Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa
Sweet and savory teriyaki chicken meets smoky grilled pineapple-pear salsa in these vibrant, flavor-packed tacos—a tropical twist on taco night!
INGREDIENTS
For the Teriyaki Chicken:
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1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
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½ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp oil (avocado or vegetable)
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa:
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1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (grilled for smokiness, optional)
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1 ripe pear, diced (firm but sweet, like Anjou or Bartlett)
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (adjust for spice)
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Juice of 1 lime
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2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
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Salt & pepper to taste
For Serving:
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8 small tortillas (flour or corn, warmed)
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Optional toppings:
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Shredded cabbage or slaw
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Sliced avocado
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Lime wedges
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Extra teriyaki drizzle
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INSTRUCTIONS
1. Marinate the Chicken:
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In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
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Toss chicken strips in the marinade and let sit for 15-30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Make the Salsa:
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If grilling, char pineapple chunks on a grill pan or skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, then dice.
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Combine all salsa ingredients (pineapple, pear, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro) in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Chill until serving.
3. Cook the Chicken:
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook chicken strips for 4-5 minutes per side until caramelized and internal temp reaches 165°F.
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Optional: Brush with extra teriyaki sauce in the last minute.
4. Assemble Tacos:
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Warm tortillas, then layer with:
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Shredded cabbage/slaw (for crunch)
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Teriyaki chicken
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Pineapple pear salsa
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Avocado slices (optional)
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A squeeze of lime and extra cilantro.
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TIPS
🔥 Grill Option: Cook chicken and pineapple on the grill for added smokiness.
🍍 Salsa Shortcut: Use pre-diced pineapple or mango for a quicker version.
🌮 Low-Carb: Serve in lettuce wraps or over rice bowls.
Sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive! 🌴🔥
Pair with a mango margarita or chips + guac for the ultimate feast. Want a spicier kick or meal prep tips? Just ask! 😊