Smoky Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos with Charred Pineapple Salsa: A Fiesta on the Grill

Ditch the usual BBQ suspects and ignite your taste buds with these Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos—a fiery-sweet fusion of smoky chipotle, tangy lime, and caramelized pineapple. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or poolside parties, this recipe brings Mexican street food flair to your backyard grill with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Chicken:

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (fat trimmed)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped)
• Zest and juice of 3 limes
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp kosher salt

For the Charred Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, sliced into rings)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• ½ red onion (finely chopped)
• 1 jalapeño (seeded, minced)
• ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Pinch of sea salt

For Assembly:

• Small corn tortillas (charred on the grill)
• Creamy avocado crema (blend 2 avocados + ½ cup Greek yogurt + lime juice)
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the ChickenWhisk olive oil, chipotle, lime zest/juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, honey, and salt. Coat chicken thighs in the marinade and refrigerate for 4–6 hours (or overnight).

2. Grill the PineapplePreheat grill to 450°F (232°C). Grill pineapple rings for 3–4 minutes per side until charred. Dice and mix with bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt for salsa.

3. Smoke & Sear the ChickenSet up grill for two-zone cooking (direct/indirect heat). Sear thighs over direct heat for 2 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat. Add soaked mesquite wood chips to coals. Close lid and cook at 325°F (163°C) for 20–25 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Rest & ShredLet chicken rest 10 minutes, then shred with forks. Toss with 2–3 tbsp of reserved marinade for extra moisture.

5. Build Your TacosChar tortillas briefly on the grill. Layer shredded chicken, pineapple salsa, avocado crema, and queso fresco. Finish with lime squeeze!

Pro Tips for Taco Triumph

🔥 Fat is Flavor: Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts for grilling.

🔥 Double Smoke: Add a dash of smoked salt to the avocado crema for depth.

🔥 Tortilla Hack: Brush tortillas with oil before grilling to prevent tearing.

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