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.
Honestly, 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.
The 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.
So 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!
You 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:
- Apricots
- Asparagus
- Vidalia Onions
- Fennel/Tarragon
- Chicken
- Puff Pastry
- Coconut
- Cashews
- Chocolate
- Pineapple
Tell me readers – what recipe would YOU have made from this list?
Important 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/
Honey Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Skillet (Flavor the Moments): http://flavorthemoments.com/
Chicken Alfredo Bacon Pastry Pockets (Simply Gloria): http://wp.me/p3aWu3-28v
Ricotta Asparagus Tart (Yummy Healthy Easy): http://
Pineapple Scones (The Pajama Chef): http://thepajamachef.com/2015/
Enjoy!
Tropical Chicken Tacos
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 4 tablespoons of diced jalapeno and it was moderately spicy.
Josefine says
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!
Kristi says
Yes to summer Josefine! I can’t wait for better weather. 🙂 Have a great week!
marcie says
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!
Kristi says
Thanks Marcie! I’m so glad you liked the ingredients. It was incredibly fun to do. 🙂
Shanna @ pineapple and coconut says
I want these. Like right now too. And I want the taco stands – those are rad!!
Kristi says
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!
Anna | ANNAdventure says
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!
Kristi says
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? 🙂
Anna | ANNAdventure says
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!
Kristi says
Yes, I’ll take either. And, when I do visit, I’m totally looking you up! 🙂
Anna | ANNAdventure says
Awesome! I am looking forward to it!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets says
Oh man, this makes me want to be on vacation 🙂 LOVE IT.
Kristi says
Thanks Aimee! I couldn’t think of a more fitting name than that! It just seemed so perfect!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
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!
Kristi says
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. 🙂
Kristy says
Awesome photos! We’d love it if you’d submit one to JalapenoMania.com!
Kristi says
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!
Kristy says
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 🙂
Kristy says
And ps. I’m a spice fiend, too!!
Kristi says
Ok, I will submit in the morning. Thanks Kristy!
ananda says
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
Kristi says
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!
Juliana says
Oh Kristi, these tacos look fabulous…indeed very tropical and perfect for the season…beautiful photos!
Enjoy the rest of your week 🙂
Kristi says
Thank you Juliana! They definitely reminded us of the tropics! Have a wonderful day!
Jasline (Foodie Baker) says
I love your little tool there which holds the tacos, your tacos look absolutely delicious!
Kristi says
Thanks Jasline! Aren’t those great – they make serving tacos so much easier!
Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy says
I need these tacos in my life! STAT! Perfect summer dinner!
Kristi says
Thanks Jen – they are perfect for a summer dinner! Have a great week!
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says
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 🙂
Kristi says
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
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
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. 😉
Kristi says
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!
Monica says
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.
Kristi says
Come on over Monica – I will make you some! 🙂 And bring some of that Toasted Almond French Toast for our dessert!
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
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.
Kristi says
Awesome! I’m so glad you like them Erin. They were truly some of the best tacos we’ve ever had. 🙂 Happy cooking!
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
OH YUM! These tacos looks just so divine!
Kristi says
Thanks Anu – these were really delicious – I know you’d love them!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
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.
Kristi says
Me too Marissa – tacos forever. 🙂 Come back and enjoy Seattle’s weather with me – we could eat together! Haha!
Lily Lau says
I’m so sick right now that I’d be pretty ironic to prepare tropical dishes, poor me! 🙁
Kristi says
Oh no Lily! I hope you get to feeling better. Maybe these tacos are the remedy! Haha!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
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!
Kristi says
Thank you Christin! I know you’d come up with amazing – I always drool at your recipes! Have a great week my friend!
Kelly says
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 🙂
Kristi says
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
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
AND, not to sound shallow but, they’re so darn pretty!
Kristi says
Thank you Jean! That made me LOL. That is not shallow at all! xoxo
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says
Mmmm yes! Summertime tacos look like a win for me!
Kristi says
Thanks Julie – you will LOVE them for summer! So light, fresh and tasty with a Caribbean flare! 🙂
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
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 🙂
Kristi says
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!
Marye says
These tacos look so good, and those tortillas look perfect!
Kristi says
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.
Catherine says
These look like heaven. How flavorful and beautiful…a perfect summer dish. xo, Catherine
Kristi says
Thank you Catherine! They are such a perfect dinner for summer time. So fresh – I think you’d love them!