Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe (1)

One weekend, I decided to try something different: a grilled mango chicken recipe that combined savory spices with the natural sweetness of mango. It was a hit! The tangy mango marinade added a tropical flair, and grilling the chicken brought out smoky flavors that paired perfectly with a fresh mango salsa. This easy grilled mango chicken recipe has since become a family favorite and a perfect choice for dinner gatherings. It’s simple enough to prepare on a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve to guests. You’ll definitely want to try this dish—it might just become your go-to summer recipe!

What Makes My Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe Unique?

grilled mango chicken recipe
grilled mango chicken recipe

This mango chicken recipe stands out because of the unique pairing of a mango and lime chicken marinade that not only flavors the meat but also tenderizes it beautifully. The marinade combines fresh mango puree, zesty lime juice, and a touch of honey for a balanced sweetness.

Grilling the chicken gives it that delightful smoky taste, and I finish it off with a homemade mango salsa recipe that brings a vibrant color and extra layer of flavor. Unlike some mango chicken recipes, this one incorporates the best mango marinade and grilling techniques to create an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients List for Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe

For the Mango and Lime Chicken Marinade:

  • 2 large mangoes, peeled and diced (reserve half for the salsa)
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mango Salsa:

  • 1/2 of the reserved mango, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt, to taste

Substitutions and Variations

If you prefer, you can make this grilled mango chicken recipe in the oven instead of on the grill—just bake it at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. You can also swap chicken breasts for thighs if you like a juicier cut, or try adding other fruits, like pineapple, to the mango salsa recipe for a sweeter twist. For a spicier version, use habanero in the salsa or add more red pepper flakes to the mango lime chicken marinade. This recipe is versatile and can adapt to various flavor preferences!

Grilled Mango Chicken Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe (2)

Step 1: Prepare the Mango Marinade

In a blender, combine diced mango, lime juice, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Blend until smooth, creating a sweet mango marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour half of the mango chicken marinade recipe over the chicken, reserving the other half for basting. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or for more flavor, overnight.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high. If you’re using an oven instead, preheat it to 400°F.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and season with salt and pepper. Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes, basting with the reserved mango marinade. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring it’s tender and juicy.

Step 5: Prepare the Mango Salsa

While the chicken grills, make the mango salsa. In a bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

Step 6: Serve the Grilled Mango Chicken

Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, serve it with a generous spoonful of mango salsa on top. Enjoy your simple grilled mango chicken recipe with an extra drizzle of lime juice if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing Grilled Mango Chicken

  1. Skipping the Marinade Time: For the best flavor, allow at least an hour for marinating.
  2. Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken can dry out quickly. Be mindful not to grill it past 165°F.
  3. Using All Marinade at Once: Always reserve half of the mango marinade for basting to add flavor during grilling without contamination.
  4. Undersalting the Salsa: Mango salsa brings a sweet touch, but it also needs a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Grilled Mango Chicken Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is half the fun! Serve grilled chicken with mango salsa atop a bed of jasmine rice or mixed greens for a vibrant and satisfying meal. Garnish with a lime wedge for extra flair. You could also serve this mango lime chicken recipe with colorful tortillas for a fun and festive look. Adding extra cilantro leaves on top will give a touch of freshness.

How to Serve Grilled Mango Chicken

This grilled chicken with mango salsa is perfect for casual dinners or BBQs. Pair it with coconut rice, a green salad, or roasted veggies to balance out the flavors. If you’re hosting, this dish also works well in a buffet setting since it’s great warm or at room temperature. Serve alongside other tropical dishes, or keep it simple with just the mango chicken and a side.

Extra Recipe Tips for Grilled Mango Chicken

  • Make It Ahead: Prepare the mango marinade up to a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld. The mango salsa can also be prepped a few hours early for convenience.
  • Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently to avoid drying it out.
  • Using Frozen Mango: If fresh mango isn’t available, frozen mango works well for both the marinade and salsa. Just thaw before using.

FAQs

Can I make this mango lime chicken recipe in the oven?
Yes, bake it at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

How do I store mango salsa?
Store mango salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Is it okay to use another fruit in the salsa?
Absolutely! Pineapple or papaya makes a delicious substitute in this mango salsa chicken recipe.

What is the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but chicken thighs will also work and provide extra juiciness.

Final Thoughts

This easy grilled mango chicken recipe brings fresh, tropical flavors to your table, combining a sweet mango marinade and bright mango salsa to elevate your dinner. It’s a simple dish with bold flavors that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re a mango chicken enthusiast or trying mango recipes for dinner for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress and bring a little sunshine to your meal!

Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Smoky, & Irresistible Flavor!

Recipe by Ava Harper
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

1

hour 

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

350

kcal

A juicy, tangy grilled mango chicken recipe with a sweet and savory mango marinade and fresh mango salsa. Perfect for summer gatherings or family dinners!

Ingredients

  • 2 large mangoes, peeled and diced (reserve half for salsa)

  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/2 of the reserved mango, diced

  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced

  • 1 tbsp lime juice

  • Salt, to taste

Directions

  • In a blender, combine diced mango, lime juice, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend until smooth to create a sweet mango marinade.
  • Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour half of the mango marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for basting. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for enhanced flavor.
  • Preheat the Grill
  • Heat your grill to medium-high. (If using an oven, preheat to 400°F.)
  • Remove chicken from the marinade and season with salt and pepper. Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes, basting with the reserved mango marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • While the chicken grills, make the mango salsa by combining diced mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well.
  • Plate the grilled chicken and top with a generous spoonful of mango salsa. Serve warm with a side of rice or salad.

Notes

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    Oven Instructions: If grilling isn’t possible, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
    Spicy Variation: Add habanero or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
    Mango Substitution: Use pineapple or papaya if mango isn’t available.

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