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BBQ Chicken Tacos With Pineapple Salsa Easy Weeknight Flavor That Feels Special. Close Up Realistic Photo Casual Kitchen Settings

BBQ Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Tender chicken bathed in smoky BBQ flavors, tucked into warm tortillas and topped with a bright pineapple salsa. A balanced, crowd-pleasing taco night that comes together quickly and tastes like barbecue at its best.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp barbecue seasoning or rub
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime for juice (about 2-3 tbsp)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
  • Optional sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving

Instructions
 

  • Pat the chicken dry and rub with BBQ seasoning. If you have a favorite store-bought rub, use about 2 tablespoons and let it sit for a few minutes to wake up the spices.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until the outside looks caramelized, about 2-3 minutes per side. Lower the heat and cook through until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 5-7 more minutes depending on thickness.
  • Rest the chicken for a couple of minutes, then slice or shred it. If you like a bit more char, give the sliced chicken a quick toss in the pan for a minute or two more.
  • Meanwhile, make the pineapple salsa. In a bowl, combine pineapple chunks, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to keep the pineapple intact and let the flavors mingle.
  • Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side, or wrap in a clean dish towel and steam in the microwave for about 20 seconds. They should be pliable and soft.
  • Assemble the tacos: a generous spoonful of chicken on each tortilla, a scoop of pineapple salsa on top, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top brightens everything.
  • Serve immediately. These tacos pair nicely with a light salad or some grilled corn on the cob for a fuller meal.