These grilled chili lime chicken tacos are bursting with smoky, charred flavor and finished with a grilled pineapple avocado salsa that’s irresistible. Top them with crumbled cotija and quick pickled onions for a bright, balanced bite.
Chili lime chicken tacos take center stage here — and the grilled pineapple avocado salsa might just steal the show.
The chicken is seasoned with chili-lime spice for bright citrus notes paired with mild heat, then grilled until beautifully charred. Meanwhile, pineapple spears are seared on the grill to caramelize and deepen their sweetness. Combine that smoky-sweet pineapple with creamy avocado, crisp red onion, jalapeño heat, cilantro and fresh lime — the result is a salsa you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
Simple, flavorful seasoning
I love using Tajín for these tacos because it brings a tangy lime brightness with mild chili that complements grilled chicken perfectly. If Tajín isn’t available, any chili-lime seasoning works, or make your own blend with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper and lime zest. The flavor is bright, not overwhelming, and the lime really shines.
After a short marinade, the chicken gets a quick sear on a very hot grill for smoky, charred edges and juicy interior. The pineapple grills at the same time, caramelizing slightly to bring forward concentrated sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory, citrusy chicken.
Grilling the tortillas briefly adds another layer of smoky flavor — wrap them in foil or keep them in a warm oven until ready to serve. Once everything is prepped, stack chopped chicken and spoonfuls of pineapple avocado salsa into warm tortillas and finish with your favorite toppings.
A salsa worth savoring
The grilled pineapple avocado salsa is a standout: smoky, slightly caramelized pineapple combined with creamy avocado, bright lime juice, fresh cilantro, diced red onion and jalapeño for a touch of heat. A generous pinch of salt brings all the flavors together. It’s fresh, balance-packed and great with tortilla chips or spooned over tacos.
To finish the tacos I like crumbled cotija cheese for tangy richness and quick pickled red onions for brightness and acidity. These simple add-ins elevate each bite and pair beautifully with both the chicken and the salsa.
These tacos are ideal for a weekend cookout or an easy weeknight dinner when you want bold flavor with minimal fuss. Grill the chicken, char the pineapple, mix the salsa and assemble — dinner done.
Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Avocado Salsa
4 people
45
15
1
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Tajin seasoning (or chili-lime seasoning)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 pineapple spears
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 8 to 12 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
- crumbled cotija cheese, for serving
- pickled red onions, for serving
Instructions
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Toss the chicken with Tajín or chili-lime seasoning and the olive oil until evenly coated. Marinate at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for best flavor.
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Remove chicken from the fridge about 30 minutes before grilling. Preheat the grill on high for 10 minutes so it’s very hot.
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Brush the pineapple spears with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet until ready to grill.
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Grill the chicken about 5 minutes per side, until charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
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Grill pineapple spears a few minutes per side until marked and slightly caramelized. Briefly grill tortillas for a smoky touch, then keep warm in foil or a low oven.
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Chop the grilled pineapple and combine in a bowl with diced jalapeño, avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
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Slice or chop the rested chicken. Fill warm tortillas with chicken, top with pineapple avocado salsa, sprinkle with cotija and add pickled red onions. Serve immediately.
Share your results
If you try this recipe, tag your photos with #howsweeteats. We love seeing your versions — these tacos are meant to be shared and enjoyed.
Prepare to be very hungry — these tacos are worth it.