When you think of summer dinners that burst with sunshine and color, Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa is the recipe that comes to mind first. Grilled chicken is juicy and smoky, while a heap of zesty mango salsa infuses the plate with tropical flair. It’s a dish that checks all the boxes: super fresh, gluten-free, perfectly balanced in flavor, and ready to wow both family and friends. Whether you’re a meal prep enthusiast or just love easy, vibrant weeknight meals, this recipe brings big rewards without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa recipe plays an important role—there’s nothing fancy, just pure fresh flavor. These simple ingredients not only make the dish easy to prepare, but they also come together to create a symphony of juicy, tangy, slightly spicy goodness.
- Chicken breasts: Lean and protein-packed, these soak up all the delicious marinade flavors and grill up beautifully juicy.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and keeps the chicken tender while grilling.
- Lime juice: Brightens up both the marinade and the salsa, elevating the tropical notes.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle, savory depth without overpowering the fresh elements.
- Chili powder: Delivers gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness—perfect with mango.
- Cumin: Toasty and earthy, it brings a cozy backbone to the spice blend.
- Salt: Balances all the flavors and makes the other ingredients truly pop.
- Black pepper: Gives a little bite, rounding out the flavor profile.
- Mangos: Sweet, juicy, and golden—they’re the star of the salsa and essential for that tropical twist!
- Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and brilliant color.
- Red onion: Offers gentle sharpness and pops of vibrant purple.
- Jalapeño: Brings just enough heat for lively flavor without overwhelming the salsa.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a burst of fresh, herby brightness.
- Another splash of lime juice: Keeps the salsa tangy and utterly refreshing.
- Pinch of salt: Melds all the salsa elements together.
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa
Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. You’ll instantly notice that irresistible zestiness—a sign of great things to come. This marinade is key for infusing the chicken with vibrant flavor from the inside out.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable bag, pour over that gorgeous marinade, and coat the chicken well. For best results, cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—though letting it marinate overnight turns every bite of your Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa into a flavor bomb! The longer it sits, the better the magic.
Step 3: Mix Up the Mango Salsa
While the chicken is soaking up flavor, let’s assemble the salsa. Combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir gently and taste—adjust the seasoning if needed. Refrigerate the salsa until you’re ready to serve, so the flavors have a chance to mingle and get extra tasty.
Step 4: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with a little oil if needed to prevent sticking. When your grill is ready, lay out the marinated chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. The sizzling smells are a sure sign you’re on your way to Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa bliss!
Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Top
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This quick pause keeps the juices inside, making every slice succulent. When ready, slice the chicken, plate it up, and liberally top with that vibrant mango salsa. Each serving is pure summer happiness on a plate.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa
Garnishes
Finish off your Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa with a bit more fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of extra diced jalapeño if you like it spicy. A wedge of lime on the side not only adds color but lets everyone add an extra zing to their own plate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple coconut rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette. The fresh, punchy salsa is already packed with flavor, so sides can stay light and complementary.
Creative Ways to Present
Switch things up by slicing the chicken into strips and serving over a bed of greens for a hearty salad, or tuck into warm tortillas for the ultimate tropical tacos. For a zesty party platter, arrange everything family-style with bowls of extra salsa for scooping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa, you’re in luck—the leftovers are just as tasty! Store the chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps everything fresh and ready to reinvent for lunch or dinner.
Freezing
The grilled chicken freezes well: slice any leftovers and wrap tightly before freezing for up to 2 months. The mango salsa, thanks to its fresh ingredients, doesn’t hold up in the freezer, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, simply microwave for a minute or two, or warm in a skillet over medium heat until just heated through. Add the mango salsa after reheating to keep it crisp and refreshing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicy alternative and work perfectly on the grill. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may cook a bit longer than breasts.
Is there a substitute for mango if I can’t find ripe ones?
If mangoes are out of season, try diced peaches, pineapple, or even papaya for the salsa. Each brings its own sweet, juicy twist while keeping that beloved tropical vibe.
Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep the salsa up to 2 days ahead and keep it in the fridge—it actually tastes better after the flavors hang out together. Just give it a quick stir before serving with your Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. You’ll miss out on those smoky grill marks, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of heat is pretty mild, thanks to the single jalapeño in the salsa. For less kick, skip the jalapeño; for more heat, leave the seeds in or add an extra pepper.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that brightens your table and your mood, Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa is the way to go. It’s simple yet impressive and strikes that happy balance of savory grilled goodness and fresh, tropical zing. I hope you give this recipe a try—the flavors are sure to make you a fan after just one bite!
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Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa is a delicious and vibrant dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a refreshing and flavorful fruit salsa. Perfect for a summer dinner, this Caribbean-inspired recipe is a healthy and satisfying meal that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Mango Salsa:
- 2 ripe mangos (peeled, pitted, and diced)
- ½ red bell pepper (diced)
- ¼ red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- juice of 1 lime
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Mango Salsa: Combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve topped with mango salsa.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- The mango salsa can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with salsa
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
