This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a fun and fruity dish! Juicy chicken is marinated with sweet mango and pineapple, giving it a tropical twist that’s hard to resist.
Cooking it on the grill makes everything taste smoky and delicious! I love serving it with rice or a fresh salad for a bright meal. It’s like a little vacation on your plate! 🌴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier bite or use tofu for a plant-based option.
Mango: A ripe mango adds sweetness. If you can’t find mango, try using diced peaches or nectarines instead. They offer a similar juicy, fruity flavor.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a nice tang. Canned pineapple works in a pinch, but fresh is always better for texture. Just drain it properly before use.
Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and colorful, red bell peppers work well here. You can use green or yellow bell peppers too, or even replace them with diced zucchini for a lower-calorie alternative.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a lovely herby taste. If you’re not a fan, parsley or basil can be good substitutes. Some even use mint for a fresh twist!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken so it’s juicy and flavorful requires a few careful steps:
- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. A hot grill sears the chicken nicely and helps lock in juices.
- Don’t skip resting the chicken after grilling; this step helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Always use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Brushing on reserved marinade at the end adds an extra layer of flavor without risk of contamination.
How to Make Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mango Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for added heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating the chicken. After that, grilling takes about 15 minutes. So, you can expect the entire process to be around 1 hour and 30 minutes, especially if you decide to marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mango Pineapple Salsa:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Stir gently and set this delicious mixture aside. Letting it sit will help the flavors come together beautifully.
2. Make the Marinade:
In another bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. This will be your tasty marinade for the chicken. Make sure everything is well combined!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and seal or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour—if you have the time, marinating overnight is even better for maximum flavor!
4. Heat Up the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot for that perfect grilling.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and remember to discard that used marinade (we don’t want to grill with it!). Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This means it’s cooked through and safe to eat!
6. Add Extra Flavor:
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush some of the reserved marinade over the chicken to enhance the flavor even more.
7. Let It Rest:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy and tender.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious grilled chicken topped with the mango pineapple salsa and garnish with extra cilantro. For those who like a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños on the side. This dish goes wonderfully with rice or a fresh green salad. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple and Mango Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pineapple and mango can work well as a substitute. Just make sure to drain them well to reduce excess moisture, which can make the dish too watery. If using canned fruit, you may want to adjust the sweetness by reducing the honey slightly, depending on your taste!
How Do I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, adding sliced jalapeños as suggested is great! You can also include crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade or add a spicy BBQ sauce towards the end of grilling for an extra kick. Just remember to start small and adjust to your preferred spice level!
Can I Cook This Chicken in the Oven Instead of Grilling?
Yes, you can bake the chicken! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Consider broiling for the last 2-3 minutes for a slight char if you like a grilled flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or skillet on low heat until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold in salads or wraps for a refreshing meal!
