This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is all about bright flavors and juicy goodness. The sweet mango and pineapple work their magic, creating a tasty marinade that makes your chicken shine!
What I love most is how easy it is to whip up. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy! It’s a hit at summer BBQs, and I can’t help but nibble on those fruity bits while cooking! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too. They’ll stay juicy and tender on the grill.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, canned pineapple chunks in juice are good too. Just drain them well before using.
Mango: A ripe mango adds sweetness. If you can’t find one, try using peaches or nectarines; they also bring a nice sweetness to the dish.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds color and crunch. If red peppers aren’t available, yellow or orange bell peppers can be great substitutes.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is key for brightness. Bottled juice works, but the fresh stuff makes a big difference. You can also swap lime for lemon if needed!
How Do I Marinade for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is a crucial step that brings out delicious flavors in your chicken. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Combine all marinade ingredients well and ensure they’re evenly mixed.
- When placing chicken in the bag or dish, try to coat each piece evenly with the marinade.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavors, aim for 2 hours or even overnight!
- Remember to discard any leftover marinade that touched raw chicken to ensure food safety.
How to Make Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and marinating (minimum 30 minutes if preferred) and 15 minutes for grilling. So, you can have this delicious grilled mango pineapple chicken ready in around 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how long you want to marinate the chicken for extra flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, take the diced pineapple, mango, and red bell pepper. Add the fresh lime juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together well until mixed. This will be the tasty marinade for your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of that delicious marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours to soak up all those wonderful flavors!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. It’s important for a good grill mark and easy flipping!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the fridge and remove it from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Discard the marinade that was on the chicken. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have some nice grill marks.
5. Add Extra Flavor:
While the chicken is cooking, you can use the remaining marinade to brush over the chicken for added flavor. Just make sure everything is fully cooked before applying any marinade!
6. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice the chicken and serve on a plate. Top it with the leftover grilled pineapple and mango salsa and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for that perfect finishing touch.
7. Enjoy Your Meal!
Pair your grilled mango pineapple chicken with some grilled vegetables or over a bed of rice for a delightful and filling meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Fruits in the Marinade?
Absolutely! If you don’t have mango or pineapple, feel free to swap them for other fruits like peaches, nectarines, or even strawberries for a unique twist. Just ensure they are ripe and diced for the best flavor integration.
How Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Marinating the chicken overnight is a great way to enhance the flavor. Simply prepare the marinade as directed and combine it with the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or covered dish. Refrigerate overnight, and when you’re ready to cook, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes prior to grilling for even cooking.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have A Grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat or bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just make sure it reaches the required internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to maintain its moisture. You can also slice it up and toss it into a salad or wrap for a delicious next-day meal!
