Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Savory Magic

Succulent grilled mango chicken brings tropical flavors dancing across your plate with unexpected zest.

Bright yellow fruits blend seamlessly into tender marinades that surprise every palate.

Juicy chicken pieces absorb sweet and tangy notes from ripe mangoes, creating magic in your kitchen.

Summer gatherings deserve something special that breaks away from standard grill fare.

Home cooks can master this simple yet sophisticated dish without complicated techniques.

Fresh ingredients combine effortlessly to produce a meal that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

One bite promises to transport you straight to sunny coastal destinations where bold tastes reign supreme.

Dive into this recipe and make ordinary dinner extraordinary.

Grilled Mango Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Flavors

  • Burst with Tropical Flavors: Mango marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a vibrant, sweet-tangy dish that transports your taste buds to a sunny beach paradise.
  • Quick and Simple Prep: Blending ingredients and marinating requires minimal effort, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
  • Healthy Grilling Option: Lean chicken breasts combined with fresh mango and nutritious vegetables create a protein-packed meal that's both nutritious and satisfying for health-conscious individuals.
  • Versatile Serving Possibilities: Easily adaptable for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or casual gatherings, this recipe impresses guests while being straightforward to prepare.

Ingredients for Grilled Mango Chicken

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the primary component of the dish.
  • Mango: Sweet tropical fruit that creates a flavorful marinade base.
  • Lime: Citrus fruit that adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps bind the marinade and provides a smooth texture.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken.
  • Soy Sauce: Brings depth of flavor and umami to the marinade.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor to the chicken.
  • Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note to the marinade.
Seasoning and Spices:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide balanced seasoning with a hint of heat.
Garnish and Serving Ingredients:
  • Avocado, Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh toppings that add color, texture, and additional flavor.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Optional grilled vegetable to accompany the chicken.
  • Rice or Quinoa: Recommended base for serving the grilled chicken.
  • Lime Wedges: Extra citrus for finishing the dish.

How to Grill Mango Chicken Perfectly Every Time

Step 1: Whip Up the Tropical Marinade

Grab your blender and toss in these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Ripe, juicy mango chunks
  • Zesty lime juice
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Crushed garlic cloves
  • Golden honey
  • Rich soy sauce
  • Fresh grated ginger
  • Pinch of salt
  • Cracked black pepper
  • Fiery red pepper flakes

Blend everything until you’ve got a smooth, vibrant sauce that screams summer vacation.

Step 2: Bathe the Chicken in Flavor

Slide your chicken breasts into a large zip-lock bag or shallow container.

Pour the mango marinade over the chicken, massaging it to ensure every inch gets coated.

Seal and park in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours – overnight is even better for maximum taste explosion.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to medium-high heat.

Pull the chicken out of its marinade bath and lay it on the sizzling grates.

Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is perfectly cooked through and sporting beautiful char marks.

Step 4: Add Some Color

Toss some sliced red bell peppers on the grill alongside the chicken for extra smokiness and visual appeal.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving plate.

Top with creamy avocado slices, sprinkle chopped green onions, and serve with a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa.

Scatter fresh cilantro leaves and add lime wedges for that final zingy touch.

Pro Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Grilled Mango Chicken

  • Let chicken sit in mango sauce overnight for deeper, more intense flavor penetration.
  • Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature to guarantee safe and juicy meat.
  • Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version that absorbs marinade beautifully.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, from mild to fiery kick.
  • Make marinade and marinate chicken a day in advance to save time during busy weeknights.

Variations to Try with Grilled Mango Chicken

  • Tropical Coconut Fusion: Replace lime juice with coconut milk, add turmeric for an earthy flavor, and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a sweeter, lighter marinade.
  • Spicy Pineapple Swap: Substitute mango with fresh pineapple chunks, increase red pepper flakes, and add a splash of rum for a Caribbean-inspired marinade that brings heat and sweetness.
  • Herb-Infused Lean Option: Use Greek yogurt as a base for the marinade, add fresh mint and parsley, and swap chicken breasts with skinless chicken thighs for a protein-packed, low-fat alternative.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinate similarly, and grill with portobello mushrooms for a plant-based version that maintains the recipe's vibrant flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Mango Chicken

  • Tropical Beach Picnic Platter: Arrange grilled chicken slices on a large wooden board with vibrant mango salsa, crisp lettuce leaves, and colorful bell pepper strips for a stunning presentation.
  • Mango Chicken Bowl Delight: Layer fluffy quinoa, place sliced grilled chicken on top, sprinkle fresh cilantro, and drizzle remaining marinade as a zesty sauce for a complete meal.
  • Fresh Summer Wrap Adventure: Roll sliced chicken, avocado, and grilled peppers in soft tortillas, adding a squeeze of lime and extra cilantro for a quick, portable lunch option.
  • Island-Inspired Salad Sensation: Toss mixed greens with grilled chicken pieces, diced mango chunks, sliced avocado, and a light citrus dressing for a refreshing and nutritious meal.

How to Store Grilled Mango Chicken for Freshness

  • Seal cooked chicken in an airtight container and store for 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated at or below 40°F to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming without drying out.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen mango for the marinade?

Yes, thaw the frozen mango completely and drain excess liquid before blending to ensure a smooth marinade consistency.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken breast.

  • Is it okay to marinate chicken longer than overnight?

Marinate for a maximum of 24 hours. Longer marination can break down the chicken’s protein structure and make it mushy.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

You can cook the chicken in a preheated 400°F oven or use a stovetop grill pan for similar results.

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Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe

Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor spicy-sweet grilled mango chicken that blends Caribbean zest with succulent protein. Marinated in lime, chili, and ripe mango, this dish promises a flavor-packed experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Fruits and Vegetables:

  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced and grilled
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Serving Suggestions:

  • Cooked rice or quinoa
  • Extra lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant tropical marinade by pulverizing ripe mango, zesty lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, aromatic garlic, golden honey, umami-rich soy sauce, spicy ginger, seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes in a blender until silky smooth.
  2. Submerge chicken breasts completely in the luscious mango mixture within a sealed container, massaging the marinade thoroughly into every crevice. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Heat outdoor grill to 400°F, creating medium-high direct heat zones. Extract chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
  4. Position marinated chicken onto preheated grill grates, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops beautiful caramelized grill marks.
  5. Simultaneously grill crimson bell pepper slices until slightly charred and tender.
  6. Plate grilled chicken atop fluffy rice or quinoa, adorning with creamy avocado slices, emerald green onion fragments, fresh cilantro sprigs, and bright lime wedges for an additional flavor burst.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more intense mango flavor that penetrates every fiber of the meat.
  • Tenderize chicken breasts before marinating to ensure even more succulent and juicy results by gently pounding them to uniform thickness.
  • Swap honey with agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version or use maple syrup for a different subtle sweetness that complements the mango.
  • Pat chicken completely dry before grilling to achieve beautiful caramelized exterior with perfect grill marks and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 288 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 322 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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