Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the tropics right to your dinner table. Imagine succulent chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of fresh mango and pineapple, grilled to perfection, and served with a burst of tropical goodness. This recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also carries a rich history, as it draws inspiration from the culinary traditions of tropical regions where these fruits are abundant.
People love Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken for its incredible taste and texture; the juicy chicken pairs beautifully with the caramelized sweetness of the fruits, creating a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and satisfying. Additionally, this dish is incredibly convenient to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Join me as we explore this mouthwatering recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Preparing the Marinade
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the lime juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended. This marinade will not only flavor the chicken but also help to tenderize it. 2. Once the marinade is mixed, take half of it and set it aside in a separate bowl. This reserved marinade will be used later for basting the chicken while it cooks. 3. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. 4. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, marinating it for 4 hours or even overnight will enhance the flavor even more.Preparing the Fruit Salsa
5. While the chicken is marinating, lets prepare the mango and pineapple salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango and pineapple. 6. To add some freshness, you can also include a handful of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Mix everything gently to combine. This salsa will add a refreshing contrast to the grilled chicken. 7. Set the salsa aside in the refrigerator to chill while the chicken continues to marinate. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.Grilling the Chicken
8. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If youre using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are hot and ashed over. For a gas grill, simply turn it on and let it heat up for about 10-15 minutes. 9. Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the used marinade that the chicken was in, as it has come into contact with raw chicken. 10. Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them. This will help to achieve those beautiful grill marks. 11. After 6-7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts over. Brush the reserved marinade over the top of the chicken. This will add extra flavor and moisture as it cooks. 12. Continue grilling for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. 13. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more tender and juicy.Assembling the Dish
14. After the chicken has rested, slice it into strips or serve it whole, depending on your preference. 15. On a serving platter, arrange the grilled chicken and top it generously with the mango and pineapple salsa. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors will make this dish visually appealing and delicious. 16. For an extra touch, you can garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges on the side. This not only enhances the presentation but also allows your guests to add more lime juice if they desire.Serving Suggestions
17. This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with: – Coconut rice for a tropical twist. – A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. – Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a colorful plate. 18. If youre feeling adventurous, you can also serve it in tacos or wraps. Just slice the chicken and fill corn or flour tortillas with the chicken, salsa, and some avocado slices for a delicious meal. 19. Dont forget to drizzle any remaining reserved marinade over the top for added flavor. 20. Enjoy your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken with
Conclusion:
In summary, this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game and impress their family and friends. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet mango, and tangy pineapple creates a flavor explosion that is both refreshing and satisfying. Not only is it a delightful dish for summer barbecues, but it also makes for a quick weeknight dinner that can be on the table in no time. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a light coconut rice or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness of the fruit. You can also experiment with variations by adding your favorite spices or herbs, such as cilantro or jalapeño, to give it an extra kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a delicious twist that caters to different dietary preferences. I encourage you to give this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken a try and share your experience with me! I would love to hear how it turned out for you and any creative variations you came up with. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so dont hesitate to make this recipe your own. Happy grilling! Print
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken: A Delicious Tropical Twist on Your BBQ Menu
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken features juicy grilled chicken breasts paired with a refreshing mango and pineapple salsa. Marinated in a zesty lime and honey blend, it’s a perfect dish for summer barbecues or quick weeknight meals. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and easy preparation!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine lime juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well blended.
- Reserve half of the marinade in a separate bowl for basting later.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours or overnight for enhanced flavor.
- In a medium bowl, combine diced mango and pineapple.
- Add chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for freshness. Mix gently and set aside in the refrigerator to chill.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 10-15 minutes).
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard used marinade.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on one side without moving.
- Flip chicken, brush with reserved marinade, and grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove chicken from grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice chicken into strips or serve whole.
- Arrange grilled chicken on a platter and top with mango and pineapple salsa.
- Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
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