If you’re craving a vibrant dish that bursts with tropical flavor and juicy, smoky goodness, this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe will instantly become your go-to. It perfectly balances the sweetness of fresh mango and pineapple with the tangy lime and a hint of spice, making every bite an irresistible dance of flavors. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends, this recipe is simple, colorful, and packed with a fresh, summery vibe that will brighten up your meal times.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this dish is delightfully straightforward, using fresh and essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table—whether it’s juicy sweetness, vibrant color, or that perfect grilled char. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds): Tender and lean, chicken breasts serve as the perfect canvas for soaking up all the tropical marinade flavors.
- Mango-pineapple salsa (8 ounces): The star of the show, this salsa provides a sweet and tangy punch that brightens the dish with each bite.
- Lime juice (1/3 cup): Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that balances sweetness beautifully.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the chicken moist during grilling and helps to marry the flavors.
- Large yellow bell pepper (1): Adds a crisp texture and vibrant color that complements the fruity flavors.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): For a herbal, slightly citrusy aroma and lovely garnish that elevates the presentation.
How to Make Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing your boneless chicken breasts with the mango-pineapple salsa, lime juice, olive oil, and a sprinkle of black pepper inside a zip-top bag. Let the chicken soak up all those tropical juices by refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes—overnight marination takes the flavor depth to another level.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill and Vegetables
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Slice your yellow bell pepper and toss the pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing them in a grill basket. This keeps them secure and lets them cook evenly alongside the chicken.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken and Peppers
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grates and grill for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side. At the same time, set the bell pepper basket on the opposite side of the grill so everything cooks together. Flip the chicken over and continue cooking until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F and has those lovely grill marks.
Step 4: Serve with Fresh Toppings
Once grilled to perfection, serve the chicken topped generously with additional mango-pineapple salsa, diced mango, pineapple chunks, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The combination of warm, smoky chicken with fresh fruit salsa creates the perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh cilantro is a simple yet stunning finish that adds a fresh, herbaceous aroma and a pop of green against the warm tones of the chicken and salsa. You can also add thin lime wedges on the side for an optional zesty kick at the table.
Side Dishes
This grilled chicken pairs beautifully with light sides like coconut rice, a crisp green salad, or grilled corn on the cob. These options complement the tropical flavors without overpowering them, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the grilled mango pineapple chicken sliced over a bed of mixed greens or fluffy quinoa. You can even turn it into a vibrant taco by using warm tortillas, adding a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce for an exciting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled mango pineapple chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the chicken for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip bag and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that lovely grilled texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and have a richer flavor, so they work beautifully with this grilled mango pineapple chicken recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time as it may vary slightly.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for lime juice?
If you don’t have lime juice on hand, fresh lemon juice is a wonderful substitute that provides a similar citrus brightness to the marinade.
How spicy is the mango-pineapple salsa?
Most mango-pineapple salsas have a gentle sweetness with just a hint of spice. You can adjust the heat by choosing a mild or spicy salsa based on your preference or even add fresh jalapeño to the marinade.
Can I cook this recipe indoors?
Yes, you can grill the chicken and vegetables on a grill pan or broil them in the oven. Just watch carefully to get those nice char marks and avoid overcooking.
What’s the best way to make the salsa from scratch?
Making your own mango-pineapple salsa is simple: dice fresh mango and pineapple, mix with chopped red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Fresh ingredients make a big difference here!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to elevate your summer meals with something fresh, flavorful, and downright delicious, I can’t recommend this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe enough. It’s an easy recipe that never fails to impress guests or brighten your dinner table. Grab your ingredients, fire up that grill, and get ready for a tropical delight that will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Print
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken recipe combines juicy boneless chicken breasts with a vibrant, tropical mango-pineapple salsa and zesty lime marinade. Paired with grilled yellow bell peppers, it’s a fresh and flavorful meal perfect for a quick summer dinner or weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces mango-pineapple salsa
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for grilling)
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Additional diced mango and pineapple for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large ziptop bag, combine boneless skinless chicken breasts with mango-pineapple salsa, lime juice, olive oil, and black pepper. Seal the bag and massage to coat the chicken thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for enhanced flavor, marinate overnight.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Bell Pepper: Slice the yellow bell pepper into strips. Toss the slices in a grill basket with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Grill Chicken and Peppers: Place marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Simultaneously place the prepared bell pepper in the grill basket on the grill. Cook chicken for about 4-5 minutes on one side.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the chicken breasts and move bell peppers around as needed to avoid burning. Grill the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove chicken and peppers from the grill. Serve topped with extra mango-pineapple salsa, freshly diced mango and pineapple if desired, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant and refreshing finish.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the tropical flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
- You can substitute yellow bell pepper with red or orange for a sweeter taste and color variation.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked for safety.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop grilling with a grill pan.
- To make the salsa from scratch, combine diced mango, pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
