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Home » Main Dishes » Chicken » Tropical Chicken Tacos

Tropical Chicken Tacos

April 29, 2015 by Kristi 59 Comments

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These Tropical Chicken Tacos will take you straight to the Caribbean! They are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with a pineapple, coconut and jalapeno salsa.

Bring on summer! No, rain. No, summer! No, rain. Wait! Oh hi… Welcome to our weekend.

Saturday was such classic Seattle. Gorgeous, deep, blue skies with innocent, welcoming white fluffy clouds. You run outside. It rains on you. You run inside. The deep, blue skies return with their tempting white clouds mocking you, beaconing you to come outside. So, of course you go…and, in comes the rain within seconds. She’s such a fickle girl, this Seattle weather.

Tropical Chicken Tacos | Inspiration KitchenHonestly, I love the un-predictability of it. I should qualify that…I love it as long as I have a short sprint to scatter inside. 🙂 Haha! Ok, so I’m a fickle strange weather lover. Don’t judge.

Let’s get to these it’s-definitely-summertime tacos, shall we…? Before the weather changes?

Think these were good?…I’ve got proof. My recipe notes were photo-bombed by The Husband. 🙂  He put a huge ** 10+ ** on the recipe in Caribbean Blue Sharpie marker.

Tropical Chicken Tacos | Inspiration KitchenThe Husband deemed these “Jamaicos” – you know for Jamaica + Tacos. Yet, when I rolled my eyes and challenged him about that, he said “You asked for words. I gave you words. You didn’t say they had to be quality words.” He thinks he so darn funny. Does anyone need a husband? 🙂

But, I had to admit… Good point. Check and match.

These tacos are definitely not your typical Mexican-type taco. These are Caribbean all.the.way.

Tropical Chicken Tacos | Inspiration KitchenSo fresh, light and perfect for summer time dining!

Think palm trees, sand and gentle, lapping water while you relax on the beaches of Jamaica. These tacos fit perfectly there. They have a nice, light citrus flavor with the juiciness of the pineapple, the sweet of coconut and the spicy bite of jalapeno.

They are a pure Caribbean vacation in a taco right here. KaBam!

Tropical Chicken Tacos | Inspiration KitchenYou can thank April’s Mystery Dish for these little numbers. 🙂 April was MY month to host, and below is the list I put together. The Mystery Dish Gals had to choose 3 ingredients to create a unique recipe:

  1. Apricots
  2. Asparagus
  3. Vidalia Onions
  4. Fennel/Tarragon
  5. Chicken
  6. Puff Pastry
  7. Coconut
  8. Cashews
  9. Chocolate
  10. Pineapple

Tell me readers – what recipe would YOU have made from this list?

Tropical Chicken Tacos | Inspiration KitchenImportant Tip: Grill your corn taco shells until they’re chewy like street tacos – not soft and flexible – you want the chewy to be able to uphold the juicy, coconut-marinated chicken breast!

Check out what the other Mystery Dish gals made!

Pineapple Cake (I Dig Pinterest):  http://www.idigpinterest.com/2015/04/pineapple-cake-april-mystery-dish.html

Honey Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Skillet (Flavor the Moments):  http://flavorthemoments.com/honey-pineapple-chicken-teriyaki-skillet

Chicken Alfredo Bacon Pastry Pockets (Simply Gloria):  http://wp.me/p3aWu3-28v

Ricotta Asparagus Tart (Yummy Healthy Easy):  http://www.yummyhealthyeasy.com/2015/04/ricotta-asparagus-tart.html

Pineapple Scones (The Pajama Chef):  http://thepajamachef.com/2015/04/29/mystery-dish-pineapple-scones/

Enjoy!

Tropical Chicken Tacos | Inspiration Kitchen
Print Recipe

Tropical Chicken Tacos

Author: Kristi

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 1 and 1/2 pounds of chicken breast cut into strips
  • 1 13.66 ounce can of lite coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil reserved

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon salt reserved
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder reserved
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin reserved

Salsa

  • 3/4 cup chopped Roma tomato
  • 1/2 cup red onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks chopped into small pieces*
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons jalapeno finely chopped**
  • 1/4 cup flaked coconut
  • scant amount of cilantro
  • 6 corn tortilla shells

Instructions

Chicken + Marinade

  • Slice chicken breast into strips in place in a bowl. Add coconut milk, salt and ground black pepper. Stir until thoroughly coated. Cover tightly with press-and-seal and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Salsa

  • Combine chopped tomato, red onion, pineapple, jalapeno and coconut in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Taco Shells

  • Put corn tortillas directly on top of grill plates with heat on high. Char on both sides, ensuring the center of the taco shell firms up a bit. Remove from heat, shape into a taco shape and set aside.

