Thank you McCormick® for sponsoring these Teriyaki Chicken Tacos post. All opinions are my own.
Fire up your grill for Teriyaki Chicken Tacos smothered in the BEST easy teriyaki sauce and piled high with sweet and smoky Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa all drizzled with silky Pineapple Lime Crema! Company worthy. Everyday easy.
Move over Chili Lime Chicken Tacos, there’s a new taco in town. Last year for Memorial Day, I shared my Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa – and they have remained my favorite taco recipe since then. I’ve loved the other taco recipes I’ve posted in between but they did not bump the Chili Lime Chicken Tacos from their coveted pedestal. Until now.
These Teriyaki Chicken Tacos are savory, sweet, spicy, tangy and everything in between to become your new favorite tacos!
Looking for More Teriyaki Recipes?
- One Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Rice
- Teriyaki Meatballs
- Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry,
- Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon
- Teriyaki Chicken Salad with Pineapple Ginger Dressing
- Sweet Chili Teriyaki Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
- Honey Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Sandwich
- Sheet Pan Teriyaki Shrimp, Pineapple and Snap Peas
The symphony of textures starts with a bed of rice layered with Monterey Jack Cheese and then topped with the show stopping teriyaki chicken. Now teriyaki chicken (and subsequently teriyaki chicken tacos), are only as good as the teriyaki marinade/sauce – so the teriyaki sauce better be jaw dropping delicious. To create such encore worthy flavor, I used McCormick® Grill Mates® 7 Spice Teriyaki Single Use Marinade – my jaw is still on the floor.
If you have followed Carlsbad Cravings for any time at all, you know I LOVE spices AKA bold flavors. So to be honest, before I tasted Grill Mates® Teriyaki Sauce, I was strongly tempted to doctor it up a bit but I decided I would try it at least once exactly as is. I should have known, after all, it is McCormick,the king of spices – the marinade was perfect! The chicken was tender, juicy and packed with multi-dimensional flavors – my kind of obsessive worthy chicken!
And obsessive worthy easy. Simply reserve ¼ cup of the teriyaki sauce to toss the chicken in after grilling (stovetop directions also included) and marinate the chicken in the remaining sauce for 30 minutes up to overnight. That’s it! Easy and delicious and just in time for warm weather, stress free grilling!
To pair with this show stopping teriyaki chicken, I wanted something bright and fresh with a nice crunch that would add a sweet, tangy and slightly spicy punch, so I paired it with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa. HEAVEN. I already drooled over the salsa HERE, so I won’t wax too effusive, but let me just say this salsa with its caramelized pineapple and onions, sweet and slightly crunchy pears that add a nice Asian flair, smoky red bell peppers and jalapeno with hints of lime, cilantro, cumin and ginger can stand alone in its deliciousness but makes these Teriyaki Chicken Tacos that much better. As in top spot pedestal better.
Lastly, these tacos are drizzled with super creamy Pineapple Lime Crema which is a simple mixing of pineapple yogurt, lime juice and a touch of mayonnaise – so creamy, sweet, tangy and just so perfect for Teriyaki Chicken Tacos.
If you love everything Tacos, be sure to check out some of my Baja Fish Tacos, Blackened Fish Tacos, Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos, Baked Fiesta Ranch Chicken Tacos, Buffalo Chicken Tacos, Thai Chicken Tacos, Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos and on and on…
Want to try these Teriyaki Chicken Tacos?
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©Carlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com
Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa
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Ingredients
- 1 McCormick® Grill Mates® 7 Spice Teriyaki Single Use Marinade (or sub your favorite)
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4-6 flour tortillas taco-sized
- 2 cups shredded Montery Jack Cheese
- 1 1/4 cups cooked rice
- 1 Recipe Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa
Pineapple Lime Crema
- 5.3 oz pineapple yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 tablespoon lime juice (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Chicken Marinade: Reserve ¼ cup Teriyaki Marinade for after grilling. Pound chicken to an even thickness and poke several times on each side with a fork. Add chicken to a large freezer bag or shallow dish and add remaining Teriyaki Marinade; toss to evenly coat chicken. Marinate 30 minutes at room temperature or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa: Meanwhile prepare Salsa according to directions. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Pineapple Lime Crema: Meanwhile, whisk all of the Pineapple Lime Crema ingredients together in a small bowl. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Chicken Grilling Directions: If chicken has been refrigerated, let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes (time permitting). Meanwhile, grease and preheat grill to medium heat, 375-450°F.
