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hawaiian chicken tacos
Alissa Marie Wellness

Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Tacos

These Hawaiian chicken tacos are sweet, savory and fresh with a tropical twist. Chicken thighs simmer in a pineapple coconut aminos marinade that reduces into a lightly sticky glaze while cooking.
They’re layered with crisp lime cilantro slaw, creamy jalapeño yogurt sauce and extra pineapple for a bright, balanced taco that’s full of flavor without heavy sauces.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
marinate time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: lunch, Main Course
Calories: 412
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pineapple Coconut Aminos Marinade
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup fresh pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup small diced pineapple
  • 1 1/2 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • pinch cayenne optional
  • black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt if needed
Optional Caramelized Pineapple
  • 1 cup diced pineapple
  • 1 tsp honey
  • squeeze lime
  • pinch salt
Lime Cilantro Slaw
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 2 tbsp sliced green onion
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • black pepper
Optional for creamier slaw
  • 1-2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
Jalapeño Yogurt Sauce
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt Fage 0%
  • 2 tbsp cottage cheese Good Culture 2%
  • 1 jalapeño
  • 1 small clove garlic
  • 1 tbsp cilantro
  • 1 tbsp chives or green onion
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • black pepper
For Serving
  • 8 corn or street tortillas
  • extra cilantro
  • extra lime wedges optional

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. Add chicken thighs to a bowl.
  2. Whisk together pineapple juice, diced pineapple, coconut aminos, honey, garlic, ginger, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, pepper and salt.
  3. Pour marinade over the chicken and toss until well coated.
  4. Cover and marinate at least 30 minutes, ideally 1–2 hours.
  5. Avoid marinating longer than 2 hours since fresh pineapple can start to over-tenderize the chicken.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken directly from the marinade and sear about 4–5 minutes.
  3. Flip the chicken, then pour the remaining marinade and pineapple into the pan.
  4. Let it simmer and reduce while the chicken finishes cooking, about another 4–5 minutes, until a lightly sticky glaze forms.
  5. Remove the chicken and let rest a few minutes.
  6. Chop the chicken into taco pieces.
  7. Return the chopped chicken to the pan briefly so it gets coated in the glaze.
Make the Optional Caramelized Pineapple
  1. Add diced pineapple to a hot skillet.
  2. Cook 2–3 minutes until lightly caramelized and golden.
  3. Finish with honey, lime and a small pinch of salt.
Make the Lime Cilantro Slaw
  1. Add cabbage, cilantro and green onion to a bowl.
  2. Whisk together lime juice, honey, salt and pepper.
  3. Pour dressing over cabbage and toss well.
  4. Let sit 5–10 minutes so the cabbage softens slightly.
  5. For a creamier version, stir in 1–2 tbsp Greek yogurt.
Make the Jalapeño Yogurt Sauce
  1. Add Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, chives, dill, lime juice, salt and pepper to a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Taste and adjust lime or salt if needed.
Assemble the Tacos
  1. Warm tortillas in a skillet.
  2. Fill each tortilla with pineapple glazed chicken.
  3. Top with lime cilantro slaw.
  4. Add caramelized or fresh pineapple.
  5. Drizzle with jalapeño yogurt sauce.
  6. Finish with extra cilantro.
  7. Serve immediately.

Notes

Cooking Tips

• Fresh pineapple contains bromelain which helps tenderize the chicken while adding natural sweetness.
• Avoid marinating longer than 2 hours or the pineapple enzymes may soften the chicken too much.
• Chicken thighs work best because they stay juicy and flavorful while the glaze reduces.
• Allow the marinade to simmer with the chicken after flipping so it thickens into a light pineapple glaze.
• For the best texture, add the slaw and yogurt sauce just before serving so the cabbage stays crisp.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

(About 2 tacos with corn tortillas)
Nutrient Amount
Calories   412
Protein   31g
Carbohydrates   34g
Fat   16g
Fiber   5g