Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
🥭🍍🍗 EASY, ready in 10 minutes, and the flavor of the juicy chicken makes you feel like you’re on a TROPICAL island! Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is perfect for summer barbecues, quick dinners, or any occasion that calls for a burst of flavor. This dish combines the sweetness of mango and pineapple with savory grilled chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of grilling time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Tropical Flavors: The combination of mango and pineapple salsa brings a delightful tropical twist to your dinner table.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve this dish with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and vibrant fruits, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Easy Cleanup: Utilizing a grill means less mess in the kitchen while enjoying great outdoor cooking.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this flavorful recipe, gather your essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Ziptop plastic bag
- Grill basket
- Grilling tongs
- Large serving platter
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: A must-have for achieving that perfect smoky flavor while cooking your chicken to juicy perfection.
- Ziptop plastic bag: Ideal for marinating the chicken evenly without any hassle.
- Grill basket: Perfect for grilling veggies like peppers without losing them through the grill grates.
- Grilling tongs: Essential for safely flipping your chicken and stirring veggies on the grill.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
- 8 ounces Island Salsa (or use your favorite mango-pineapple salsa)
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
For the Grilled Peppers
- 1 large yellow bell pepper (sliced into 1/2-inch wide strips)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
For Topping
- 4 ounces Island Salsa (or as desired)
- 1/2 cup diced mango (thawed if using frozen)
- 1/3 cup pineapple tidbits (thawed if using frozen)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional for garnishing)
How to Make Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- To a large ziptop plastic bag, add the chicken, salsa, lime juice, olive oil, and black pepper.
- Seal the bag and smoosh it around to evenly coat the chicken.
- Place the bag in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight to marinate.
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
- Lightly oil grill grates.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Peppers
- Add sliced yellow bell peppers to a grill basket.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss with grilling tongs to coat evenly.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken and Peppers
- Add marinated chicken to one side of the grill.
- Place the grill basket with peppers on the other side of the grill.
- Discard the marinade from the bag.
- Grill chicken for about 4–5 minutes on one side with lid closed; flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until cooked through.
Step 5: Cook Peppers
- While grilling chicken, intermittently stir peppers with tongs until cooked to your liking; they may finish faster than chicken.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
- Transfer grilled chicken onto a large serving platter.
- Top each breast with additional salsa as desired.
- Evenly place diced mango and pineapple on top.
- Optionally sprinkle with cilantro before serving immediately.
Enjoy your mouthwatering Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken!
How to Serve Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant dish bursting with tropical flavors. It pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its delicious taste.
With Fresh Salsa
- Top with salsa – Serve each chicken breast with an extra dollop of mango-pineapple salsa for added flavor.
- Garnish with cilantro – A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness.
On a Bed of Rice
- Coconut rice – The sweetness of coconut rice complements the grilled chicken beautifully.
- Quinoa salad – A light quinoa salad can add a healthy twist while balancing the flavors.
With Grilled Vegetables
- Mixed peppers – Grilled bell peppers are a colorful and tasty side that pairs well with the chicken.
- Zucchini and squash – These vegetables can be grilled alongside the chicken for an easy, healthy addition.
As Tacos
- Tortillas – Shred the chicken and serve it in corn tortillas topped with salsa and avocado for tropical tacos.
- Slaw topping – Add a crunchy slaw made from cabbage and lime juice for texture.
How to Perfect Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
To achieve the best results when making Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
- Marinate longer – For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill – Ensuring your grill is hot helps sear the chicken quickly, locking in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer – Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let it rest – Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain its juices.
- Experiment with spices – Feel free to add extra spices like cumin or chili powder to customize your marinade.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy your dish right off the grill for the best taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Pairing sides with Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its tropical flavors.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the sweetness of the chicken.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn brushed with butter makes for a classic summer side.
- Black Beans – Seasoned black beans provide protein and richness alongside the chicken.
- Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread is great for soaking up any leftover juices on your plate.
- Potato Salad – A creamy potato salad offers a hearty side that contrasts nicely with grilled flavors.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can enhance the tropical theme of your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can impact your dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken prevents it from absorbing the delicious flavors. Always allow at least 30 minutes for marinating, or overnight for the best taste.
- Not Preheating the Grill: A cold grill can lead to uneven cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure perfect grilling results.
- Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too much chicken on the grill at once can lower the temperature and result in steaming rather than grilling. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking chicken for too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Forgetting the Vegetables: Leaving out grilled peppers means missing out on a great side dish. Don’t forget to toss those on the grill while cooking your chicken!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make sure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing.
Freezing Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm throughout.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken.
How do I know when Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer ensures accuracy.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure they are fully thawed before marinating and grilling.
What can I substitute for lime juice?
If you don’t have lime juice, lemon juice is a great alternative that will still provide acidity and flavor.
How do I customize my Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken?
Feel free to add spices or herbs like garlic powder or paprika to your marinade for extra flavor. You can also mix different salsa varieties!
Final Thoughts
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is not only quick and easy but also bursting with tropical flavors that remind you of summer. This recipe offers plenty of customization options—try adding different fruits or spices based on your preferences. Don’t hesitate; give this delightful dish a try!
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken brings the essence of tropical paradise to your dinner table with its juicy grilled chicken paired with vibrant mango and pineapple salsa. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, ready in just 10 minutes on the grill. The delightful combination of sweet fruit and savory chicken creates a mouthwatering meal that’s not only satisfying but also healthy. Serve it with a side of rice or grilled vegetables for a complete and refreshing culinary experience. Get ready to impress your guests or family with this flavorful recipe that transports you straight to an island getaway!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces mango-pineapple salsa
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by combining it with salsa, lime juice, olive oil, and black pepper in a ziptop bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Prepare sliced bell peppers by tossing them in olive oil, salt, and pepper in a grill basket.
- Grill marinated chicken for about 4–5 minutes on each side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Meanwhile, grill the peppers until they’re tender.
- Serve the grilled chicken topped with additional salsa, diced mango, pineapple, and fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
