I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you today—Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken! 🍗✨ I first fell in love with this dish during a summer barbecue a few years ago. The combination of sweet, juicy mango and pineapple with savory, succulent chicken is nothing short of a tropical delight! I remember everyone raving about it and the satisfaction that comes with serving a dish that brings smiles to all.
What makes this recipe special is the lively marinade that brings it all together. You get the tanginess from lime juice, sweetness from honey, and an exciting depth from the spices. It’s like a mini-vacation on your plate! So, let’s dive right into what you need to bring this delicious dish to your dinner table.
What’s in Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken?
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of this dish! They are lean, tender, and soak up the marinade beautifully. I prefer using free-range chicken if I can find it for that extra flavor.
Ripe Mango: The fresh, sweet mango brings a juicy and tropical vibe to the dish. Make sure it’s ripe—medium softness when gently pressed is key!
Fresh Pineapple: Chunky pineapple adds a delightful sweetness and a bit of a slight tang. Grilling enhances its natural sugars, making it caramelize beautifully!
Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to our marinade. I lean towards low-sodium soy sauce to keep things healthier.
Honey: This is the sweet element that balances the salty soy sauce. Pure honey works best, but feel free to sub with agave if you prefer!
Olive Oil: A must for the marinade; it helps with moisture and adds richness.
Lime Juice: The citrusy zing brightens up the chicken and cuts through the sweetness of the fruit.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings an aromatic quality that takes the dish up a notch.
Ground Cumin and Paprika: These spices give warmth and a subtle smokiness that nicely contrasts the sweetness of the fruit.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors. Adjust to your taste!
Fresh Cilantro: A beautiful green garnish that adds freshness. I love cilantro, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to skip it!
Is Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Good for You?
Definitely! This dish not only tastes delightful but offers some great health benefits too.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are packed with lean protein, which is crucial for muscle health and maintaining a balanced diet.
Mango and Pineapple: These fruits are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Mango is high in vitamin C and A, and pineapple contains bromelain, which aids digestion.
The marinade uses minimal sugars and fats, especially if you opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Just keep an eye on how much honey you’re using if you’re watching sugar intake.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
– 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
*Serves 4*
How to Make Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken?
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, along with a good pinch of salt and pepper until combined.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—up to 4 hours is even better for an incredible flavor infusion!
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Get it nice and hot!
4. Once the chicken is marinated, remove it from the marinade and make sure to discard any leftover marinade. Safety first, my friends!
5. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches a juicy 165°F (74°C).
6. For the last few minutes of grilling, toss the diced mango and pineapple onto the grill. Let them warm up, turning occasionally until they’re just caramelized.
7. When the chicken and fruit are ready, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
8. Slice the chicken, lay it on a plate, and drizzle those gorgeous grilled mango and pineapple pieces on top. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro—gorgeous!
9. Dig in and enjoy every bite!
Grill and Chill: Extra Tips for Success
– Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if you’re making kebabs to prevent burning on the grill!
– Want to make it a full meal? Serve this dish over a bed of rice or a fresh salad for a complete, colorful plate.
– Feel free to mix and match fruits! Peaches or even zucchini could be delicious grilled alongside this chicken.
I can’t wait for you to try this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken! It’s perfect for warm evenings with friends or a cozy family dinner at home. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and don’t forget to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turned out! Happy grilling!
