Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa

Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa bring together sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in one delicious bite! Tender, juicy teriyaki chicken is wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with a refreshing grilled pineapple-pear salsa for the perfect balance of flavors. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a fun weekend dinner, these tacos will be a hit!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet & Savory Flavor – Teriyaki-glazed chicken pairs perfectly with the fresh, juicy salsa.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with bold flavors.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for family dinners or entertaining guests.
• Customizable – Adjust spice levels and toppings to your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Teriyaki Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (1 lb) – Juicy and flavorful.
• Soy Sauce (¼ cup) – The base of the teriyaki sauce.
• Honey (2 tbsp) – Adds natural sweetness.
• Brown Sugar (1 tbsp) – Deepens the sweet flavor.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds a savory kick.
• Ginger (1 tsp, grated) – Brings warmth and depth.
• Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp) – Balances the flavors.
• Sesame Oil (1 tsp) – Adds a nutty, toasty aroma.
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp, mixed with 2 tbsp water) – Thickens the sauce.

For the Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa:

• Pineapple Rings (4, fresh or canned) – Grilled for smoky sweetness.
• Pear (1, diced) – Adds a fresh, juicy crunch.
• Red Onion (¼ cup, finely chopped) – A little sharpness for contrast.
• Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped) – Bright and fresh.
• Lime Juice (1 tbsp) – Adds zesty freshness.
• Jalapeño (1 small, minced, optional) – For a little heat.
• Salt (to taste) – Enhances the flavors.

For Assembling the Tacos:

• Small Corn or Flour Tortillas (8) – Warm and soft.
• Shredded Cabbage (1 cup) – Adds crunch.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (¼ cup, optional) – For a creamy touch.
• Sesame Seeds (1 tsp, for garnish) – A final nutty crunch.
• Extra Lime Wedges (for serving) – A squeeze of freshness.

Tools You’ll Need

• Grill pan or outdoor grill
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Whisk

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa

Step 1: Marinate & Cook the Teriyaki Chicken

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs and let sit for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
3. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until caramelized and fully cooked.
4. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Step 2: Grill the Pineapple & Make the Salsa

5. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the pineapple rings for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized with grill marks.
6. Let cool slightly, then dice into small pieces.
7. In a bowl, combine the grilled pineapple, diced pear, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño (if using), and salt. Stir well and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

8. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds.
9. Add a layer of shredded cabbage to each tortilla, followed by sliced teriyaki chicken.
10. Spoon the grilled pineapple pear salsa on top.
11. Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt if using, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

12. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy the sweet, smoky, and savory goodness in every bite!

What to Serve with These Tacos

• Coconut Rice – A lightly sweet side that pairs well.
• Asian Slaw – Adds extra crunch and freshness.
• Mango Salsa – Another fruity topping option.
• Crispy Tortilla Chips with Guacamole – A great appetizer.

Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

• Marinate Longer for More Flavor – Letting the chicken sit overnight intensifies the taste.
• Don’t Overcook the Pineapple – You want grill marks, but keep it juicy.
• Make Extra Salsa – It’s great as a topping for grilled meats or seafood.
• Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Results – They stay moist and absorb flavors well.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a Skillet – Warm chicken in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes.
• Freeze Chicken – Freeze cooked teriyaki chicken for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but they may cook a bit faster, so watch carefully to avoid drying out.

What other toppings work well?
Try avocado slices, shredded cheese, or pickled red onions for extra flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Conclusion

These Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa bring the perfect mix of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors to your table. Whether for a weeknight meal or a festive gathering, they’ll be a hit with everyone!

Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your creations on Pinterest! I’d love to see your delicious results.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 20 minutes (or overnight)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Fusion (Asian-Mexican)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 600mg

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