Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa

These teriyaki chicken tacos with grilled pineapple pear salsa are a fun, fresh fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors wrapped up in a warm tortilla. I love how the sticky-sweet teriyaki-glazed chicken pairs beautifully with the bright, juicy fruit salsa. It’s an easy meal that brings a tropical twist to taco night — and it comes together faster than you’d think.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s packed with flavor and still easy enough for a busy weeknight. The teriyaki chicken is juicy and saucy, and the salsa brings the perfect balance of sweet fruit, smoky grill flavor, and a little bit of tang. It’s one of those meals that feels light and satisfying at the same time — and everyone always wants seconds.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Teriyaki Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• Teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• Olive oil (for grilling or pan-searing)

For the Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa:

• Fresh pineapple slices

• Ripe pear, sliced

• Red onion, finely diced

• Cilantro, chopped

• Lime juice

• Salt

For Serving:

• Small flour or corn tortillas

• Shredded cabbage or lettuce (optional)

• Sliced avocado (optional)

• Extra teriyaki sauce (for drizzling)

• Lime wedges

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken: I coat the chicken with teriyaki sauce and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to a few hours if I have time).

2. Grill the fruit: While the chicken marinates, I grill the pineapple and pear slices over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, just until grill marks appear and the fruit is lightly caramelized. I chop the grilled fruit into small pieces and mix it with red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to make the salsa.

3. Cook the chicken: I grill or sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a little oil until cooked through and caramelized, about 5–6 minutes per side depending on thickness. I let it rest for a couple of minutes, then slice it thin.

4. Warm the tortillas: I quickly heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or over the grill until warm and pliable.

5. Assemble the tacos: I fill each tortilla with sliced teriyaki chicken, spoonfuls of the grilled pineapple pear salsa, and any optional toppings like cabbage or avocado. I drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce and a squeeze of lime juice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 tacos, enough for 4 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so the total time is about 35 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add chopped jalapeño to the salsa for a spicy kick. For a low-carb version, I serve the filling in lettuce wraps. I’ve also used shrimp or tofu instead of chicken, and they work beautifully with the sweet-savory combo. A little crumbled feta or cotija cheese on top adds a nice creamy contrast, too.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cooked chicken and salsa separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave, and serve everything freshly assembled for the best texture. The salsa is best enjoyed fresh or within a day.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, but I always drain it well and pat it dry before grilling or searing it in a pan to get a bit of caramelization.

What kind of pear works best?

I like using firm, ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou — they hold up well on the grill and add a juicy bite to the salsa.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the chicken and salsa in advance and just reheat and assemble when it’s time to serve.

Do I have to grill the fruit?

No, but grilling adds a smoky depth. If I don’t want to grill, I dice the fruit fresh and it still makes a great salsa.

What’s the best teriyaki sauce to use?

I use my favorite store-bought brand for convenience, or make a quick homemade version with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.

Conclusion

Teriyaki chicken tacos with grilled pineapple pear salsa are one of my favorite easy meals when I want something fun, flavorful, and totally different. I love how the sweet and savory flavors come together in each bite, and how customizable the toppings are. Whether it’s taco Tuesday or just a casual weeknight dinner, these tacos never disappoint.

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