Description
These Zesty Chili-Lime Chicken Tacos are a bright and vibrant meal that brings tropical flavors straight to your kitchen. Featuring smoky, citrus-marinated chicken topped with a crisp, refreshing pineapple salsa, this recipe is a healthy, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8–10 small corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh Pineapple Salsa:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, 3 tablespoons lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes if time allows.
- Prepare the Pineapple Salsa: In a separate bowl, toss together diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Sear the Protein: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden-brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Warm the Tortillas: Briefly heat tortillas in a dry skillet or over a gas flame until soft and pliable.
- Assemble and Serve: Fill warm tortillas with the chili-lime chicken and top generously with the fresh pineapple salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Notes
For a leaner option, use chicken breast; for extra juiciness, use chicken thighs. If you prefer a milder salsa, ensure all seeds are removed from the jalapeño. Warm the tortillas just before serving to prevent them from breaking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 tacos
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg