If you’re craving a dish that bursts with tropical freshness and smoky goodness, this Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy chicken breasts get a beautiful char on the grill while being seasoned with a lively blend of spices. Then, the star of the show—sweet, ripe mango—joins the party in a zesty topping that adds a vibrant pop of flavor and color. It’s simple, fresh, and endlessly satisfying, perfect for those warm weather dinners or anytime you want to wow your taste buds with something a little different.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in balancing the bold flavors and perfect texture of this dish. From the tender chicken breasts providing a hearty base to the mango offering a juicy sweetness, each component is simple but essential to create a harmonious meal.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easily grilled and perfect for soaking up the spices.
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced: Adds natural sweetness and a refreshing tropical twist.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps marry flavors and keeps the mango topping luscious.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the topping gently without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brings bright acidity to balance the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers warmth and earthiness to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smokiness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory depth effortlessly.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives just a hint of heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped: Provides a burst of herbaceous freshness that ties everything together.
How to Make Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high. This temperature is just right to create a nice char on the chicken while keeping it juicy inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick better and promotes that beautiful grilled crust.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Generously season both sides of the chicken with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This spice blend will give the chicken a smoky, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the mango topping.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) internal temperature to ensure they are safely cooked but still tender.
Step 5: Make the Mango Topping
While the chicken grills, peel and dice your ripe mango into small, juicy cubes. A ripe mango is key here—it should be fragrant and give slightly when gently squeezed.
Step 6: Mix the Mango Dressing
In a bowl, combine the diced mango with olive oil, honey, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Gently stir to coat the mango with this bright and slightly sweet dressing that will complement the smoky chicken beautifully.
Step 7: Let Chicken Rest
When the chicken finishes cooking, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Resting lets the juices settle, making every bite juicy and tender.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or serve them whole—whichever you prefer. Top immediately with the flavorful mango mixture and, if you like, sprinkle extra fresh cilantro for a pop of green freshness.
How to Serve Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or even chopped green onions adds a wonderful fresh note that contrasts the smoky and sweet elements. If you want to add a bit of heat, a light dusting of chili flakes or a drizzle of spicy hot sauce can be delightful.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad. For an extra tropical touch, serve alongside coconut rice or grilled corn on the cob drizzled with lime butter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual feast, serve the grilled chicken and mango topping on warm tortillas with some avocado slices for an easy taco night. Or present the chicken sliced atop a bed of mixed greens for a light, bright salad that’s perfect for lunch or a satisfying dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled chicken and mango topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its juicy flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, wrap cooked grilled chicken breasts tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They will remain good for up to 2 months. However, it’s best not to freeze the mango topping, as the texture will become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through to avoid drying it out. Add the mango topping fresh after warming to keep its bright flavor and perfect texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before grilling for even cooking and best results.
What if I can’t find fresh mango?
If fresh mango isn’t available, look for quality frozen mango chunks, thawed before using. This will still give you lovely sweetness, though fresh mango offers the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mix or add finely chopped jalapeño to the mango topping for a spicy kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those avoiding gluten-containing ingredients.
How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Otherwise, the juices should run clear and the meat firm but juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feel like a celebration on your plate, blending smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors in such a fresh way. It’s easy enough to whip up any night but special enough to impress your friends and family. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with the juicy chicken and vibrant mango topping as much as I do!
Print
Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Mango Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring juicy, spice-seasoned chicken breasts grilled to perfection and topped with a fresh, sweet mango salsa. The combination of smoky grilled chicken with the bright mango, lime, and cilantro offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory, perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken evenly and to achieve nice grill marks.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help the seasoning stick better and promote even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Prepare Mango Salsa: While the chicken is grilling, peel and dice the mango into small cubes to make a fresh, sweet topping.
- Mix Salsa Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, olive oil, honey, lime juice, and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Combine Salsa: Stir the mixture gently to thoroughly coat the mango in the dressing and blend the flavors together.
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken breasts are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the grilled chicken breasts into strips or serve whole according to your preference.
- Top with Mango Salsa: Spoon the fresh mango mixture over the grilled chicken just before serving for a refreshing contrast.
- Garnish: Garnish the dish with additional fresh cilantro if desired to enhance color and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your vibrant Grilled Mango Chicken dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful alternative.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño to the mango salsa.
- This recipe pairs well with a side of steamed rice or a crisp green salad.
- Make sure to let the chicken rest after grilling to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
- Leftover mango salsa can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best served fresh.
