One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos are a delightful and easy weeknight meal that combines the bold flavors of chipotle chicken with sweet pineapple in a simple sheet pan dish. Perfect for busy evenings, these tacos come together quickly and are sure to impress your family or guests. The vibrant combination of ingredients not only makes for a delicious dinner but also brings a festive touch to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful: The chipotle paste and fresh pineapple create a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- One Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required with this sheet pan recipe, allowing you more time to enjoy your meal.
- Healthy Ingredients: Using chicken thighs and fresh produce makes this dish nutritious while still being satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
To make One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you will need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking tray
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Chopping board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking tray: A good quality baking tray ensures even cooking and allows all ingredients to roast perfectly.
- Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing the marinade, it provides enough space to coat 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
For Toppings
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
For the Marinade
- 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 for added flavor.
- Roughly chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the marinade until well coated.
- Set aside to marinate while preheating the oven.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly when it’s placed in the oven.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken and Pineapple
- Once preheated, spread the marinated chicken across a baking tray.
- Sprinkle over the fresh pineapple chunks.
- Roast in the oven for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare Toppings
- While the chicken is roasting:
1. Peel and finely chop the shallot.
2. Prepare your avocado by cubing it.
3. If using corn tortillas, lightly char them in a hot frying pan or directly on an AGA hot plate.
Step 5: Serve Your Tacos
- Remove the chicken and pineapple from the oven once cooked.
- Squeeze lime juice over everything on the tray.
- Toss with chopped shallot before serving.
- Serve sprinkled with coriander, along with avocado cubes and taco wraps on the side.
Enjoy your delicious One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos!
How to Serve One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
Serving One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos can transform a simple meal into a delightful experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this tasty dish.
Fresh Lime Wedges
- Squeeze fresh lime over the tacos for a zesty kick that enhances the flavors.
Avocado Slices
- Add sliced or cubed avocado on top for creaminess and added nutrition.
Spicy Salsa
- Serve with your favorite spicy salsa to elevate the flavor profile and add a bit of heat.
Crispy Tortilla Chips
- Offer tortilla chips on the side for crunch and an extra snack option.
Pickled Red Onions
- Garnish with pickled red onions for a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of pineapple and chicken.
Extra Coriander
- Scatter more fresh coriander on top to enhance the freshness and visual appeal of your plate.
How to Perfect One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
To make your One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips.
- Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour, or even overnight, for deeper flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh pineapple and herbs to maximize taste and texture in your tacos.
- Adjust Spiciness: Customize the heat level by adding more chipotle paste or using a milder salsa.
- Experiment with Tortillas: Try different types of tortillas, like whole wheat or flavored varieties, for unique tastes.
- Oven Temperature Check: Ensure your oven temperature is accurate to cook the chicken evenly without drying it out.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the tacos right after assembling them while everything is warm.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
Pairing side dishes with your One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these delicious options:
- Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime offers a sweet and savory contrast.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and lime dressing adds protein and fiber.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime pairs perfectly with the tacos’ bold flavors.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides richness and pairs beautifully with the fresh ingredients in your tacos.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a refreshing crunch alongside rich tacos.
- Chili Lime Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with chili powder and lime juice add a hearty touch to your meal.
- Sautéed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers sautéed until tender bring extra flavor and nutrition to your dinner table.
- Pineapple Salsa: A sweet pineapple salsa can enhance the tropical notes of your tacos while adding freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to bland flavor. Make sure to let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 20 minutes.
- Not preheating the oven: If the oven isn’t hot enough, your chicken won’t cook properly. Always preheat it to 200 degrees Celsius before roasting.
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too much chicken and pineapple together can cause steaming instead of roasting. Spread everything out evenly on the baking tray for better results.
- Ignoring ingredient prep: Not preparing your shallot or avocado in advance can slow down your cooking process. Chop these ingredients while the chicken marinates.
- Forgetting toppings: Toppings can enhance your tacos significantly. Don’t skip adding fresh coriander or avocado; they add freshness and creaminess.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
- Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.
Can I use other meats for One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with pork or shrimp for different flavors.
What type of tortillas work best?
Both corn and flour tortillas are great options. Choose based on your preference!
How can I customize my One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos?
Feel free to add toppings like cheese, salsa, or jalapeños for extra flavor!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
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 switch up the protein. Give this recipe a try for a cozy weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One Pan Chicken & Pineapple Tacos offer a delicious fusion of sweet and spicy flavors that are perfect for busy weeknights. This easy sheet pan recipe combines tender chipotle-marinated chicken thighs with juicy pineapple, all roasted to perfection in just one pan. It’s not only quick to prepare but also easy to customize with your favorite toppings, making it a hit with the whole family. Serve these vibrant tacos with fresh avocado and zesty lime for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings on a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 200g fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 small shallot
- Juice of 1 lime
- Small handful of fresh coriander, chopped
- 2 tbsp chipotle paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the chipotle paste, honey, tomato puree, salt, and crushed garlic.
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss them in the marinade until well coated.
- Spread marinated chicken on a baking tray and scatter pineapple chunks over it.
- Roast in the oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- While roasting, prepare toppings by chopping shallot and cubing avocado.
- Once cooked, squeeze lime juice over the mixture and serve with tortillas and toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
