Grilled Mango Chicken is a tasty dish that mixes juicy chicken with sweet, ripe mango. The grill adds a nice smoky flavor, making every bite delicious!
Honestly, who can resist that perfect combo of sweetness and savory? I love serving it with rice and veggies—it’s like a mini vacation on your plate! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I love using thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful while grilling. If you prefer chicken breasts, they can work too, but watch cooking times as they might dry out faster.
Mango: A ripe mango adds a fresh, sweet touch. If mangoes are out of season, try using peaches or pineapple for a similar tropical flavor.
Mango Puree: Store-bought puree is convenient, but making your own is easy! Just blend fresh mango until smooth. You could use other fruit purees like peach or apricot if needed.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite for its rich taste. Avocado oil is a great substitute, especially for high-heat grilling.
Honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness. You can swap it for maple syrup if you’re looking for a vegan option or if you don’t have honey on hand.
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Getting that juicy, perfectly grilled chicken is all about prep and temperature. First, marinate your chicken well to infuse flavor and moisture. An overnight marinade truly enhances the taste.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps to sear the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- When placing chicken on the grill, don’t overcrowd it. Leave some space to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) is the magic number.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps lock in the juices, so don’t skip this step!
Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For The Marinade:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 cup mango puree
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled mango chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-14 minutes to grill. Don’t forget to include at least 1 hour for marinating for the best flavor, or even overnight if you have the time. Altogether, you’re looking at around 2 hours if marinating overnight or 1 hour and 15 minutes if marinating for just 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mango puree, diced mango, olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, ground ginger, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together well until it’s nicely mixed. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Pop it into the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you can. This helps the chicken soak up all that delicious flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has those beautiful grill marks!
4. Rest and Serve:
Once grilled, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice the chicken and serve it garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy this tasty dish with friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before marinating. For quick thawing, place the sealed chicken in cold water for about an hour. Pat them dry before adding to the marinade to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Mango Puree?
If you don’t have mango puree, try using other fruit purees like peach or apricot, or even applesauce for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Mango Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also add a splash of lime juice to freshen up the flavors!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you want more heat, consider adding some chopped fresh jalapeños to the marinade or increasing the amount of chili powder. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the chicken before grilling for an extra kick!
