Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe because it brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in such a refreshing way. The combination of tender grilled chicken with tropical mango and pineapple salsa brightens up the whole dish, making it my go-to for summer cookouts or anytime I want a taste of sunshine on my plate.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to throw together and yet so impressive in flavor. You’ll find that marinating the chicken in mango-pineapple salsa and lime juice not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a zesty sweetness that makes every bite sing. Trust me, once you try this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe, it’s going to be a favorite in your rotation too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe are simple yet full of flavor, and most can be found at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Using fresh or high-quality frozen fruit really amps up the tropical vibe.

• Thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts: Thin slices help the chicken cook quickly and evenly on the grill.
• Island Salsa (mango-pineapple salsa): This is the star flavor; use your favorite store-bought or homemade mango-pineapple salsa for the marinade and toppings.
• Lime juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken in the marinade.
• Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and adds a subtle richness.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right touch of spice without overpowering the sweetness.
• Yellow bell pepper: Grilled alongside, it adds color and a mild crunch that’s delicious with the chicken.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the peppers and balancing flavors.
• Diced mango and pineapple tidbits: Used as garnishes to add fresh fruity bursts on top of the grilled chicken.
• Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh herbal note that really brightens up the dish.

Variations

I like to shake things up with this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. It’s very flexible and invites a bit of creativity, so feel free to customize it to your taste!

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade to give it a nice heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
• Vegan Option: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh marinated in the same salsa mixture — it’s surprisingly good and great for plant-based eaters.
• Different Fruits: You can experiment with peaches, papaya, or even kiwi instead of mango and pineapple for a fun twist.
• Grill Pan or Oven: If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler works well — just watch cooking times closely to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Make Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This is where the magic begins! Toss your thin-sliced chicken breasts into a large zip-top bag, then add your mango-pineapple salsa, lime juice, olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper. Seal the bag and give it a good smoosh to coat the chicken evenly. I usually marinate mine for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better if you have the time—it really lets the flavors soak in deeply.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill and Bell Peppers

While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Slice the yellow bell pepper into half-inch strips and toss them in a grill basket with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper to season. This way, the peppers will cook evenly without falling through the grill grates.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken and Peppers

Place the chicken on one side of your grill and the grill basket with peppers on the other side. I like to keep the grill covered to trap the heat and get nice grill marks. Cook the chicken about 4 to 5 minutes per side until fully cooked through—the juices should run clear, and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Meanwhile, stir the peppers with tongs every few minutes so they cook evenly and get that lovely char, but watch them closely—they might finish cooking just a bit ahead of the chicken.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once everything’s grilled to perfection, arrange the chicken breasts on a large serving platter. Top each piece with extra mango-pineapple salsa, sprinkle diced mango and pineapple tidbits over the top, and, if you like, a handful of fresh cilantro for an herbal pop. Serve it right away to enjoy the vibrant, juicy flavors at their best!

How to Serve Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this chicken, I love topping it with extra mango-pineapple salsa and fresh cilantro because it adds a beautiful burst of color and a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the smokiness of the grill. Sometimes I even add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a squeeze of extra lime for a little zing.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for this chicken alongside a fluffy coconut rice or simple cilantro-lime rice to keep the tropical theme going. A crisp green salad or grilled corn on the cob also pairs really well, balancing out the meal with something fresh and crunchy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving the chicken on a bed of grilled pineapple rings or arranged on a colorful platter with edible flowers and extra fresh herbs. I even once used hollowed-out pineapple halves as bowls to serve the salsa alongside the chicken — it’s a fun way to wow guests with presentation and keep the tropical vibe flowing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled mango pineapple chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the salsa separate if I have leftovers so the chicken doesn’t get soggy, then add it fresh when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to save grilled chicken for later. After cooking, let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in portions with a bit of salsa on the side (avoid freezing the fresh diced fruit). When you thaw, the texture remains pretty good, and the flavors stay intact.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain juiciness. Adding a little fresh salsa and a squeeze of lime after warming helps revive the bright, fresh flavors that make this dish so special.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes I turn to when I want something easy, delicious, and a little tropical without fuss. It’s become a family favorite because it feels fresh and festive, even for a casual weekday dinner. I hope you give it a try soon—you might just make it a staple in your kitchen like I have!

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