These One Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos are a vibrant, flavor-packed dinner that brings together smoky chipotle-marinated chicken, sweet pineapple, and creamy avocado—all roasted together on one tray. It’s an easy weeknight recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how quick and simple this recipe is. With just one pan and a few fresh ingredients, I get a mouthwatering meal that’s full of color and flavor. The chicken gets beautifully caramelized while the pineapple adds a juicy sweetness that balances the smoky heat of the chipotle. It’s also flexible, letting me tweak the spice level or add toppings to fit what I have on hand.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the tacos:
4 skinless boneless chicken thighs
200g fresh pineapple chunks
1 small shallot
juice of 1 lime, plus extra wedges for serving
small handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped
1 ripe avocado, cubed
8 small corn or flour tortillas
For the marinade:
2 tbsp chipotle paste
2 tbsp runny honey
1½ tsp tomato purée
1 tsp salt
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
Directions
- I start by preheating the oven to 200°C (392°F).
 - In a bowl, I mix together the chipotle paste, honey, tomato purée, salt, and crushed garlic to make the marinade.
 - I chop the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in the marinade until well coated.
 - I spread the chicken out on a baking tray and scatter the pineapple chunks over the top.
 - I roast everything in the oven for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and starting to caramelize.
 - While it’s roasting, I chop the shallot, cube the avocado, and warm the tortillas in a dry pan or over a flame.
 - When the chicken is done, I squeeze lime juice over the tray and toss in the chopped shallot.
 - I serve the mixture on warm tortillas, topped with coriander and avocado, and lime wedges on the side.
 
Servings and Timing
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- I sometimes swap chicken thighs for breasts or pork for a different flavor and texture.
 - To reduce the heat, I cut back the chipotle paste or add more honey.
 - I like to top my tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or sour cream for extra layers.
 - Grated cheese melts perfectly over the hot chicken and adds richness.
 
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover chicken and pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I warm the mixture in a skillet or microwave until hot, then serve on freshly heated tortillas.
I keep avocado and fresh toppings separate to add just before serving.
FAQs
What kind of tortillas should I use?
I like corn tortillas for their classic flavor, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to fold. Both work well.
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, canned pineapple chunks are a good substitute. I just make sure to drain them well before roasting.
Is chipotle paste necessary?
Chipotle paste gives a distinct smoky flavor, but I can use chopped chipotle in adobo or a smoky hot sauce as a substitute.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely. I replace the chicken with tofu or roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes.
How far ahead can I prep this?
I often make the marinade and chop the chicken earlier in the day. When ready, I just combine everything and roast.
Conclusion
This One Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos recipe is my go-to when I want something delicious, colorful, and easy. The flavors are bold and satisfying, and cleanup is a breeze. It’s a great way to enjoy a taco night without spending hours in the kitchen.
Print
One Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
 - Cook Time: 30 minutes
 - Total Time: 40 minutes
 - Yield: 2 servings
 - Category: Dinner
 - Method: Roasting
 - Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
 - Diet: Halal
 
Description
These One Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos combine smoky chipotle-marinated chicken, sweet pineapple, and creamy avocado, all roasted on a single tray for a flavorful, easy dinner inspired by Tacos al Pastor.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs
 - 200g fresh pineapple chunks
 - 1 small shallot
 - Juice of 1 lime, plus extra wedges for serving
 - Small handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped
 - 1 ripe avocado, cubed
 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
 - 2 tbsp chipotle paste
 - 2 tbsp runny honey
 - 1½ tsp tomato puree
 - 1 tsp salt
 - 2 large garlic cloves
 
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
 - In a medium bowl, whisk together chipotle paste, honey, tomato puree, salt, and crushed garlic cloves to create the marinade.
 - Chop chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss in the marinade until coated. Let sit while oven heats.
 - Spread marinated chicken on a baking tray and add pineapple chunks.
 - Roast for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
 - Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the shallot, cube the avocado, and warm the tortillas if using corn.
 - Remove tray from oven, squeeze over lime juice, and toss with chopped shallot.
 - Serve with fresh coriander, cubed avocado, and warm tortillas.
 
Notes
- Use canned pineapple if fresh is unavailable, but drain well.
 - Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can replace chipotle paste.
 - Make the marinade ahead of time to deepen flavor.
 - For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu or roasted vegetables.
 - Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
 - Calories: 480
 - Sugar: 16g
 - Sodium: 720mg
 - Fat: 18g
 - Saturated Fat: 4g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 12g
 - Trans Fat: 0g
 - Carbohydrates: 45g
 - Fiber: 6g
 - Protein: 30g
 - Cholesterol: 95mg