My husband absolutely loves this Grilled Mango Chicken—it’s sweet, smoky, and so full of tropical flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels a little fancy, but is actually super easy to make.

I love marinating the chicken in a fresh mango-lime blend because it keeps the meat so juicy and gives it a beautiful golden color. With every bite, you taste the brightness of the mango and the gentle spice from the garlic and chili.

Favorite part? The way the chicken gets those nice grill marks and a little bit of caramelization from the mango and honey—so tasty!

Adding just a few ingredients like fresh mango, lime, garlic, and honey brings everything together, and the result just melts in your mouth! You’ll love it for sure, and for a perfect summer dinner or backyard BBQ with friends, this recipe brings sunshine to your plate. I like to serve it with coconut rice and a side salad, some grilled veggies. This dish is super easy to make and turns out beautiful every time. It’s tropical, simple, and perfect when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Is Grilled Mango Chicken Healthy?

Yes! Grilled Mango Chicken is a healthy choice, packed with lean protein, fresh fruit, and natural ingredients. The marinade is made from fresh mango, lime juice, garlic, and olive oil—no processed sugars or heavy cream. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be adjusted for low-carb or paleo diets. Grilling the chicken also means you don’t need much oil, and the mango adds vitamins and antioxidants. It’s a nourishing and flavorful meal you can feel good about.

Perfect for

Perfect for summer evenings when you want something grilled and refreshing. The mango adds just the right sweetness for warm weather.

Perfect for family dinners and date nights—it’s quick, unique, and feels a little special without too much effort.

Perfect for BBQ parties or outdoor gatherings. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and just grill when ready.

Perfect for healthy eating. It’s clean, protein-rich, and loaded with fresh ingredients that make you feel good.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh cilantro or green onion, for garnish

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Blender or food processor
• Grill or grill pan
• Knife and cutting board
• Zip-top bag or mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Tongs
• Serving platter

How to make Grilled Mango Chicken

Step 1:

In a blender, combine mango, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

Step 2:

Place chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour mango marinade over it, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours).

Step 3:

Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.

Step 4:

Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions. Serve with rice, grilled veggies, or a light salad.

Tips to Make It Even Better

• Use ripe, soft mangoes for a smooth, sweet marinade that blends easily.
• Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, but up to 4 hours is best for more flavor.
• Lightly oil the grill to keep the chicken from sticking and help get nice grill marks.
• Don’t flip the chicken too early—let it char slightly to lock in the marinade flavor.
• Add a little honey if your mango isn’t sweet enough—it brings balance to the citrus.
• Slice the chicken against the grain after cooking—it makes each bite tender.
• Serve with lime wedges and chopped herbs for a pretty and tasty garnish.

Optional Ingredients To Add

• Chili powder – Adds smokiness and a gentle heat to the mango marinade.
• Ginger – Freshly grated ginger brings a zing that pairs well with mango.
• Cilantro – Mix some into the marinade or sprinkle on top for a bright, herby finish.
• Soy sauce – Just a splash adds a savory depth and boosts the umami.
• Pineapple – Blend a little in with the mango for extra tropical sweetness.
• Coconut milk – Use it in the marinade for creaminess and a Caribbean twist.

What to Pair with Grilled Mango Chicken?

To make this dish complete, serve it with coconut rice. The creamy, slightly sweet rice soaks up the mango sauce and makes each bite richer.

Pair it with a crisp cucumber salad or a tropical slaw. Something cold and crunchy balances the warm, grilled flavors beautifully.

Roasted sweet potatoes or grilled corn are great options too. They match the caramelized flavor of the chicken and keep the meal satisfying.

For drinks, serve with iced tea, mango smoothies, or even a sparkling lime drink. The citrus keeps it light and fresh for warm weather.

Variations and Substitutions

• No fresh mango? Use frozen mango, thawed and drained, or a natural mango puree. It still gives great flavor.
• Want it spicier? Add red chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the marinade for a bit of heat.
• Make it vegetarian? Use firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and grill just the same.
• No grill? Use a grill pan or bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
• Prefer chicken thighs? Go ahead! They’re juicier and hold marinade well. Just cook a few minutes longer.
• Add more citrus? Mix in orange juice or zest for extra brightness in the marinade.
• Low-carb option? Skip the rice and serve with cauliflower rice or grilled veggies instead.
• Want it saucier? Reserve some marinade before adding the chicken and simmer it into a warm sauce.

How to Store

Let any leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The grilled flavor stays strong, and it’s easy to reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.

You can also freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a squeeze of fresh lime to refresh the taste.

FAQ

Can I use frozen mango for the marinade?

Yes! Frozen mango works well—just thaw it completely and drain any extra liquid before blending. It gives the same sweet, tropical flavor as fresh mango.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but 3 to 4 hours is ideal. This gives the mango, lime, and garlic time to fully soak into the meat for maximum flavor.

Can I grill the chicken indoors?

Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stovetop works great. You’ll still get lovely browning and a delicious char.

What if I don’t have a blender?

No problem. You can finely chop or mash the mango with a fork and stir in the other ingredients by hand. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.

Can I make it spicier?

Absolutely. Add red chili flakes, a bit of cayenne, or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade. You can also drizzle with hot sauce before serving for extra heat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if adding it to the marinade.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay moist when grilled. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—they may take a few more minutes per side.

Grilled Mango Chicken

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: TropicalDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

Grilled Mango Chicken is a sweet and smoky dish with juicy chicken marinated in fresh mango, lime, and garlic. It’s perfect for summer meals and packed with tropical flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Fresh cilantro or green onion, for garnish

Directions

• In a blender, combine mango, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
• Place chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour mango marinade over it, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours).
• Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions. Serve with rice, grilled veggies, or a light salad.