If you’re craving a vibrant dish that bursts with tropical flavors and perfectly charred chicken, this Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful balance of smoky, juicy grilled chicken paired with a fresh, zesty mango salsa that makes every bite exciting. Whether for a casual family dinner or a summer cookout with friends, this recipe brings bright colors, bold flavors, and a satisfying tenderness that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s delightfully simple to make, requiring just a handful of fresh ingredients that come together in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe, the ingredients are straightforward but powerful in how they build up the layers of flavor. Each component plays a crucial role—bringing herbaceous notes, heat, sweetness, acidity, and that irresistible grilled char to the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that grills beautifully and soaks up the spices.
- Olive oil: Helps the chicken stay moist while adding subtle richness.
- Lime juice: Adds bright acidity that tenderizes the chicken and balances the salsa’s sweetness.
- Chili powder: A smoky spice that gives the chicken a warm kick.
- Garlic powder: Deepens the savory profile without overpowering.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth, perfect for that Mexican-inspired vibe.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- Ripe mangoes: The star of the salsa, sweet and juicy, bringing vibrant color and tropical freshness.
- Red bell pepper: Crunchy and mildly sweet, it gives texture and a pop of red.
- Red onion: Finely chopped for a sharp bite that contrasts the mango’s sweetness.
- Jalapeño: Just enough heat to make the salsa exciting without overwhelming.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous lift that ties all the salsa ingredients together.
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This marinade is what infuses the chicken with bold, smoky flavor and helps keep it juicy throughout grilling.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Rub the marinade evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts. If you have time, let the chicken rest in the marinade for up to 24 hours in the fridge for even deeper flavor, though it will still taste delicious if grilled immediately.
Step 3: Heat Up the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. The hot surface is crucial to get those beautiful grill marks and a slight char that adds complexity to the chicken’s taste.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. This timing ensures the chicken is cooked through but remains tender and juicy with a lovely smoky flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Mango Salsa
While the chicken grills, combine diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, season with salt, and gently mix. This fresh salsa is vibrant and balances the smoky chicken perfectly.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Then serve topped generously with the mango salsa, garnished with extra cilantro or lime wedges if you like.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a wedge or two of lime on the side to brighten each bite. These small touches enhance the citrusy, herbal notes in the dish and elevate the presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with simple, complementary sides like fluffy white or cilantro-lime rice, grilled vegetables such as zucchini or corn, or even warm tortillas to build fresh tacos packed with the grilled chicken and mango salsa.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the grilled chicken and serve it over a crisp bed of greens with the mango salsa as a refreshing salad topping. You could also make skewers with chicken chunks and grill alongside pineapple for a tropical platter everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover grilled chicken and mango salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will stay good for about 3 to 4 days, while the salsa is best enjoyed within 2 days for peak freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 3 months, but because mango salsa contains fresh ingredients and lime juice, it’s best to make it fresh rather than freeze. Simply defrost chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover chicken gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, taking care not to overcook it and dry it out. Always add fresh mango salsa after reheating to preserve its vibrant flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating and grilling to ensure even cooking and food safety.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I omit the jalapeño?
Absolutely! You can leave out the jalapeño or replace it with a mild pepper to keep the salsa flavorful without too much heat.
Is there a good substitute for fresh mangoes?
Fresh mangoes are ideal for the best texture and flavor, but if unavailable, you can try using frozen diced mango, just thawed well before preparing the salsa.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this whole Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long should I grill chicken breasts to ensure they are fully cooked?
Grill chicken breasts for about 5 to 7 minutes per side over medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are cooked through but still juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe is a personal favorite that never fails to impress with its lively flavors and straightforward preparation. It’s a wonderful way to brighten up any meal and bring a taste of the tropics right to your table. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple for your gatherings or weeknight dinners!
Print
Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and healthy Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa recipe that combines juicy, spiced grilled chicken breasts with a fresh, tropical mango salsa. Perfect for summer dinners or gatherings, this dish offers a delightful balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mango Salsa
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Rub the marinade evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure each piece is well coated and seasoned.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and charred to perfection, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Mango Salsa: While the chicken is grilling, combine the diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro in a medium bowl. Add the lime juice and salt to taste, then stir gently to blend the flavors.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes off the heat to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken and top each breast generously with the fresh mango salsa. Garnish with extra lime wedges and cilantro if desired for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours to deepen the flavors.
- Pair this dish with rice, grilled vegetables, or warm tortillas for a complete meal or tacos.
- For more heat, retain jalapeño seeds or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