Chicken Filling

  • Discard most of the coconut oil, reserving 1/2 to 1 cup.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over high heat until skillet is hot. Turn down to medium-high to medium. Carefully add chicken and reserved coconut milk. Season with a mixture of chili powder, cumin and salt. Cook over medium to medium-high heat until chicken is done throughout.
  • Assemble tacos by layering cooked chicken, then salsa and top with cilantro.
  • Serve!

Notes

*I used canned Pineapple Chunks, drained, then diced.
**I used 4 tablespoons of diced jalapeno and it was moderately spicy.

Tropical Chicken Tacos

Filed Under: Chicken, Main Dishes Tagged With: chicken, chicken tacos with pineapple coconut salsa, coconut, corn tortillas, easy summer tacos, grilling, inspiration kitchen, lunch, main dish, pineapple, pineapple coconut salsa, poultry, recipe, street tacos, summer, tropical chicken tacos

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Comments

  1. Josefine says

    April 29, 2015 at 5:00 am

    This looks so delicious! And I can totally relate to the rain-sun-rain-thing. The weather just can’t decide how it wants so be… Well, at least we are heading for summer 🙂
    Have alovely day!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 29, 2015 at 5:49 am

      Yes to summer Josefine! I can’t wait for better weather. 🙂 Have a great week!

      Reply
  2. marcie says

    April 29, 2015 at 5:37 am

    Jamaicos…I love it! And these tacos sound like a 10+! Coconut marinated chicken breast, and all those sweet and spicy flavors can only be delicious. Pinning my friend, and thank you for the awesome ingredients this month!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 29, 2015 at 5:50 am

      Thanks Marcie! I’m so glad you liked the ingredients. It was incredibly fun to do. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Shanna @ pineapple and coconut says

    April 29, 2015 at 6:07 am

    I want these. Like right now too. And I want the taco stands – those are rad!!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 29, 2015 at 5:17 pm

      I can hook you up my sistah! 🙂 I got them at my local restaurant supply house. xoxo

      Love seeing you here Shanna! p.s. seriously, if you want these – I’ll send them to you!

      Reply
  4. Anna | ANNAdventure says

    April 29, 2015 at 7:09 am

    LOL I <3 Seattle, unpredictable weather and all. We've had some really gloomy, rainy, days here in Colorado… Reminds me of Fall/Winter in Northern VA. These tacos are so bright and colorful that I could definitely eat them in sad & gloomy weather to cheer me up! They look awesome!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 29, 2015 at 5:18 pm

      Thanks Anna! GAH! The weather is so…so…so… tempermental. And, that is all I’m saying about that. Hahaha! Have a great week! I haven’t been to CO in ages, but I need to come visit! What are you making for me? 🙂

      Reply
      • Anna | ANNAdventure says

        April 30, 2015 at 3:05 am

        LOL! You MUST come back and visit! I would love to meet you! Well, I can make Venezuelan arepas or fresh made pasta. Your choice!

        Reply
        • Kristi says

          April 30, 2015 at 3:32 am

          Yes, I’ll take either. And, when I do visit, I’m totally looking you up! 🙂

          Reply
          • Anna | ANNAdventure says

            April 30, 2015 at 5:27 am

            Awesome! I am looking forward to it!

  5. Aimee @ ShugarySweets says

    April 29, 2015 at 8:15 am

    Oh man, this makes me want to be on vacation 🙂 LOVE IT.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 29, 2015 at 5:19 pm

      Thanks Aimee! I couldn’t think of a more fitting name than that! It just seemed so perfect!

