This Easy Grilled Mango Chicken is bursting with flavor! Juicy chicken is coated in a sweet and tangy mango marinade that brings summer vibes to your dinner table.
I love how quick and simple it is to make—just marinate and grill! Serve it with rice or a fresh salad, and you’ll feel like a grilling pro. Plus, mango on chicken? Yes, please! 🍗🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. You can use chicken breasts too, but they tend to be drier. If you want a plant-based option, try marinated firm tofu or portobello mushrooms instead!
Mango: A ripe mango gives a sweet and tropical flavor to the marinade. If mangos aren’t in season, use canned mango or even peach puree as a substitute. Just make sure it’s not too sweet; you want a balance!
Honey or Agave Nectar: Both sweeteners work great. If you’re avoiding sugar, use maple syrup or even a sugar-free sweetener according to your taste. My preference is honey for its floral taste!
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the flavors. You can also use lemon juice in a pinch, but lime has that perfect tartness that pairs well with mango.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Marinade?
Marinating is key for juicy, flavorful chicken. Don’t rush this step! Aim for at least 1 hour, but ideally, let it sit for 2-3 hours or even overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to really meld into the meat.
- Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade.
- Turn the bag or stir in the dish occasionally for even flavor distribution.
- Always discard leftover marinade to avoid contamination.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Chicken Thighs?
Getting those nice grill marks and juicy meat is all about temperature control. Here are some tips for grilling success:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. If it’s too hot, the chicken will burn!
- Oil the grates to prevent sticking, using a paper towel dipped in oil.
- Grill the thighs for 5-7 minutes each side, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—165°F is the magic number!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting—this keeps the juices in.
Enjoy making this delicious mango chicken! The vibrant flavors are sure to please your taste buds.
Easy Grilled Mango Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate (the longer, the better!). Plan for around 25 minutes for cooking on the grill. In total, you should set aside about 1 hour and 40 minutes to enjoy delicious grilled mango chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Mango Marinade:
Start by combining the chopped mango, honey, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend it all together until smooth. This will be your delicious mango marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Put the chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the mango marinade over the chicken, making sure each thigh is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, but for best results, aim for 2-3 hours!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to avoid sticking. A quick trick is to use a paper towel dipped in oil to wipe the grates.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken thighs out of the fridge and remove them from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade—it’s important to keep things safe! Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have nice grill marks.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside the meat. Serve your grilled mango chicken with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and some lime wedges on the side for squeezing over. Enjoy!
Enjoy this juicy and tangy grilled mango chicken, perfect alongside rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite sides!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for their juiciness, you can also use chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly, as chicken breasts may cook faster and need careful monitoring to avoid drying out.
How Can I Store Leftover Mango Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just ensure to reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop before eating.
What Can I Serve with Grilled Mango Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a light salad. For a fresh twist, consider serving it with a mango salsa or roasted vegetables to complement the flavors!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the mango marinade a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to marinate—this makes for an even easier meal prep!
