Turn up the heat and bring the sunshine with these Spicy Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Tacos topped with crunchy red cabbage. This vibrant taco recipe delivers bold flavor, juicy textures, and that irresistible balance of sweet and spicy. Perfect for warm weather grilling or any Taco Tuesday craving a little tropical flair.
Why You’ll Love These
Sweet meets heat – spicy chicken + caramelized pineapple = magic
Colorful and fresh – red cabbage adds crunch and beauty
Perfect for grilling – great for backyard cookouts or weeknight meals
Ingredients
For the Spicy Grilled Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into rings or spears
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Pinch of chili powder or Tajín (optional)
For the Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- Juice of ½ lime
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tsp honey or agave for a touch of sweetness
For Assembly:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
- Extra lime wedges for serving
- Jalapeño slices or hot sauce (optional for more kick)
🔥 Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Grill the Pineapple
Brush pineapple with a little oil and sprinkle with chili powder if desired. Grill on high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until caramelized grill marks appear. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Grill the Chicken
Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked and charred. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice or chop into taco-sized bites.
- Prepare the Slaw
Toss red cabbage with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Add honey if you like a slightly sweet touch.
- Assemble the Tacos
Fill each tortilla with grilled chicken, grilled pineapple chunks, red cabbage slaw, and optional toppings like cilantro or jalapeños.
- Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with lime wedges on the side and let the tropical taco party begin!
🍍 Tips & Ideas
- Want extra creamy flair? Add a drizzle of chipotle crema or sour cream.
- Swap the chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a delicious twist.
- Make it a fiesta with pineapple margaritas on the side!
These tacos are a firework of flavor—spicy, sweet, juicy, and totally satisfying. They’ll transport your taste buds straight to a beachside grill, no plane ticket needed.
Let me know if you’d like to add a margarita pairing, mocktail, or teaser for Instagram or newsletters!
