hard time posting another taco recipe without! So happy it was a hit, thank you!

  20. Melissa says

    Made these for dinner tonight and got the thumbs up from everyone. One little tip of like to throw out there for marinading the chicken. I always cut deep hash marks in any chicken breast that I’m going to end up chopping up to serve. It allows for more surface area to absorb the tasty marinade and cooks faster. It may not look pretty, but it works flavor wise. Also, I threw in a jalapeño with the avocado cream. It wasn’t too hot at all and gave it just a nice amount of kick. We were dipping chips in to before dinner. That’s some tasty stuff! It will be on the menu often. I’m making baked empenadas with the left over chicken we have. Can’t wait.

    • Jen says

      Hi Melissa, so happy these were a hit with everyone – always so nice to find a recipe that gets everyone’s approval! Thank you so much for the tip on the has marks in the chicken- I will definitely try that next time! And I love your addition of jalapeno to the avocado crema – I can almost taste how delicious that must be! I need to make a separate recipe post just for that crema – it seems to be everyone’s fav! Thanks again and have a great weekend!

    • Sue says

      This chicken lime taco is super. Even my picky nephew can’t stop eating it. He doesn’t eat pineapple but h this grilled one he appreciated it so much. Thank you so much for sharing this yummy recipe

      • Jen says

        Thank you so much, Sue! I am thrilled it was such a hit with everyone!

  21. Hugh says

    Made these for the first time last night. Did them on a griddle pan inside instead but even still they were so so good! Everyone loved them, especially the pineapple salsa. Will keep that up my sleeve to use with lots of other recipes. Thanks a lot for the recipe, I’ll definitely be making some more of yours now!

    • Jen says

      Hi Hugh, I am so happy this was such a hit, thank you! I agree, the pineapple salsa really makes this dish – I want to put it on everything! I hope you have fun trying more of my recipes!

  22. Kirsten says

    The spice rub and the salsa have become my go-to taco recipe. They are absurdly good!

    I’ve taken to making multiple batches of the rub (minus the olive oil, lime zest, juice and water), and storing the excess in the freezer until I need it. In the winter, when I can’t get outside to grill, I boil 2 chicken breasts until cooked, shred the meat, then toss with about 3 1/2 tablespoons of the rub, the zest & juice, and 1/3 to 1/2 cup of water in a skillet until heated through. The boiling is an extra step, but because the meat is shredded, the spice covers more surface area.

    Anytime I hear of someone looking for a taco recipe, I point them here. Thank you for sharing your recipes!

    • Jen says

      Awesome Kristen, I’m so glad you love the spice rub and salsa so much! Your method of making multiple batches and freezing/boiling the chicken is a genius way to eat this chicken all year long ad so nice to have dinner at your fingertips! Thanks for sharing!

  23. Siobhan says

    These were so, so good! The rub is amazing; it is slightly spicy but not overpoweringly so. We all enjoyed it! I served these tacos with some grilled achiote shrimp and homemade guacamole and chips. So yummy!

    • Jen says

      Your entire meal sounds SO delicious! Can’t beat homemade guacamole and grilled achiote shrimp – mmmm! So happy these were a winner! Thank you!

  24. Heidi says

    Loved this! I took a chance and made it for the first time when our pastor and his wife’s came over for dinner. It was a hit with everyone!

    • Jen says

      Awesome Heidi, I’m so happy it was a hit escpecially with important company 🙂 Thank you!

  25. Nicole says

    OMG!!! These were absolutely mouth watering!! My family devoured them!! Have you ever tried this chicken recipe in the crockpot?

    • Jen says

      YAY! I’m so pleased they were a hit with your whole family! I haven’t tried them in the crockpot but it should work great!

  26. Anne Lachney says

    I have made these several times and they are always a hit! Lately, I have doubled the recipe so my son (who hates leftovers) can have leftovers per his request. Great recipe! Thanks so much!

    • Jen says

      You are so welcome Anne, I LOVE hearing they are such a hit and “double recipe” worthy! Thank you!

  27. ANNE N LACHNEY says

    Your chili lime chicken recipe is awesome! It has definitely become a family favorite! Thanks so much!

    • Jen says

      That is awesome, thank you so much Anne!

  28. Liz says

    Jen! You are the GREATEST! I discovered your website two months ago and have been literally making your recipes at least 4 times a week with a couple family favorites thrown in there. There is SO MUCH FLAVOR and deliciousness to everything I have made! And the best part, you are literally teaching me how to be a cook. I have been afraid of the grill forever. I have now made two of your chicken marinades and learned from your blog essential grilling tips I never knew. My four teenage boys are LOVING it. I can’t wait until we can host large gatherings again so I can show off my new found skills and your incredible recipes. Thank you!

    • Jen says

      Thank you for making my day Liz! I’m so happy you discovered my site and you’re loving my recipes! I am honored you’re learning new cooking techniques as well, thank you! I hope continue to have exploring and hopefully find some new favorites!

  29. Vicki says

    The chicken was so, so good! And the Avocado Crema, as well. Although the Pineapple Salsa was good, my people didn’t love it so it didn’t get eaten. That chicken though!!!!

    • Jen says

      Thanks Vicki, I’m so pleased the chicken was a hit!

  30. Laura says

    These tacos are amazing, I made sure to make too much so that I had leftovers so I can put it on salads for the next couple days! Absolutely worth it! The salsa is next level and together, a mind blowing combo! I love making fruit salsas and this one was excellent! I love your recipes, your carne asada blows my mind! Thank you for the depths of flavor! It really is what food now a days has been missing!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much for making my day Laura! I’m honored you’re loving my recipes and these tacos were no exception. Thank you!

  31. Liberty says

    Found this recipe in 2017 and took a screen shot. Years later I’ve made this rub and the Avocado crema ….. at least a dozen times! There are not enough good things to say here folks. The rub and chicken are incredible and a great add on to sooooo many recipes and the crema is a treat that is so versatile I add it to everything from salads to using it as dip with spicy takis or chips. This is in my arsenal of amazing flavors forever. Thank you for such powerful and balanced flavors.

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much for taking the time to comment Liberty! I love hearing the rub and crema have become versatile household favorites!

  32. Lynne Brokaw says

    My husband and I had the chili lime chicken tacos yesterday and they were SO GOOD! I had never grilled pineapple before so the sweetness that I encountered was AMAZING! These will be in my recipe arsenal forever.

    Thanks so much for sharing this recipe!

    • Jen says

      You’re so welcome Lynne, I’m so pleased you loved them so much! Grilled pineapple is a game changer!

  33. Hailey says

    These tacos are SO good. I didn’t have time to grill all of the salsa ingredients so I just grilled the pineapple and it added so much flavor! I can’t wait to make these again. This is the second recipe I’ve made from you this week and so far both have been amazing.

    • Jen says

      Thanks Hailey! I am so glad that you have been loving the recipes! Great prioritizing with the salsa, the grilled pineapple is the absolute best!

  34. Evan Storrs says

    I made this recipe omg best tacos ever was a little weirded out by the pineapple salsa before trying definitely a go to meal now

    • Jen says

      I’m so happy you were pleasantly surprised by the salsa! Glad it’s going to be a repeat meal!