Craving a bold, sunny dinner that instantly sweeps you away to a tropical getaway? Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa are pure, edible happiness—vibrant, juicy, and loaded with irresistible layers of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into a celebration, starring perfectly marinated chicken, charred golden pineapple, and a cloud of homemade avocado crema. Whether you’re hosting a backyard fiesta or just want to shake up taco night, this colorful feast is guaranteed to win hearts and spice up your table.

Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa is all about simple, fresh ingredients coming together in just the right way. Each element brings something special, from the tangy spice of the chicken to the sweet tropical zing of grilled pineapple.

Chili Lime Chicken: Prepped ahead with chilies, lime juice, and spices for juicy, flavor-packed bites in every taco.
Grilled Pineapple Salsa: Sweet, caramelized pineapple mixed with a kick of red onion, cilantro, and citrus for the ultimate contrast.
Corn or Flour Tortillas (6–8 corn or 4 flour): Corn adds that classic taco texture and flavor, but flour works beautifully if you prefer a softer wrap.
Monterrey or Pepper Jack Cheese (optional): Melty cheese provides creaminess and a salty lift—try Pepper Jack for extra zip.
Avocado (1 medium): The foundation of a luscious avocado crema that cools down the spice and brings a dreamy, creamy finish.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds rich tang to the crema and balances out all the fresh, punchy flavors.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Helps the crema stay perfectly smooth and spreadable.
Lime Juice (1 tablespoon plus more to taste): A splash of citrus brightens up everything from the marinade to the crema.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon plus more to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect balance.
Ground Cumin (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint deepens the crema without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Echoes the savory notes from the chicken and ties all the creamy elements together.

How to Make Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Step 1: Prepare the Chili Lime Chicken and Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Start with your marinated chili lime chicken—the backbone of Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa. Get the chicken sizzling on the grill, stovetop, or however you love to cook it, making sure you achieve a touch of golden char for depth and smokiness. While your chicken cooks, grill slices of pineapple until they’re caramelized and juicy, then chop and mix them with fresh red onion, cilantro, and lime for the salsa. Both of these elements can be made ahead for the easiest taco assembly ever!

Step 2: Whip Up the Avocado Crema

Toss the ripe avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, cumin, and garlic powder into your blender. Blitz everything together until the mixture is creamy and dreamy-smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste the crema and add a splash more lime juice or a pinch of salt if you’re feeling extra zesty. If you want to get ahead, pop a layer of plastic wrap right on the surface and stash it in the fridge for up to four hours—it’ll be as fresh as when you made it.

Step 3: Melt Cheese on Tortillas

Warm your tortillas and give them the royal treatment: layer on the cheese and let it melt, either in the microwave for super speed or in a skillet for toasted edges. The gooey cheese acts as the ultimate taco glue, holding together all those incredible layers of flavor and adding an irresistible creamy melt.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Pile up the tortillas with juicy chili lime chicken, top with generous scoops of that bronzed pineapple salsa, and drizzle on the avocado crema like a finishing flourish. Each taco bursts with color and flavor—the crisp heat of the chicken, the caramel sweetness of pineapple, and the silky coolness of crema in every bite.

How to Serve Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Garnishes

For ultimate taco magic, don’t skip the garnishes. Sprinkle on chopped fresh cilantro, an extra squeeze of lime, and maybe a few slices of jalapeño for fire-lovers. Thinly sliced radishes, pickled onions, and finely shredded cabbage add welcome crunch and extra brightness to your Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa.

Side Dishes

Keep the tropical mood going by serving your tacos with sides like light cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a cooling corn and avocado salad. Tortilla chips with extra salsa or guacamole never hurt, and a pitcher of sparkling lime agua fresca will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party twist, set up a DIY taco bar: lay out bowls of chicken, pineapple salsa, and crema alongside warm tortillas, cheeses, and garnishes so guests can stack their own perfect taco. Or, package the tacos individually in parchment for a picnic or potluck—they travel incredibly well and look irresistible with a wedge of lime or a cilantro stem tucked on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover components of Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa keep beautifully. Store the chicken, salsa, and avocado crema separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can quickly assemble fresh, restaurant-worthy tacos anytime the craving strikes.

Freezing

The chili lime chicken itself is perfect for freezing—simply portion it into freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. The grilled pineapple salsa and avocado crema, however, are best enjoyed fresh, as their texture can change after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, simply warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or pop it in the microwave until heated through. If your tortillas need reviving, a quick toast on a dry skillet will bring back their softness and flavor. For the best texture, add the fresh salsa and crema only after all reheating is done.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of homemade chili lime chicken?

Absolutely! While homemade chili lime chicken gives the most flavor, using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just toss the pulled chicken with a little lime juice, chili powder, and salt before assembling your Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa.

What’s the best way to grill pineapple if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

No worries! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even roast pineapple slices on a lined baking sheet under your oven’s broiler. The goal is to caramelize and char the pineapple slightly for that signature smoky sweetness.

How spicy are these tacos?

Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa are as spicy as you want them to be. The base recipe is mild to medium, but you can bump up the heat in your chicken marinade or add jalapeños to the salsa for extra fire.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use 100% corn tortillas, as flour tortillas often contain gluten. Double-check that any store-bought ingredients (like cheese or spices) are gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

What should I do with leftover avocado crema?

Leftover avocado crema is gold! Use it as a dip for veggies or chips, drizzle it over grilled fish or shrimp, or spread it on sandwiches and burgers for a zesty twist during the week.

Final Thoughts

Let Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa become your new weeknight hero or party showstopper. Every bite is a celebration of bold flavors, sunny vibes, and easygoing fun. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first taco!

Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa are bursting with flavor and perfect for a delicious weeknight meal or casual entertaining. Tender and juicy chili lime chicken is paired with sweet and tangy grilled pineapple salsa, creamy avocado crema, and melted cheese, all wrapped in warm tortillas.

Instructions

Prepare Chili Lime Chicken: Follow the recipe for All Purpose Chili Lime Chicken.
Prepare Grilled Pineapple Salsa: Follow the recipe for Grilled Pineapple Salsa.
Make Avocado Crema: Blend avocado, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, cumin, and garlic powder until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble Tacos: Melt cheese on tortillas, then add Chili Lime Chicken, Pineapple Salsa, and Avocado Crema. Enjoy!