Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is the perfect dish for summer gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. This vibrant recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a delightful mango-pineapple salsa, making it a tropical delight. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish will transport your taste buds to an island paradise. The addition of grilled peppers brings a satisfying crunch, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of cooking time and minimal prep, you can have this dish on the table in no time.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of mango-pineapple salsa and lime juice elevates the chicken to new flavor heights.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve it with rice, salad, or grilled veggies for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
- Perfect for Grilling: Ideal for summer barbecues or family dinners, this recipe shines on the grill.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh produce, it’s a nutritious choice anyone can enjoy.
Tools and Preparation
To make Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Grill basket
- Ziptop plastic bag
- Tongs
- Large serving platter
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides the smoky flavor that enhances the chicken’s taste.
- Grill basket: Keeps vegetables from falling through the grates while grilling.
- Ziptop plastic bag: Perfect for marinating chicken evenly without mess.
- Tongs: Allow you to easily flip and stir your food on the grill.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken 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)
– 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)
– 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 start, gather your ingredients and follow these steps:
1. To a large ziptop plastic bag, add the chicken, salsa, lime juice, olive oil, and black pepper.
2. Seal the bag tightly and smoosh around to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Place the bag in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight for enhanced flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
Next, get your grill ready:
1. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Peppers
While waiting for the grill:
1. Add sliced yellow bell peppers to a grill basket.
2. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss using tongs to ensure they are evenly coated.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook:
1. Place 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 bag.
4. Grill chicken for about 4–5 minutes on each side with lid closed until cooked through.
Step 5: Cook the Peppers
While chicken cooks:
1. Stir peppers intermittently with tongs until they reach your desired tenderness.
Step 6: Serve
Finally, plate up your delicious meal:
1. Transfer grilled chicken onto a large serving platter.
2. Top each breast with additional salsa as desired.
3. Evenly place diced mango and pineapple over chicken.
4. Optionally sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving immediately.
Enjoy your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken as part of a delightful summer feast!
How to Serve Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Pair with Fresh Sides
- Grilled Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies like zucchini and asparagus with olive oil and grill until tender.
- Rice Salad: A refreshing rice salad with lime dressing adds a zesty touch that complements the chicken.
- Quinoa: Light, fluffy quinoa is a great base for this chicken, adding texture and fiber.
Add Extra Toppings
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add richness and balance the flavors of the dish.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor that brightens up each bite.
- Cilantro Garnish: Fresh cilantro enhances the tropical theme and adds a pop of color.
Create Flavorful Wraps
- Tortilla Wraps: Use the grilled chicken in tortillas with salsa and veggies for a fun wrap option.
- Lettuce Cups: For a lighter choice, serve chicken in crisp lettuce leaves with tropical toppings.
How to Perfect Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Getting your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken just right can be easy with these simple tips.
- Marinate Longer: Letting the chicken marinate overnight deepens the flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill ensures nice grill marks and juicy results; don’t skip this step!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Grill: Leave space between pieces to ensure even cooking and avoid steaming.
- Let It Rest: After grilling, let your chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
- Experiment with Salsas: Try different salsas like peach or mango for varied flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty options:
- Coconut Rice: This sweet, fragrant rice complements tropical flavors beautifully; cook it in coconut milk for extra richness.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw with a tangy dressing adds freshness and crunch to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with lime butter is a perfect summer side that enhances the grilling experience.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to savory grilled chicken; bake or fry until golden.
- Greek Salad: A refreshing Greek salad packed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta provides coolness against grilled heat.
- Pineapple Salsa: Enhance your dish further by serving additional pineapple salsa on the side for extra flavor bursts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling can be a delightful experience, but certain common mistakes can ruin your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken. Here are some tips to ensure you get it right.
- Not marinating long enough: A shorter marination time may lead to bland chicken. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or better, overnight for full flavor.
- Overcrowding the grill: Placing too much on the grill can lower the temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Grill in batches if necessary.
- Skipping the oil on grill grates: This can cause sticking and tearing of the chicken. Always lightly oil your grill grates before adding chicken.
- Ignoring internal temperature: Cooking without checking the internal temperature can result in undercooked chicken. Ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.
- Not letting chicken rest: Cutting into the chicken right away can cause juices to run out. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving for juicier meat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
- For longer storage, freeze the chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat chicken for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use medium power and heat chicken in short intervals until hot, usually around 1-2 minutes total.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about making Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken. Here are some common queries answered.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Can I use fresh mango and pineapple instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh fruit adds vibrant flavor and texture, enhancing your dish even further.
What sides pair well with Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken?
Consider serving with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s refreshing and light.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and marinate the chicken several hours in advance or overnight.
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is not just delicious; it’s also versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences. Feel free to customize it with different salsas or additional spices. This quick recipe brings tropical flavors right to your table, making it perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. Try it out and enjoy a taste of paradise!
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the tropics to your summer table. This quick and easy recipe features succulent chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant mango-pineapple salsa, perfectly grilled to create a delicious, juicy meal. With added grilled peppers for crunch and a burst of color, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces mango-pineapple salsa
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1. 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.
- 2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil grates.
- 3. Toss sliced bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a grill basket.
- 4. Grill chicken for about 4–5 minutes on each side until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Add the grill basket with peppers alongside.
- 5. Serve: Plate the grilled chicken topped with extra salsa, diced mango, pineapple, and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (170g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
