Honey Lime Chicken Mango (Printable)
Grilled honey lime chicken paired with fresh, vibrant mango salsa for a tropical dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 3 tablespoons honey
03 - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - Zest of 1 lime
→ Mango Salsa
11 - 2 ripe mangoes, diced
12 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
13 - ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
14 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
15 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Juice of 1 lime
17 - ¼ teaspoon salt
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and lime zest until well combined.
02 - Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
03 - While the chicken marinates, combine the diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a medium bowl. Toss gently, adjust seasoning to taste, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
04 - Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush or oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
05 - Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place on the hot grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is nicely charred. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
06 - Slice the rested chicken and arrange on plates. Spoon the chilled mango salsa generously over the top and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The honey lime marinade does double duty, caramelizing into a gorgeous crust while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy inside.
- Mango salsa takes five minutes to throw together but tastes like something from a coastal taco stand.
- It is naturally gluten free and dairy free, so you can serve it to almost anyone without a second thought.
02 -
- Do not skip the resting step because slicing too early sends all the flavorful juices running onto your cutting board instead of staying in the meat.
- Marinating longer than two hours can make the chicken mushy since the lime juice starts breaking down the proteins too aggressively.
03 -
- Chicken thighs will always be juicier than breasts, so swap them in if you want a more forgiving protein that is harder to overcook.
- Dice the avocado and fold it into the salsa at the last second for a creamy contrast that takes the whole dish to another level.