Grilled Mexican Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa (Gluten-Free)

Boy, have I got a fun recipe for you today! I wanted something that was really easy to prep and cook, that would easily feed a crowd, and that everyone would love. My whole family loved this and was begging for seconds – that is my benchmark for success!

When people talk about tacos in this country, they usually mean seasoned hamburger in hard taco shells with some cheese on top. I took this outside, cooked the chicken on the grill, and used soft corn tortillas to make beautiful, Mexican-style chicken tacos.

Hot off the grill!

Before I slapped the chicken on the grill, I marinated it in regular tomato-based salsa. You could certainly use a tomatillo-based salsa (salsa verde) if you like more citrusy flavor. I live in California and we can buy fresh salsa at the store, but if you can’t find that where you are and don’t want to make your own, any bottled salsa will do.

One of my favorite Mexican meals is Tacos al Pastor, made with pork and served with pineapple. I love how the fruit marries beautifully with the meat. With that dish in mind, I put together an easy pineapple salsa to use on the tacos. Oh my goodness, the combination was fantastic and exactly what I wanted. I have extra salsa leftover and can’t wait for our second night of chicken tacos!

Fresh pineapple is best, but in a pinch canned will work too

If you have children in the house, put them to work and create an assembly line. Everyone will have fun adding their ingredient(s) and passing the taco along to the next person. Dinner will be on the table in no time!

I was in a time crunch when I made these so I grilled the chicken pieces a day ahead and stored them in a resealable bag in the refrigerator. When I was ready to serve, I pulled them out, sliced them thinly crosswise, placed them on a plate, covered it, and microwaved them until warm. Everything tasted like it had just come off the grill and couldn’t have been easier or faster to make.

I like having some recipes on hand that I can prepare in advance and have available during the week. The next time you are planning on using your grill, think about cooking two or more meats at the same time. Then you can serve some that evening, saving the rest for busy weeknight meals. If you include this Mexican chicken, I promise you will get rave reviews!

Jane’s Tips and Hints:

Make sure your grill is cleaned and all debris brushed off the hot grates before adding the chicken. When you turn it over, if is sticks, leave it alone. It will release easily when it is ready!

Gluten-Free Tips:

If you use any prepared ingredients always check the labels carefully for ingredients that may not be safe. For the most control, make your own from scratch.

Grilled Mexican Chicken Tacos with Fresh Pineapple Salsa (Gluten-Free)

2015-09-08 07:13:51

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Ingredients

1. Marinade
2. 3 cups prepared salsa
3. 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
4. Juice of 2 limes
5. 2 tsp ground cumin
6. 1 handful fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
7. 1 tsp kosher salt
8. Chicken
9. 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, or a combination
10. 3 tbsp organic olive oil
11. 1 tsp paprika
12. 2 tsp ground ancho chile powder
13. Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
14. Fresh Pineapple Salsa
15. 1-1/2 cups fresh pineapple cubes (if you cannot find fresh pineapple, use canned pineapple packed in water and drain well)
16. 1 red bell pepper, stem and seeds discarded, chopped finely
17. 1/2 small red onion, peeled and finely chopped
18. 1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, stem, seeds and ribs discarded, finely minced
19. Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
20. Juice of 1 to 2 limes, to taste
21. 1 tbsp organic olive oil
22. Fresh cilantro, chopped, to taste
23. Toppings
24. 12 corn tortillas (look for gluten-free if needed)
25. Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (leave off for dairy-free)
26. Chopped green onions
27. Fresh cilantro, stems removed, leaves finely chopped
28. Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a food processor or blender, place the salsa, honey, lime juice, cumin, cilantro, and salt. Process until smoothly blended. Transfer to a large resealable plastic bag and add the chicken. Seal the bag, pressing out the air. Massage the chicken to make sure all surfaces are coated with the marinade. Place in the refrigerator and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, turning occasionally so all sides of the chicken are coated with the marinade.
2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your gas grill over high heat or build a medium-hot charcoal fire, banking the coals on one side of the grill. If using gas, turn down to medium heat.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Discard the marinade. Brush chicken pieces with the olive oil, sprinkle all sides with the paprika and chile powder, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place on the hot grill and cook, turning occasionally with tongs, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes total, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. The chicken is done when an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest part registers 160°F.
4. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes lightly covered with foil. Cut into thin slices. Wrap chicken slices in foil, and place back on the cooler part of the grill to keep warm.
5. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill until softened, about 20 seconds per side, flipping with tongs as needed. Transfer to a foil packet to keep warm and pliable.
6. Make the Pineapple Salsa: Prepare all the ingredients for the salsa, chopping everything to small bite-sized pieces (this makes it easier to eat). Place the pineapple, bell pepper, onion, and jalapenos in a mixing bowl and toss to combine. Sprinkle very lightly with salt and pepper. Add the lime juice and olive oil, starting with the juice of one lime, then taste and add more if it needs it. Toss again until everything is evenly coated. Add as much cilantro as you like, reserving a few sprigs for garnishing the salsa and plates.
7. Assemble the Tacos: Place some of the chicken in a warm tortilla, add a spoonful or two of the pineapple salsa, sprinkle the top with shredded cheese, green onions, and cilantro. Make 2 to 3 per person and serve with lime wedges. Pass additional toppings and salsa at the table so everyone can customize their own tacos.

Notes

1. Yield: 4 to 6 servings (about 12 tacos)

By Jane Bonacci, The Heritage Cook © 2013 All rights reserved.

The Heritage Cook ® https://theheritagecook.com/

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