This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a tropical delight! Juicy chicken marinated in sweet mango and tangy pineapple will make your taste buds dance. 🍍🍗
What’s great is how easy it is to whip up! Just grill the chicken and let those fruity flavors shine. Serve it with rice or a fresh salad for a perfect meal that feels like a summer vacation!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken for easy grilling. If you’re looking for an alternative, turkey cutlets work well too. They have a similar texture and cook quickly.
Mango: Ripe mango adds sweetness. If mango is unavailable, try using peach or even nectarine for a similar flavor. Canned fruit in juice can be a last resort, but fresh is always better!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is fantastic here, but you can substitute canned pineapple in juice. Just drain it well before using. Grilled peaches are another tasty option if you’re feeling adventurous.
Red Bell Pepper & Zucchini: Both add a nice crunch and flavor. You can use yellow or orange bell peppers instead. For zucchinis, try asparagus or mushrooms if you’d like a different veggie to grill.
How Do I Make the Best Marinade for Chicken?
The marinade is key for flavor! Start with a mix of olive oil and soy sauce for depth. Honey balances the saltiness and adds sweetness. Garlic powder and ginger kick in aromatic warmth.
- Combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Whisk until well blended, then pour over the chicken, ensuring it’s covered.
- Marinating for at least 30 minutes is crucial. If you can, let it sit for up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Chicken and Zucchini?
Grilling adds a delicious char and smoky flavor. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high. This temperature is perfect for cooking chicken evenly without drying it out.
- Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before grilling. This helps it cook evenly.
- Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- For zucchini, coat with olive oil and season before grilling them for about 4-5 minutes per side. Look for nice grill marks!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps keep it juicy.
How to Make Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fresh Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For Grilling:
- 2 medium-sized zucchinis, sliced into fries (for grilling)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 30 minutes to marinate. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes grilling. Overall, you can get this meal ready in about 1 hour if you include the marinating time. Perfect for a tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Create the Fresh Salsa:
In a medium bowl, mix together the diced mango, fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Stir it all together gently and set it aside. This colorful salsa will give your dish a fruity punch!
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will add lots of flavor to your chicken. Make sure it’s well combined!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, 2 hours will enhance the flavor even more!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent them from burning while grilling. This step is key if you want to keep everything nice and juicy!
5. Prepare the Zucchini:
Drizzle the sliced zucchinis with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper to season. This will help them grill nicely alongside the chicken.
6. Grill the Chicken and Zucchini:
When the grill is hot, place the marinated chicken breasts and zucchini slices on the grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Grill the zucchini for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
7. Let the Chicken Rest:
Once the chicken is done cooking, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help keep it juicy and flavorful!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, place the slices of grilled chicken on a plate and top them with the fresh mango-pineapple salsa. Serve the charred zucchini fries on the side, and don’t forget to squeeze some fresh lime juice over everything for that extra zing! Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Different Fruits in the Salsa?
Absolutely! If you don’t have mango or pineapple, feel free to substitute with other fruits like peaches, strawberries, or even diced apples for a twist. Just make sure the fruits are ripe and flavorful for the best salsa!
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use coconut aminos, tamari, or even a homemade mix of balsamic vinegar and water. The flavor will differ slightly, but these alternatives work great as well!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken and Salsa?
Store any leftover chicken and salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will last for 3-4 days, while the salsa is best consumed within 2 days for freshness. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop!
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge. This will not only save time on the day of cooking but also enhance the flavor as it sits in the marinade!
