Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa – A Flavor Explosion

If you love tacos with a twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa. They’re the perfect fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and classic taco goodness. Juicy chicken glazed in sweet and savory teriyaki sauce meets the bright, smoky sweetness of grilled pineapple and the crisp freshness of pears.

The result? A taco that’s vibrant, colorful, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, or even taco night when you want to mix things up.

🌮 Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Pear Salsa Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

• ½ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

For the Salsa:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple rings, grilled and diced

• 1 ripe pear, diced

• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional, for heat)

• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

• Juice of 1 lime

• Pinch of salt

For Serving:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas

• Shredded cabbage or lettuce (optional for crunch)

• Extra teriyaki sauce, for drizzling

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

   • In a bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

   • Add chicken, toss to coat, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Grill the Chicken

   • Heat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high.

   • Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, basting with extra teriyaki sauce until caramelized and cooked through.

   • Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

3. Prepare the Salsa

   • Grill pineapple rings until lightly charred, then dice.

   • In a bowl, combine pineapple, pear, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix well.

4. Assemble the Tacos

   • Warm tortillas, then layer with shredded cabbage or lettuce.

   • Add sliced teriyaki chicken, top with pineapple pear salsa, and drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce.

   • Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Tacos

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful tacos.

• Grill the pineapple until caramelized for maximum sweetness.

• Adjust jalapeño to control spice levels.

• Serve with a side of coconut rice for a tropical-inspired meal.

Fun Variations

• Teriyaki Shrimp Tacos: Swap chicken for shrimp and grill quickly for a seafood version.

• Vegetarian Option: Use grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu instead of chicken.

• Mango Salsa Twist: Replace pear with mango for extra tropical vibes.

Why You’ll Love These Tacos

✔️ Sweet, smoky, and savory flavor combo
✔️ Fresh and colorful salsa with a tropical twist
✔️ Easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for parties
✔️ A new take on taco night that everyone will rave about