      Reply
  6. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says

    April 29, 2015 at 12:45 pm

    My friend just got home from Seattle and he said he loved it there! I’d love to visit one day. These tacos are amazing! I am making tacos tonight 🙂 Wish I saw this earlier!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 29, 2015 at 5:20 pm

      GAH! Ashley, if you do come, definitely call me – we have to meet, and I’ll tell you all the fun things to do. It is absolutely beautiful here (it truly is the Emerald City for a reason), but it’s better to come in the summer time. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Kristy says

    April 29, 2015 at 4:28 pm

    Awesome photos! We’d love it if you’d submit one to JalapenoMania.com!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 29, 2015 at 5:15 pm

      I will do it Kristy! I just registered. But, I noticed no watermarks (which is fine, but I’ll need to remove them), and what size is the photo requirement? I am a spice loving queen, so jalapenos are part of my language. 🙂 I’d love to participate – just give me details!

      Reply
      • Kristy says

        April 29, 2015 at 5:31 pm

        I just looked at your watermarks and yours are fine – it’s the ones that will really distract from the photo that we don’t want (we just say “all” to make it easier). At least 400×400 is perfect but you can crop once you upload to make it look pretty 🙂 I’m really excited to see your photos up! We’ll be rolling out programs with brands down the line, too!

        Thanks and let me know if you have any other questions. Cheers 🙂

        Reply
        • Kristy says

          April 29, 2015 at 5:32 pm

          And ps. I’m a spice fiend, too!!

          Reply
        • Kristi says

          April 29, 2015 at 6:58 pm

          Ok, I will submit in the morning. Thanks Kristy!

          Reply
  8. ananda says

    April 29, 2015 at 4:59 pm

    divine!!! what a refreshing and super flavorful combo!! <3
    oh kristi you are in seattle?? we were just there 2 weeks ago, such gorgeous blooms in washington park, and those tulips up mt. vernon!! lovely place! xoxo

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 29, 2015 at 5:21 pm

      Oh Ananda! I wish I would’ve known you were here – I would’ve loved to have meet. I an’t tell you how much I love your DIY site. Seriously inspiring and incredibly talented stuff. Girl, I am totally in awe of your site. Wowza. That’s all I can say. And, I’m so glad you loved Seattle. We love it here too!

      Reply
  9. Juliana says

    April 29, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    Oh Kristi, these tacos look fabulous…indeed very tropical and perfect for the season…beautiful photos!
    Enjoy the rest of your week 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:30 am

      Thank you Juliana! They definitely reminded us of the tropics! Have a wonderful day!

      Reply
  10. Jasline (Foodie Baker) says

    April 29, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    I love your little tool there which holds the tacos, your tacos look absolutely delicious!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:31 am

      Thanks Jasline! Aren’t those great – they make serving tacos so much easier!

      Reply
  11. Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy says

    April 29, 2015 at 9:40 pm

    I need these tacos in my life! STAT! Perfect summer dinner!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:31 am

      Thanks Jen – they are perfect for a summer dinner! Have a great week!

      Reply
  12. Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says

    April 30, 2015 at 3:41 am

    Oh! Me, me! Pick me!!!
    Wait…is this not a chicken taco giveaway? My bad. They just look sooooo goooooood.
    And your husband is hilarious, but, unfortunately (and fortunately) I already have a comedian husband of my own who’s jokes are more than enough to handle! lol xoxox Pinned these Jamaicos for later 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 30, 2015 at 5:42 am

      Hahahaha! Lindsey love, I LOL’d. You make me laugh crazy girl. But hey – a chicken taco giveaway, that’s truly a brilliant idea! Where do I enter? xoxo

      Reply
  13. Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says

    April 30, 2015 at 4:24 am

    Bring on tropical ALL THE THINGS. Starting with these gorgeous tacos. Holy moly, Kristi they’re just beyond gorgeous! I think I’m gonna have to make tonight taco Thursday. 😉

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 30, 2015 at 5:42 am

      Haha! They are crazy good Sarah – especially with the chicken marinated in coconut. These were one of our most favorite chicken tacos ever. I hope you try them!

      Reply
  14. Monica says

    April 30, 2015 at 4:27 am

    Caribbean-style tacos sound sooo good! : ) I have been craving tacos a lot lately and this just makes me want to reach in and take a huge bite. Really like how the chicken is marinaded in coconut milk and then that fresh salsa on top makes for one delicious taco.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:49 pm

      Come on over Monica – I will make you some! 🙂 And bring some of that Toasted Almond French Toast for our dessert!

