Name: Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken-Sweet & Tangy Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1½ pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts); 8 ounces mango-pineapple salsa; ⅓ cup fresh lime juice; ¼ cup olive oil; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced into ½-inch wide strips; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 4 ounces additional mango-pineapple salsa; ½ cup mango, diced (fresh or thawed frozen); ⅓ cup pineapple tidbits (fresh or thawed frozen); 2-4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant escape to a tropical paradise, right in your own backyard. Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with the sweet tang of ripe mangoes and the zesty punch of fresh pineapple, all kissed by the smoky char of the grill. This dish has a way of instantly lifting spirits and bringing people together, conjuring images of sun-drenched beaches and carefree summer days. What truly sets this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken apart is its perfect symphony of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, a balance that’s both exhilarating and incredibly comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that garners rave reviews every single time, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to create. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this unforgettable culinary adventure.

Ingredients:

1½ pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
8 ounces mango-pineapple salsa
⅓ cup fresh lime juice
¼ cup olive oil
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced into ½-inch wide strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces additional mango-pineapple salsa
½ cup mango, diced (fresh or thawed frozen)
⅓ cup pineapple tidbits (fresh or thawed frozen)
2-4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Marinade Preparation

The first step to achieving perfectly flavorful Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is to create a vibrant marinade. In a medium bowl, combine the ⅓ cup of fresh lime juice with ¼ cup of olive oil. The bright acidity of the lime juice will help tenderize the chicken, while the olive oil provides richness and helps to distribute the flavors evenly. Next, add ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to this mixture. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined.

Now, take your 1½ pounds of thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts and place them into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared lime and olive oil marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is coated thoroughly. For optimal flavor infusion, I recommend letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. If you have a bit more time, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours; just be sure to bring it back to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.

Vegetable and Chicken Assembly

While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare our colorful vegetable component. In a separate bowl, toss the 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced into ½-inch wide strips, with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the bell pepper strips generously with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Make sure each strip is lightly coated with the oil and seasonings. This simple preparation will allow the natural sweetness of the bell pepper to shine through when grilled.

Now, it’s time to bring together the star ingredients for our Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken. Take the marinated chicken out of its marinade (discard the used marinade). In a large bowl, gently combine the marinated chicken with 8 ounces of the mango-pineapple salsa. The salsa adds a wonderful tropical sweetness and a hint of spice that complements the chicken beautifully. Gently toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the salsa. This step is crucial for infusing that signature mango pineapple flavor directly into the chicken before it hits the grill.

Grilling the Chicken and Vegetables

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C). It’s important to have a hot grill to achieve those beautiful grill marks and to ensure the chicken cooks through quickly without drying out.

Once the grill is hot and clean, carefully place the chicken pieces onto the grill grates. Grill the chicken for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your slices. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and to have lovely golden-brown grill marks. Avoid overcrowding the grill; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper heat circulation.

In the last few minutes of grilling the chicken, you can add the seasoned yellow bell pepper strips to the grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and slightly charred. You want them to have a nice bite and not be overly soft.

Creating the Mango Pineapple Glaze and Finishing Touches

While the chicken and vegetables are finishing on the grill, we’ll prepare a delightful, fresh topping. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 4 ounces of mango-pineapple salsa. To this, add the ½ cup of diced mango and the ⅓ cup of pineapple tidbits. If you’re using fresh fruit, this is where it truly shines, offering bursts of juicy sweetness. If you’re using thawed frozen fruit, give it a good drain before adding to avoid making the topping too watery. Gently stir these ingredients together. This simple mixture will act as a vibrant, fresh salsa-like topping for your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken, enhancing the tropical flavors. If you desire a touch of freshness and herbaceousness, stir in the 2-4 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro at this stage. The cilantro adds a lovely bright note that cuts through the sweetness of the fruit.

Once the chicken is cooked and the bell peppers are ready, remove them from the grill. Arrange the grilled chicken and bell pepper strips on a serving platter. Spoon the fresh mango and pineapple topping generously over the chicken. This topping provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, grilled meat and vegetables, making each bite a delightful explosion of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For an even more impressive presentation and an additional layer of flavor, you can drizzle a tiny bit more fresh lime juice over the finished dish, or serve wedges of fresh lime on the side for guests to squeeze over their chicken. This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside fluffy white rice, a light quinoa salad, or even some grilled corn on the cob for a complete summer meal. The vibrant colors and irresistible aroma will surely make this a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a backyard barbecue or a weeknight dinner that feels like a tropical escape.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a delicious and vibrant recipe for Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken that’s sure to become a warm-weather favorite! We’ve explored how to marinate your chicken to perfection, grill it for that irresistible smoky char, and create a sweet and tangy glaze that ties it all together. This dish is wonderfully versatile and offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tropical flavors, making it ideal for summer BBQs, casual weeknight dinners, or even a more festive gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with this fantastic Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken; it’s a recipe that truly rewards creativity!

For serving, consider pairing it with fluffy coconut rice, a fresh green salad with a lime dressing, or grilled corn on the cob. The bright flavors of the chicken will complement a variety of sides beautifully.

Variations: If mango or pineapple aren’t in season or to your taste, feel free to substitute with other tropical fruits like papaya or kiwi. You can also add a touch of heat by including a minced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade. For a spicier kick, consider a sprinkle of chili powder on the chicken before grilling.

I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken. It’s a recipe that brings sunshine to your plate, and I encourage you to share it with your loved ones. Happy grilling!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in advance. You can also prepare the mango pineapple glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to grill the chicken just before serving.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I bake or pan-fry it instead?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes, basting with the glaze during the last few minutes. Alternatively, you can pan-fry it in a hot skillet, searing both sides until golden brown and cooked through, then finishing with the glaze.