Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that brings tropical flavors right to your table. This easy-to-make recipe combines juicy chicken with sweet mango and pineapple, making it perfect for summer barbecues or any time you crave a taste of the islands. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and mouthwatering taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Tropical Flavors: The combination of mango and pineapple adds a refreshing sweetness that elevates the chicken.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it alongside grilled veggies or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is ideal for summer cookouts or family dinners, pleasing both adults and kids alike.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fresh produce, this recipe is as nutritious as it is tasty.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken successfully, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These tools will help streamline the cooking process and ensure your chicken cooks evenly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Grill basket
- Ziptop plastic bag
- Tongs
- Large serving platter
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides high heat needed for perfect grilling, giving chicken those desirable char marks.
- Grill basket: Keeps vegetables secure while grilling, ensuring they don’t fall through the grates.
- Ziptop plastic bag: Ideal for marinating chicken evenly without making a mess.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
- 8 ounces Island Salsa (or your favorite mango-pineapple salsa)
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For Grilling Vegetables
- 1 large yellow bell pepper (sliced into 1/2-inch wide strips)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For Topping
- 4 ounces Island Salsa (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 start, take a large ziptop plastic bag and add the following ingredients:
1. Thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts.
2. Island Salsa.
3. Lime juice.
4. Olive oil.
5. Black pepper.
Seal the bag tightly and gently smoosh it around to coat the chicken evenly. Allow it to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
While the chicken marinates, lightly oil your grill grates to prevent sticking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s hot when you’re ready to cook.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Place sliced yellow bell peppers in a grill basket. Drizzle them evenly with olive oil, then season with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss them with tongs to ensure they are well-coated.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken and Peppers
Once your grill is ready:
1. Place the marinated chicken on one side of the grill.
2. Add the grill basket with peppers on the other side.
3. Discard any remaining marinade from the ziptop bag.
Grill the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes with the lid closed, then flip it over and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until fully cooked through.
Step 5: Stir Peppers While Cooking
As you grill the chicken, use tongs to stir and check on the peppers intermittently. They may finish cooking slightly faster than the chicken, so keep an eye on them!
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and place it on a large serving platter. Top each piece with additional salsa as desired, scatter diced mango and pineapple over them, and if you like, sprinkle fresh cilantro before serving immediately. Enjoy your tropical feast!
How to Serve Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant dish that brings the flavors of summer right to your table. It pairs well with various sides and garnishes, enhancing the tropical experience.
Serve with Fresh Salsa
- Top it off: Spoon extra mango pineapple salsa over each chicken breast for added flavor and freshness.
Accompany with Grilled Vegetables
- Colorful addition: Serve grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus alongside the chicken for a colorful plate that complements its flavors.
Pair with Rice or Quinoa
- Hearty base: A side of coconut rice or cilantro lime quinoa adds a delightful texture and absorbs the delicious juices from the chicken.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Brighten up: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or mint on top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh aroma.
Add a Side Salad
- Crisp contrast: A light salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
How to Perfect Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken, consider these simple tips.
- Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, let your chicken marinate overnight in the fridge.
- Use medium-high heat: Ensure your grill is hot enough to sear the chicken and lock in moisture.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let it rest: After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing; this keeps it juicy.
- Choose ripe fruit: Using fresh, ripe mango and pineapple enhances sweetness and flavor in your dish.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add extra spices like chili powder or cumin to customize your marinade.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its tropical flavors. Here are some great options to consider.
- Coconut Rice: Fluffy rice cooked in coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and lime creates a zesty contrast.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter is a classic summer side that everyone loves.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw featuring cabbage and carrots dressed in tangy vinaigrette provides a crisp texture.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned baked potato wedges offer heartiness and can be flavored to match the tropical theme.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: A fragrant fried rice dish mixed with pineapple chunks adds an exotic twist that complements the main course.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus spears grilled until tender provide an elegant touch to your meal.
- Mango Salsa & Tortilla Chips: Serve some tortilla chips alongside additional mango salsa as an appetizer or side snack.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken, avoid these common mistakes to ensure a delicious outcome.
- Skipping the marinade – Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to bland flavors. Marinating for at least 30 minutes enhances the taste dramatically.
- Overcooking the chicken – Cooking chicken too long makes it dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should reach 165°F.
- Neglecting the grill prep – Failing to oil the grill grates may cause sticking. Always lightly oil the grates before heating for easy flipping.
- Using frozen ingredients without thawing – Adding frozen mango or pineapple directly can lower grilling temperature. Thaw and drain them before use for better results.
- Ignoring seasoning on vegetables – Not seasoning grilled peppers can make them bland. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling for flavor.
- Forgetting to let the chicken rest – Cutting into the chicken immediately after grilling can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and reheat chicken for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken.
Can I use other types of salsa?
You can definitely swap out the Island Salsa for your favorite variety! Just ensure it has similar tropical flavors for best results.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What sides pair well with Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken?
This dish goes great with rice, fresh salads, or grilled vegetables, enhancing its tropical flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and grill it right before serving for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is not just a simple recipe; it’s an explosion of tropical flavors that transport you straight to paradise. Perfect for summer gatherings, this dish is versatile—feel free to customize with different fruits or salsas based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful meal that everyone will love!
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant and tropical dish that transports your taste buds to a sunny paradise. This easy recipe features tender chicken marinated in a zesty blend of mango salsa, lime juice, and olive oil, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of grilled mango and pineapple. Ideal for summer barbecues or delightful weeknight dinners, this dish not only looks stunning but also bursts with flavor. Serve it alongside grilled vegetables or over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces Island Salsa (or mango-pineapple salsa)
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large yellow bell pepper
- 4 ounces diced mango
- 1/3 cup pineapple tidbits
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- In a ziptop bag, combine chicken, salsa, lime juice, olive oil, and black pepper. Seal and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- Toss sliced bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper; place them in a grill basket.
- Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F). Grill peppers until tender.
- Serve chicken topped with additional salsa, diced mango, pineapple, and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (170g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
