This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a sunny delight! Juicy chicken gets a sweet and tangy twist from fresh mango and pineapple, making every bite a taste of summer.
Who knew chicken could get so fruity? I often make extra to have on my salads for lunch. You can never go wrong with a little tropical vibe on your plate! 🍍🥭
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, but you could also use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. They take a little longer to cook, so be mindful of that.
Mango: Fresh mango adds sweetness and a tropical vibe, but if mango is out of season, use peaches or nectarines for a similar taste. Canned mango can be an option too, just ensure it’s in juice, not syrup.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple works best, but if you can’t find it, canned or frozen pineapple will do in a pinch. Just drain the canned version and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture when grilling.
Soy Sauce: If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, you can use reduced-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free alternative, swap in tamari or coconut aminos, which brings a similar flavor profile.
How Do I Get the Chicken Grilled Perfectly?
Getting the chicken perfectly grilled is key to this dish. First, marinating the chicken is essential as it infuses flavor and keeps it juicy. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but I often let it marinate for a couple of hours for the best taste.
- Ensure your grill is hot before adding the chicken. This helps create nice grill marks and locks in moisture.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer if unsure; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This step allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fruit and Veggie Mixture:
- 1 cup fresh mango, diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. You’ll spend another 15 minutes grilling. In total, plan for about 1 hour to enjoy your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed to create a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and turn them around to coat well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours for extra flavor.
3. Prep the Fruit and Veggies:
While the chicken is marinating, chop the mango, pineapple, and red bell pepper. In a separate bowl, mix these fruits and veggies with the chopped cilantro. Set this mixture aside for later.
4. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. This helps to get those nice grill marks and great flavor on the chicken!
5. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade (discard the marinade) and place the chicken breasts on the grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re fully cooked through and their juices run clear.
6. Grill the Fruit and Veggie Mixture:
In the final 2 minutes of grilling, toss the diced mango, pineapple, and red bell pepper mixture onto the grill to warm them up. They’ll get a nice char and extra flavor!
7. Rest and Slice the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice the chicken into pieces.
8. Assemble and Serve:
Top the sliced chicken with the grilled fruit and veggie mixture. For a lovely finishing touch, add some extra chopped cilantro and sliced green onions if you like.
9. Dig In!
Serve your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken hot and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While mango and pineapple are delicious choices, you can also use fruits like peaches, strawberries, or even kiwi. Just keep in mind that different fruits might cook at varying rates, so adjust grilling time as needed.
How Can I Marinate the Chicken Faster?
If you’re short on time, try using a zip-top bag for marinating. This allows the marinade to coat the chicken more evenly, and you can marinate for as little as 15-20 minutes. Just ensure it’s sealed tightly to avoid leaks!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and grilled fruit mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the grill or in a skillet to keep it juicy. You can also add a splash of fresh lime juice for an extra flavor boost!
Can I Cook the Chicken Indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or in your oven. For the stovetop, heat a little oil in the pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. In the oven, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