- Grill chicken undisturbed for for 6-7 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through. (An inserted thermometer should read 155 degrees F.) Remove chicken from grill and let rest 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Chicken Stovetop Directions: If chicken has been refrigerated, let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes (time permitting).
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Once very hot, add chicken and cook, undisturbed for 3-5 minutes, or until nicely browned (or blackened if you prefer) on one side. Turn chicken over, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook for approximately 5-7 more minutes (depending on thickness of chicken), or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken and let rest 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Assemble: Toss chicken strips in reserved ¼ cup Teriyaki Sauce until evenly coated. Divide rice evenly among tortillas followed by cheese. Melt cheese on rice in the microwave or stovetop then top with Teriyaki Chicken followed by Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa. Drizzle with Pineapple Lime Crema.
Notes
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Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Jen! This salsa sounds amazing! I love grilled pineapple and the addition of pear just makes it better! I would have to check the sodium content on the marinade as we are “salt sensitive”, which means that we just don’t use much salt and so many prepared sauces/marinades just have too much for our tastes. I cook with salt of course, but I don’t have a salt shaker on the table because when I’ve prepared a dish it is seasoned correctly. Nothing perturbs me more than people who salt their food before tasting it! 🙂
Jen says
LOL! my mother always taught me not to salt the food before tasting it because it was an insult to the cook 🙂 If you can’t have the marinade, I am sure you will LOVE the salsa and can possibly make your own teriyaki sauce – the combo together is amazing! Thanks Dorothy!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Now Jen, I must say when I first opened this post you appeared to be offering me a bite of that delicious looking taco and as I neared the screen I accidentally moved my mouse and the taco disappeared. So in all honesty it appeared that you were an (oops I think that would be considered politically incorrect) ____ giver. Mmmmm! But it does look and since we do like our seafood I’m thinking fish tacos. Thank you for the heads up on the McCormick’s spicy marinade. Sometimes I don’t have the time to prepare my own marinade and to tell you the truth when we travel I can’t be buying a bottle of this and a bottle of that plus all of the single spices. That gets expensive when we do have the ingredients at home. This will be a great help. I’ll be checking out their other flavors as well. Happy weekend to you!! xxxooo
Lorena says
I know you can’t wait to get your mouth around Jen’s beautiful taco. There was never anything more juicy and fulfilling. Enjoy the fish tacos!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Loving all of the flavors in this dish! And yay for grilling season!
Jen says
Thank you so much Anna, the flavors are awesome together! and I completely agree – grilling season is my fav!
Kevin | Keviniscooking says
That one photo of just the glazed chicken strips had me. Good thing we live in SoCal and grilling is “almost” year round! Delicious!
Jen says
Thank you Kevin! I would be sharing grilling recipes all year round if everyone else wasn’t snowed in – we are so lucky! 🙂
Kelsey says
This looks amazing!! I’m making this for dinner and I can’t wait!!
Jen says
YAY! I can’t wait to hear what you think Kelsey!
Kelsey says
They were so good!!! I couldn’t find that Mccormicks marinade so I had to use a different teriyaki. I could eat the salsa plain as a snack or on pretty much anything!! Thanks for another great recipe!
Wayne says
Wow. I am so glad I fell upon this taco image on Pinterest. Absolutely inviting! I definitely have to try these on our next taco family night, along with the marinade. Thanks for the grilling adventure 🙂
Jen says
You are so welcome Wayne, I can’t wait for you to try them – I think they will become a new favorite!
Leah P says
Any amounts for the pineapple cream on top?
Jen says
Just top to taste like you would sour cream 🙂 Enjoy!
Rufus says
I couldn’t find the marinade either. Is it just a plain teriyaki marinade or does it have spices in it? I can make a teriyaki marinade but would hate to miss any extra spices. This looks wonderful! Planning on making it this weekend.
