Pin It The first time I made this mango salsa chicken, I was hosting a backyard barbecue and realized halfway through that I had forgotten to buy any sides. Everyone ended up crowding around the platter, squeezing lime wedges over their plates and declaring it better than anything I had actually planned to make.
Last summer my neighbor leaned over the fence while I was grilling and asked what smelled so incredible. Now she requests this recipe for every street potluck and her kids actually fight over the leftover salsa.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Look for pieces that are roughly the same thickness so they finish grilling at the same time
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This helps the spices cling to the chicken and prevents sticking on the grill
- 2 tbsp lime juice: Freshly squeezed makes all the difference in tenderizing the meat
- 1 tsp chili powder: Provides a gentle warmth that plays beautifully with the sweet mango
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Sprinkles in savory depth without the risk of burnt fresh garlic
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Adds that earthy backbone that makes the tropical flavors feel grounded
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Just enough to wake up your palate
- 1 large ripe mango: Should give slightly when pressed but still feel firm
- 1/2 red bell pepper: Brings crunch and a gorgeous pop of color
- 1/4 red onion: Soak it in ice water for 10 minutes if you want to mellow the sharpness
- 1 small jalapeño: The seeds carry most of the heat so adjust accordingly
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro: Bright and citrusy it ties everything together
- 2 tbsp lime juice: Balances the sweetness of the mango
- 1/4 tsp salt: Makes all the salsa flavors sing
Instructions
- Whisk together the marinade:
- Combine olive oil lime juice chili powder garlic powder cumin salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth
- Coat the chicken:
- Place chicken in a resealable bag pour in the marinade and massage to ensure every surface is covered
- Let it rest:
- Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor
- Mix the mango salsa:
- Combine mango red bell pepper red onion jalapeño cilantro lime juice and salt in a medium bowl
- Chill the salsa:
- Refrigerate until ready to serve so the flavors can meld
- Fire up the grill:
- Preheat to medium high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking
- Grill the chicken:
- Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature hits 165°F and juices run clear
- Rest before serving:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes then top generously with mango salsa
Pin It This dish turned an ordinary Tuesday dinner into something my family still talks about months later. The way the warm spices meet the cool sweet salsa feels like eating sunshine.
Choosing the Perfect Mango
I spent years buying mangos that were either stringy or flavorless until a produce manager finally taught me the secret. A ripe Ataulfo or Champagne mango will yield slightly to gentle pressure and often has a yellow blush rather than green.
Grill Temperature Secrets
Medium high might feel vague but your hand is the best thermometer. Hold it palm down about five inches above the grate and count how long you can keep it there. Three to four seconds means you have the right heat for perfect grill marks without burning.
Make Ahead Magic
The salsa actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours so I often make it in the morning.
- Keep the avocado addition until right before serving if you decide to add some
- Double the salsa recipe because it disappears incredibly fast on chips the next day
- The chicken can be grilled sliced and refrigerated for meal prep all week
Pin It Every time I serve this someone asks for the recipe and inevitably mentions how the flavors transport them straight to a beach somewhere.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should the chicken be marinated for best flavor?
Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to allow the spices and lime juice to infuse the meat, but up to 2 hours in the refrigerator enhances flavor further without compromising texture.
- → Can I adjust the heat level of the mango salsa?
Yes, leave the jalapeño seeds in for more heat or omit the jalapeño entirely for a milder salsa.
- → What grilling temperature is recommended for the chicken?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- → Are there good alternatives to mango in the salsa?
Substitutions like pineapple or papaya work well, providing a similar tropical sweetness and texture.
- → What side dishes complement this grilled chicken best?
Coconut rice, fresh salads, or light grain bowls pair beautifully, enhancing the tropical and fresh flavors.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients used are free from gluten and dairy, making it safe for those dietary restrictions.