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 not only perfect for weeknight dinners but also an excellent choice for summer cookouts and family gatherings. With its vibrant colors and sweet-tangy flavors, this dish will impress your guests while keeping meal prep simple and quick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes of cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Tropical Flavors: The combination of mango and pineapple gives a refreshing taste that transports you to a sunny beach.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great as a main dish or served in tacos, salads, or wraps—perfect for any occasion.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh produce, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Easily Customizable: Adjust the salsa or add different vegetables to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Grill basket
- Large ziptop plastic bag
- Tongs
- Serving platter
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides that perfect charred flavor while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
- Grill basket: Keeps vegetables contained while allowing them to get beautifully grilled without falling through the grates.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (I had 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 Vegetables
- 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 (I used frozen that I thawed and drained)
- 1/3 cup pineapple tidbits (I used frozen that I thawed and drained)
- 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, black pepper.
- Seal the bag and smoosh around to evenly coat the chicken.
- Place the bag in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight to marinate.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
- Lightly oil grill grates and preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Step 3: Grill the Vegetables
- Add the peppers to a grill basket.
- Drizzle evenly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss with your grilling tongs to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken to one side of the grill.
- Place the grill basket with peppers on the other side of the grill.
- Discard any remaining marinade from the bag.
- Grill chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side with lid closed until cooked through.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
- While chicken cooks, intermittently stir peppers with tongs until cooked as desired; they may finish a minute or two faster than chicken.
Step 6: Serve
- Place chicken on a large serving platter.
- Top each breast with additional salsa as desired.
- Evenly distribute diced mango and pineapple over chicken.
- Optionally sprinkle with cilantro before serving immediately.
How to Serve Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that brings tropical flavors to your table. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Fresh Salad
- A light, crisp salad made with mixed greens adds freshness and crunch. Toss in some cherry tomatoes and avocado for added flavor.
Coconut Rice
- Serve the chicken alongside fragrant coconut rice. The creamy texture complements the sweetness of the mango and pineapple perfectly.
Grilled Veggies
- Pair your chicken with an assortment of grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers. Their smoky flavor enhances the overall dish.
Tropical Salsa
- Top the grilled chicken with extra mango-pineapple salsa for an extra burst of flavor. This brightens up the dish and adds a colorful presentation.
Tortilla Wraps
- Wrap the grilled chicken in warm tortillas with lettuce, salsa, and a squeeze of lime. This makes for a fun and portable meal option.
Pineapple Wedges
- Grilled pineapple wedges make a wonderful side that echoes the flavors in your main dish. Their caramelized sweetness is irresistible!
How to Perfect Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
To achieve perfection with your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken, consider these helpful tips:
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Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight intensifies the flavors and keeps it juicy during grilling.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure food safety, check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
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Preheat Your Grill: A properly preheated grill helps achieve those beautiful grill marks while preventing sticking.
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Let It Rest: After grilling, allow your chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
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Quinoa Salad: A refreshing mix of quinoa, cucumbers, and herbs provides a nutritious boost.
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Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw with a tangy dressing complements the sweetness of the chicken beautifully.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries add a crispy texture and natural sweetness to balance the dish.
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Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings classic summer vibes to your plate.
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Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread offers a crunchy contrast while soaking up any extra salsa or juices from the chicken.
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Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans can add depth and richness to your meal alongside grilled chicken.
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Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering other flavors.
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Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs serves as a perfect base for absorbing delicious juices from the chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few important steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Ignoring marination time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes can lead to a lack of flavor. Plan ahead and let it sit longer for richer taste.
- Overcrowding the grill: Placing too much chicken on the grill at once can lower the temperature, causing uneven cooking. Grill in batches if necessary to ensure even heat distribution.
- Not using a meat thermometer: Relying solely on cooking times can result in undercooked or overcooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Skipping oiling the grill: Failing to oil the grill grates can cause the chicken to stick and tear when flipping. Always lightly oil your grill before placing food on it.
- Neglecting side dishes: Serving only chicken can make your meal feel incomplete. Add grilled peppers or other sides for a balanced plate that enhances the tropical theme.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
- You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals (1 minute), checking until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and warm the chicken covered until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken.
What is Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken?
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a juicy dish made by marinating chicken breasts in mango-pineapple salsa, lime juice, and olive oil before grilling.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts. Just ensure they are completely thawed before marinating and cooking for best results.
What should I serve with Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Consider adding tropical fruits as sides for extra flavor.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
The safest way to check doneness is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is not only quick and easy but also bursting with tropical flavors that transport you straight to an island paradise. This recipe is versatile; you can easily customize it by adding different fruits or spices according to your taste preferences. Give it a try this summer!
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a quick and delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the tropics right to your dinner table. In just 10 minutes of cooking time, you can savor juicy chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and tangy mango-pineapple salsa, complemented by zesty lime juice. This versatile recipe serves as a fantastic main course for summer cookouts or a simple weeknight meal. The colorful presentation and refreshing taste will impress your family and friends alike. Serve it with fresh salads, coconut rice, or warm tortillas for a complete tropical experience!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces mango-pineapple salsa
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a ziptop bag, combine chicken, salsa, lime juice, olive oil, and black pepper. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill: Lightly oil the grates and heat to medium-high.
- Grill vegetables: Toss sliced bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a grill basket.
- Cook chicken: Place marinated chicken on one side of the grill and the vegetable-filled basket on the other. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Serve: Top grilled chicken with additional salsa and diced mango and pineapple.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