Jen says
Hi Rufus, I am sorry you couldn’t find the marinade – I emailed the McCormick Rep and was waiting to hear back before I got back to you but still haven’t. The Teriyaki marinade definitely has extra spices in it as I didin’t have to add any at all because it was so well spiced. You could definitely use your own marinade and season to taste. As soon as I hear where you can purchase it or when it might be more readily available I will let you know!
Dori says
These just look soooo very yummy! Perfect for a summer night dinner. I featured your recipe in my weekly Coffee Cafe post this morning. Have a great weekend!
http://www.perfectlycreatedchaos.com/2016/05/saturday-morning-coffee-cafe_21.html
Jen says
Thank you so much for featuring my recipe Dori, I am so flattered it made you drool a little 🙂
Melanie says
What kind of rice do you use?
Jen says
I used white rice because my husband prefers it but you could definitely use brown as well – whatever you are craving! Enjoy!
Kelly says
We made this exactly as you have written…it was AMAZING!! My husband loved it, as did I! My parents dropped by to say hello and I offered a plate to my Dad, he definitely enjoyed it! It is a KEEPER! It may require some time (with the grilled salsa, marinade, and creama) but completely worth it. It’s a unique recipe almost guaranteed to impress any guest 🙂
Jen says
Awesome Kelly, I am so happy everyone loved them (including your Dad 🙂 ) and that it was well worth the time! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and for making my recipes!
Tonya says
Hi, I am trying this recipe this evening as it looks very yummy! :)….but I am having a hard time finding pineapple yogurt. Any other suggestions or substitutions? Thanks!
Jen says
Hi Tonya, a Coconut Crema would also be delicious!
Coconut Crema
1 5.3 container coconut yogut
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons honey
Hope this helps!
Maria says
WOW this looks perfect!! I have only 1 problem
WHERE DO I PIN IT? lol I have a mexican board an asian board and a chicken board!! These are confusing times we live in.
Jen says
LOL! I seriously laughed out loud at your comment! Sorry to add to the confusion in the world 🙂 Hope you can make and love them soon!
Shanice says
This was phenomenal! I loved every bit of it! Thanks for the yummy recipe, definitely saving it for one of the books!
Jen says
YAY! I am thrilled you loved “every bit of it” so much Shanice – thank you so much!!!
Nichole says
Just made this and it was a hit!! Made our top all time favorite recipes. The pineapple pear salsa is amazing. I could eat that by itself and the marinade made the chicken so juicy – our daughter wanted seconds just of the chicken. Thank You so much!!!
Jen says
You are so so welcome Nichole, I am thrilled it was such a hit and one of your all time favorite recipes- YAY!!! Thank you!!
Wrenn says
I had this pinned for awhile and never got around to making it. My husband looked through my Pinterest today as he was eager to make me dinner. I am SO glad he picked this. It was so delicious. I don’t write reviews unless I’m wowed or disappointed… but this was the best twist on a taco. A few things we did differently:
I couldn’t find that marinade so we just used the veri veri teriyaki marinade. awesome alternative.
Other than the marinating time, I think 40 min is an appropriate estimate of how long this dish will take you. We made the salsa which took a while between slicing and grilling but so good.
My husband wanted to add cabbage for a crunch. I didn’t feel the need.
We did not add cilantro to the salsa. My husband loves cilantro and I do not so we didn’t add it and he thought that the salsa doesn’t need it.
Can’t wait to make this again, would be great to make everything ahead of time and serve for a casual dinner.
Jen says
I’m so happy your husband picked these tacos and that they were a hit! Thank yo so much!
Michelle says
I’m planing making this for dinner this week but I can not find the marinade for the chicken. Do you have any suggestions for what I should use in place of it. Looking forward to having them. Thank you
Poppy says
I live in Katy, Tx and I also could not find it closer than 30 miles from my house. I got a teriyaki marinade and will add some orange, cardamon, soy and ginger to it. I can’t wait to taste this, just wish I had found the McCormicks! Thanks for all your amazing recipes, my family and I LOVE them!!!
Jen says
Thanks for your kind words Poppy, that means so much to me! I’m sorry the McCormick was such a hassle to find but your doctored up teriyaki marinade sounds wonderful! I hope you love them!
