If you’re craving something that bursts with tropical flavor yet remains light and satisfying, this Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe is your new go-to. Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts grilled to tender perfection meet a refreshing mango salsa that’s vibrantly colorful and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a mini celebration on your plate, balancing sweet, spicy, and tangy notes in every bite. Whether it’s a sunny weeknight or a weekend cookout, this recipe brings a wonderful Caribbean-inspired twist that’s sure to impress without complicated steps or ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy, just fresh, simple ingredients that each add their own magic to create the colorful textures and bold flavors you love in this Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe. The chicken gets juiciness and warmth from spices, while the salsa delivers that tropical zing and crisp freshness.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein that grills evenly and stays tender with a quick marinade.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices adhere beautifully to the chicken.
- Juice of 1 lime: Brightens the marinade and salsa with a citrusy punch.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings a subtle smoky heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of mango.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm earthiness that grounds the marinade’s spice profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a mellow savory depth without overpowering the fresh flavors.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balance and highlighting every ingredient’s character.
- 2 ripe mangoes (peeled and diced): The star of the salsa offering juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 red bell pepper (finely chopped): Adds crisp texture and a subtle, sweet peppery note.
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped): Offers a slight sharpness that cuts through the sweet and spicy flavors.
- 1 small jalapeño (seeded and minced): Delivers a gentle kick to wake up the salsa without overwhelming heat.
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped): Enhances freshness with its bright, herbal aroma.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to tie all the salsa flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This simple but flavorful marinade is the secret to juicy, well-seasoned chicken. Place your chicken breasts into a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is coated well. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—up to 2 hours if you can—to soak in all those vibrant spices and citrusy notes.
Step 2: Prepare the Mango Salsa
While your chicken is marinating, it’s salsa time! In a bowl, gently mix together diced mangoes, finely chopped red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Every ingredient here plays a role: the mango brings tropical sweetness, jalapeño adds a touch of heat, and the crisp bell pepper balances it all out. Chill this fresh salsa in the fridge so it’s cool and ready once your chicken is off the grill.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for that perfect sear. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place it on the grill. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures juicy, safe-to-eat chicken that’s gently charred on the outside. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes—this little pause locks in all the juices.
Step 4: Serve with Mango Salsa
Pile generous spoonfuls of your vibrant mango salsa atop each grilled chicken breast just before serving. The contrast between the warm, smoky chicken and cool, fresh salsa is pure happiness on a plate.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your plate with extra brightness by sprinkling some fresh cilantro leaves or adding a wedge of lime on the side. A sprinkle of smoked paprika over the chicken after grilling can also add a beautiful color and depth of flavor that complements the salsa’s freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa to soak up all the juices. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette would be perfect. Roasted sweet potatoes or grilled corn on the cob also make delicious, colorful companions to keep the tropical theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Serve the chicken topped with mango salsa in warm corn tortillas for a delightful taco twist. Or lay slices atop a bed of mixed greens for a vibrant summer salad. You can also serve it family-style with bowls of salsa and sides for everyone to assemble their own plates exactly how they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the grilled chicken and mango salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the chicken juicy and the salsa fresh, preventing it from becoming too soggy.
Freezing
The grilled chicken freezes well, but the mango salsa does not hold up as nicely after freezing due to its fresh ingredients. For best results, freeze only the chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers and thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in a low oven to avoid drying it out. Once warmed through, add fresh mango salsa on top for that bright, lively finish you enjoyed the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely, just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before marinating and grilling. This helps the marinade penetrate the meat effectively and ensures even cooking.
How spicy is the mango salsa?
The salsa has a mild kick from the jalapeño, but since the seeds are removed, it remains refreshingly balanced rather than overly spicy. You can adjust the amount of jalapeño to suit your heat preference.
What if I don’t have a grill—can I cook this on the stove?
Definitely! A grill pan or even a regular skillet over medium-high heat works great. Just watch your cooking time closely to get a nice sear without overcooking.
Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
Yes, making the mango salsa a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it a perfect choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser—easy to make, full of fresh flavors, and colorful enough to brighten up any meal. Once you try it, you’ll see why this tropical twist has become one of my favorites to share with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to get grilling and enjoy a delicious bite of sunshine on your plate!
Print
Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 2 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 to 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and healthy recipe featuring tender grilled chicken breasts paired with a fresh, zesty mango salsa. This Caribbean-inspired dish combines the smoky flavors of grilled chicken marinated in lime and spices with a tropical mango salsa that adds sweetness and a hint of heat, perfect for a light summer meal or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Mango Salsa:
- 2 ripe mangoes (peeled and diced)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 small jalapeño (seeded and minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, creating a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over the chicken ensuring all pieces are coated, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
- Make Mango Salsa: While the chicken is marinating, combine diced mangoes, finely chopped red bell pepper, red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir gently and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain its juices, then top or serve alongside the fresh mango salsa for a colorful, flavorful meal.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the chicken marinade.
