This yummy grilled mango pineapple chicken is perfect for sunny days! The juicy mango and sweet pineapple make the chicken taste like a tropical vacation on your plate.
I love how easy it is to make! Just toss the chicken with the fruity goodness, throw it on the grill, and dinner is ready in no time. Who doesn’t love a quick and tasty meal? 🍍
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless is best for grilling. If you’re looking for an alternative, thighs could work well for their juiciness. You could also use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Mango: A ripe mango adds sweetness. If you can’t find one, substitute with diced peach or nectarine for a similar juicy flavor.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is delicious, but canned pineapple can be a quick substitute. Just drain it well to avoid excess liquid.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds flavor and color. You could swap it for yellow or orange bell peppers, or even use chopped jalapeño for a bit of heat.
Honey: For a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar works wonders as a sweetener. It keeps the recipe plant-based without losing sweetness.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or even mint can freshen up the dish without a strong flavor profile.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
To achieve juicy and flavorful grilled chicken, marinating is key. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade to infuse the flavors. Ideally, let it sit for a few hours; this tenderizes the meat and enhances taste. Always preheat the grill, as a hot surface gives a nice sear.
- Heat your grill to medium-high (around 400°F).
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off to avoid flare-ups.
- Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temp hits 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it moist!
How to Make Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grilled Fruit Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For Serving:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, cut into wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Cooking time on the grill will take around 20-25 minutes. So in total, you’ll need about 1 hour to complete your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by making the marinade. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, lime juice, ground ginger, and a dash of salt and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well coated with this tasty mixture. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—1 to 2 hours is even better for soaking up flavor!
2. Prepare the Grilled Fruit Salsa:
While your chicken is marinating, let’s get the salsa ready! In another bowl, mix together the diced mango, fresh pineapple, finely chopped red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. Gently stir everything to combine. Set this aside so the flavors can mingle nicely while the chicken finishes marinating.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Now it’s time to get the grill going! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). This will ensure a nice sear on your chicken and veggies.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and place it on the grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This will make it juicy and flavorful!
5. Cook the Potato Wedges:
While the chicken is grilling, toss the potato wedges with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place these on a lower rack of the grill or on a separate grill pan. Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through until they’re golden and tender.
6. Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and serve it alongside the grilled potato wedges, generously topping everything with your wonderful mango pineapple salsa. Add some extra cilantro on top for that lovely finishing touch!
Enjoy your flavorful and tropical Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken!
Can I Use Different Fruits for the Salsa?
Absolutely! While mango and pineapple work beautifully, feel free to substitute with other fruits like peaches, kiwi, or even strawberries. Just ensure the fruits are ripe for the best flavor. If you use firmer fruits, you might want to grill them for a few minutes to soften them up.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add minced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the marinade or the fruit salsa. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor even more. Just be careful not to marinate for more than 24 hours, as the marinade’s acidity can start to break down the chicken too much, resulting in a mushy texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken can be reheated in the microwave, but it’s best to reheat it gently on the stove to maintain its juiciness. The salsa can be kept in the fridge as well but is best served fresh!