Linda Bradley says
These are amazing. My daughter and 14 year old twin girls live with us. I have a hard time making something everyone likes. Well….this is it. Like others, I couldn’t find the McCormicks marinade and used Lawrys with pineapple juice and I also chopped up the veggies before grilling and grilled them chopped. It was a little sweet. Should have added the jalapeno seeds. This will be a regular in my meal planning. Thanks
Jen says
Thanks for taking the time to comment Linda I’m so happy your whole family loved the teriyaki chicken tacos!
Nancy Medema says
I have looked e weathered McCormick terriki marinade and can not find it. Can you tell me where to buy it.
Jen says
Hi Nancy, I’m not sure where they sell it in your area if you can’t find it at your grocery store. You could call around to find it, purchase it on amazon or use a different brand. Good luck!
Elizabeth Gawalek says
I made this tonight and WOW! All the flavors come together wonderfully. Everyone loved and rated it 5-star.
Thanks for a phenomenal recipe posting!
Jen says
You’re so welcome Elizabeth, I’m thrilled it was a hit with the entire fam!
Lorraine Parks says
These recipes look delicious! Can’t wait to try all the recipes! Thank you for sharing!!
Jen says
Welcome to my site Lorraine! I hope you enjoy exploring and find many new favorites!
Leila Hays says
Hi! I can’t find any pineapple yogurt for the crema. What can I use instead?
Jen says
You can try any other fruit like mango or peach or even coconut.
Debbie says
Will Greek yogurt be ok
Jen says
Yes! Greek yogurt can almost always be subbed for sour cream, you just have to expect it taste a little tangier.
Kristen says
These are hands down the most amazing tacos ever!! This from someone who makes a variety of taco recipes, at least 1 per week. LOVE LOVE LOVE Thank you
Jen says
Thanks for such high praise Kristen, I love hearing these tacos were such a hit!
D says
Could I freeze the chicken in the marinade then just defrost?
Jen says
Yes!
Deb says
This is one of my favorite recipes. I’ve made it a few times and it never disappoints! The grilled pineapple and pear salsa is so perfect for these tacos and the crema is the perfect final touch. There’s a lot of prep work but so worth it. I’ve saved and made a lot of your recipes…guess we have the same taste!
Jen says
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment Deb and for making my recipes! It’s always so fun when you find a foodie kindred spirit!
Michele says
I absolutely love these! Best tacos ever! Can you tell me what’s best to serve with them?
Jen says
Thank you so much Michele! We love them with a side of rice and roasted veggies or if you’re feeling more ambitious than https://carlsbadcravings.com/ramen-noodle-salad/#wprm-recipe-container-47956 is amazing!
Angie says
I made this tonight and it was a hit! I was disappointed that I did not double the recipe. I tried the Crema after I mixed it and did not care for it, however; I did put it on my taco and all the flavors came together! The Crema really pulled it all together!
Jen says
Yay! I am so glad that it all came together in the end!
Helen Mercer says
Absolutely Amazing!! I followed the recipe exactl we made one of our pastors & wife to drop off. 5 Star meal. We all loved the leftovers for lunch the next day. Quick ? I’d like to try this with flank steak. Any thoughts? Thank you so very much. Helen M
Jen says
Yay Helen! I’m so glad that it turned out delicious for you! You are so kind to share the love! I realize this is a long time coming, which I apologize for, but you most definitely can use flank steak! I hope you continue to have wonderful results from my recipes!
Vicki L says
Delicious! I prepared on the stovetop, and omitted the rice and used street taco tortillas. I also could not find pineapple yogurt, so I used sour cream with fresh pineapple juice instead. Can’t wait for leftovers for lunch tomorrow!
Jen says
Very creative substituting! I am so glad that it was a hit!!
Cel says
Hi! I couldnt find that specific teriyaki mix and am marinating it now with a teriyaki cooking sauce overnight. I hope it works. Can I do this in an instant pot?
Jen says
Hope you enjoy! I haven’t tried it in the instant pot but I’m sure it would work! You can try cooking it on high for 6 minutes, and release the pressure. You’ll know it’s ready if the thermometer reads 165 degrees F at the thickest part of the chicken.