Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken

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Sweet and savory collide in this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken recipe! Featuring juicy mango and pineapple, this dish bursts with tropical flavors. Perfect for summer BBQs or weeknight dinners, it's an easy way to impress family and friends. Save this recipe to bring a taste of the tropics to your table!

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Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey cutlets or tofu for a plant-based option work well too. Just make sure they are cut to a similar thickness for even cooking.

Mango: Use ripe mango for the best sweetness. If mango is out of season, peach or nectarine can be a great substitute. Frozen mango is also an option, just thaw it out first.

Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a juicy sweetness but canned works just as fine for convenience. If you prefer less sweetness, consider using diced zucchini or bell peppers instead.

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish, but if you aren’t a fan, parsley or basil can be used instead, offering a different fresh twist.

How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly Every Time?

Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, it can be easily managed. First, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat so your chicken gets a nice sear on the outside. This helps keep the juices in.

  • Before grilling, season the chicken breasts lightly with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. This enhances flavor and prevents them from sticking to the grill.
  • Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s safe to eat.
  • Don’t forget to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute and will keep your chicken moist.

How to Make Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for seasoning)

For the Mango Pineapple Salsa:

  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1 cup pineapple, diced (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook on the grill. So, you’ll be enjoying your tropical Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken in about 30-35 minutes total. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Mango Pineapple Salsa:

In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, pineapple, red bell pepper, cilantro, and minced garlic. Squeeze in the lime juice and add the olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s nicely blended. This fresh salsa will be a tasty topping for your chicken!

2. Prepare the Grill:

Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets those nice grill marks!

3. Season the Chicken:

While the grill is heating up, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil to lightly coat. This will help keep them juicy while they cook.

4. Grill the Chicken:

Now, it’s time to grill! Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

5. Add the Salsa:

During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, spoon some of the mango-pineapple salsa over the chicken. Allow the salsa to warm up a bit on top of the chicken—this enhances the flavors beautifully!

6. Let it Rest:

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill. Let it rest for a few minutes; this helps keep it juicy and tender when you cut into it.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish the chicken with any leftover cilantro if you like. Serve it with additional salsa on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your flavorful and tropical Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken!

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely first! You can safely thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or quickly by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour. Ensure to pat it dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture on the grill.

What Can I Substitute for Mango or Pineapple?

If you don’t have mango or pineapple on hand, feel free to use other fruits like diced peaches or peaches for a similar sweet flavor. You can also use a jar of store-bought fruit salsa as a shortcut. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to taste since store-bought salsas can vary in flavor.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the chicken separate from the salsa to maintain freshness. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You might want to add a little fresh lime juice to revive the flavors!

Can I Make the Salsa Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mango-pineapple salsa a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits, but be sure to give it a good stir before serving to refresh it!

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