Name: Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 shallots, chopped; 1/3 cup pickled ginger; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1/3 cup soy sauce or tamari; 1-3 tablespoons sriracha; 3 cups fresh pineapple chunks (divided into 2 cups and 1 cup portions); 1-2 jalapeños; Warm tortillas; Shredded lettuce; Avocado slices; 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 1/3 cup mayo; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup fresh basil; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives; 1 roasted jalapeño, seeded if desired; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 61 reviews

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Nothing beats the vibrant explosion of flavors in this Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with a hint of ginger and chili, perfectly balanced by a sweet and spicy pineapple salsa bursting with fresh jalapeño kick. Every bite feels like a tropical getaway wrapped in a warm tortilla, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any meal. This recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a fun, colorful dish that brings a little sunshine to your dinner table, no matter the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of fresh green herbs in a large bowl, including basil leaves with a smooth texture and deep green color, surrounded by sprigs of cilantro with delicate, jagged leaves. Below the bowl, there is a bundle of long, thin chives with a bright green hue placed on a wooden board. To the right, three thick pineapple slices with bright yellow flesh rest on a white plate, garnished with a green basil sprig. In the foreground at the bottom right, two shiny green chili peppers lie on a small white plate, which also holds some light brown powder. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may be straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly remarkable. From juicy chicken to the zesty pineapple salsa, every component complements one another beautifully.

2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner protein, both work perfectly.
4 cloves garlic, chopped: Adds a deep, aromatic base that enhances the savoriness of the chicken.
2 shallots, chopped: Offers mild sweetness and subtle depth, balancing the spices.
1/3 cup pickled ginger: Introduces a tangy and slightly spiced note that brightens the dish.
2 teaspoons chili powder: Provides warmth without overwhelming heat, a key seasoning for the chicken.
1/3 cup soy sauce or tamari: Adds a salty, umami-rich backbone to the marinade and sauce.
1-3 tablespoons sriracha: Adjust to your spice preference for that punch of heat.
3 cups fresh pineapple chunks: Brings juicy sweetness and vibrant tropical flavor, essential for the salsa and cooking.
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Gives the salsa a fresh, herbal brightness.
1-2 jalapeños: For that signature spicy kick in both the salsa and ranch sauce.
Warm tortillas, shredded lettuce, and avocado for serving: These classics add crunch, creaminess, and the perfect vehicle for all the goodness.
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Creates a cool, creamy jalapeño ranch that complements the bold flavors.
1/3 cup mayo: Adds richness and smooth texture to the ranch dressing.
2 teaspoons lemon juice: Brightens the jalapeño ranch with a touch of acidity.
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Gives depth and a slight tang to the creamy dressing.
1 cup fresh basil: Brings subtle floral and peppery notes to the ranch blend.
1/2 cup fresh cilantro: Reinforces the herbal freshness in the dressing.
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives: Offers a gentle onion-like flavor and fresh green color.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning essentials to pull all the flavors together.

How to Make Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce

Start by combining chicken, garlic, shallots, pickled ginger, chili powder, tamari or soy sauce, sriracha, and two cups of fresh pineapple in your cooking vessel—whether it’s an Instant Pot, oven, or crockpot. This medley marinates the meat and infuses it with sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Cooking times vary by method, but the goal is a tender, flavorful chicken that shreds effortlessly.

Step 2: Shred and Broil for Charred Perfection

Once cooked, shred the chicken and toss it back in the flavorful sauce. Spread this mixture over a greased baking sheet along with sliced jalapeños, then pop it under a hot broiler for 10 to 15 minutes. This step adds a beautiful char that amps up the smoky depth and gives the tacos that irresistible grilled note.

Step 3: Make the Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa

Toss the remaining cup of fresh pineapple with half a cup of chopped cilantro and diced jalapeños to create a vibrant, juicy salsa. This fresh salsa clings perfectly to the chicken and provides the sweet and spicy contrast that makes this Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe truly stand out.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Jalapeño Ranch

Blend together sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, fresh basil, cilantro, chives, and a roasted jalapeño for a velvety ranch with a gentle kick. Season with salt to taste. This luscious sauce cools down the heat from the salsa and chicken while adding herby richness.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your tortillas, then layer them with shredded lettuce, the smoky shredded chicken, jalapeño pineapple salsa, avocado slices, and a generous drizzle of the jalapeño ranch. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that keep you reaching for more.

How to Serve Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe

The image shows a close-up of shredded cooked meat with a golden-brown color and a slightly crispy texture spread evenly in one layer on a white marbled surface. There are pieces of cooked small yellow chunks mixed in with the meat. Two charred green chili peppers rest on top near the upper right side. Fresh green basil leaves are placed in the center, adding a fresh touch. A silver tong is positioned at the bottom right, partly resting on the meat. The overall look is warm with rich brown and yellow tones and some bright green accents. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra zing, sprinkle more fresh chopped cilantro or sliced green onions over the tacos. A wedge of lime on the side lets everyone squeeze a citrusy burst on their own. Don’t forget a few slices of creamy avocado—its coolness balances the salsa’s heat beautifully.

Side Dishes

This vibrant taco feast pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp cabbage slaw, coconut rice, or black beans. These options complement the tropical profile, add crunch or creaminess, and round out the meal without overpowering the star flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe on a festive platter with tropical-themed napkins or fresh flowers for a fun gathering. Alternatively, turn the tacos into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option that’s just as colorful and tasty. Mini taco bites on a skewer also make a great party appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken, salsa, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This separation keeps the textures fresh and prevents soggy tortillas. The chicken and salsa stay delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. The fresh salsa and jalapeño ranch don’t freeze well due to their texture, so prepare those fresh when ready to serve. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of pineapple juice or water if it feels dry. Assemble tacos fresh with room temperature salsa and ranch for the best flavor and texture experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually preferred by many for this dish because they stay moist and tender throughout the cooking process, adding a richer flavor that complements the spicy-sweet elements beautifully.

How spicy is the Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa?

The heat level can be adjusted by the number of jalapeños you add. This salsa offers a pleasant medium heat that complements the sweetness of the pineapple without overwhelming your palate, but feel free to seed the jalapeños to reduce heat or add more for a bolder kick.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

While the core recipe uses chicken, you can swap it for grilled or sautéed portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu for a vegetarian twist. Use vegan sour cream or yogurt in the ranch sauce and ensure tortillas are vegan-friendly to keep the spirit of the dish alive.

Is it necessary to broil the chicken after cooking?

Broiling adds a delightful char that adds smoky flavor and enhances texture but is optional. If you prefer a softer texture or want to skip broiling, the chicken is delicious straight from the cooking method prior to shredding and saucing.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftover Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe components can be reinvented as a salad bowl, rice bowl, or even stuffed inside baked sweet potatoes for a quick, flavorful meal that stretches your effort further.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with fresh, bold flavors and offers a fun twist on tacos, this Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Pineapple Salsa Recipe is your new go-to. It’s vibrant, juicy, and full of personality—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends at a casual get-together. Give it a try and let those tropical vibes take your taste buds on a delicious journey!

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