      Reply
  15. Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says

    April 30, 2015 at 5:53 am

    Kristi – These are right up my alley. I love the coconut and pineapple to balance out the savory and spiciness in this dish. We love tacos in my house, but have never tried a tropical version. Looks like I’ll be busy cooking these this week.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:45 pm

      Awesome! I’m so glad you like them Erin. They were truly some of the best tacos we’ve ever had. 🙂 Happy cooking!

      Reply
  16. Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says

    April 30, 2015 at 9:11 am

    OH YUM! These tacos looks just so divine!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:46 pm

      Thanks Anu – these were really delicious – I know you’d love them!

      Reply
  17. Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says

    April 30, 2015 at 11:02 am

    After living in Seattle for 15 years, I had to giggle at your comment about her fickle weather – so true! And these chicken tacos look mouthwatering! I honestly could eat tacos of different varieties almost every day of the week – I never get tired of them.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:47 pm

      Me too Marissa – tacos forever. 🙂 Come back and enjoy Seattle’s weather with me – we could eat together! Haha!

      Reply
  18. Lily Lau says

    April 30, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    I’m so sick right now that I’d be pretty ironic to prepare tropical dishes, poor me! 🙁

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 30, 2015 at 3:47 pm

      Oh no Lily! I hope you get to feeling better. Maybe these tacos are the remedy! Haha!

      Reply
  19. Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says

    April 30, 2015 at 5:10 pm

    That’s a great list of ingredients you came up with. I’m not sure what I would have made!
    I’m really digging these tacos. Love the tropical flavors!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      April 30, 2015 at 5:47 pm

      Thank you Christin! I know you’d come up with amazing – I always drool at your recipes! Have a great week my friend!

      Reply
  20. Kelly says

    April 30, 2015 at 11:12 pm

    Gorgeous tacos! I love the ingredients you chose this month! The coconut marinade and pineapple salsa sound incredible! These Jamaicos are perfect for Cinco de Mayo 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      May 1, 2015 at 5:41 pm

      Thank you Kelly! The coconut marinade made that chicken ssssoooo tender – they were so flavorful and the perfect summer taco! Have a beautiful weekend my friend! xoxoxo

      Reply
  21. Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says

    May 1, 2015 at 9:03 am

    AND, not to sound shallow but, they’re so darn pretty!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      May 1, 2015 at 5:42 pm

      Thank you Jean! That made me LOL. That is not shallow at all! xoxo

      Reply
  22. Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says

    May 1, 2015 at 10:31 am

    Mmmm yes! Summertime tacos look like a win for me!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      May 1, 2015 at 5:42 pm

      Thanks Julie – you will LOVE them for summer! So light, fresh and tasty with a Caribbean flare! 🙂

      Reply
  23. Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says

    May 3, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    Oh man, I’m kind of obsessed with how you crisped up the tortillas. They look SO GOOD! Love this taco idea– fruit salsas are the best! These would make any rainy day better 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      May 3, 2015 at 9:00 pm

      Thanks Jess! I love doing the taco shells over the grates and open fire – they get so chewy and crispy, which I adore. And you’re right – the tropical fruit salsas are all that in the summer time! Have a great week!

      Reply
  24. Marye says

    July 28, 2015 at 5:07 am

    These tacos look so good, and those tortillas look perfect!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 28, 2015 at 5:16 pm

      Thank you Marye! These were a total experiment that turned out absolutely phenomenal. It’s definitely staying on our rotation! I hope you love it too.

      Reply
  25. Catherine says

    July 28, 2015 at 11:39 am

    These look like heaven. How flavorful and beautiful…a perfect summer dish. xo, Catherine

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 28, 2015 at 5:22 pm

      Thank you Catherine! They are such a perfect dinner for summer time. So fresh – I think you’d love them!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Mystery Dish: Pineapple Scones | The Pajama Chef says:
    April 29, 2015 at 5:01 am

    […] Tropical Chicken Tacos from Inspiration Kitchen […]

    Reply
  2. The Weekend Dish: Cinco De Mayo Taco Roundup | Olives & Garlic says:
    May 1, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    […] Tropical Chicken Tacos – Inspiration Kitchen  […]

    Reply
  3. 30 Recipes to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo - Pinch and Swirl says:
    May 2, 2015 at 4:50 pm

    […] Tropical Chicken Tacos from Inspiration Kitchen […]

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Hi, I'm Kristi. If you're here because you love food like I do, you're in for a treat! I want to entertain, inspire & encourage you to take risks in the kitchen. Come join me! Learn More →

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