There’s nothing quite like the taste of juicy grilled chicken paired with sweet, tangy tropical fruits. This Tropical Grilled Chicken with Mango & Pineapple brings a burst of sunshine to your plate, combining smoky, savory flavors with the natural sweetness of fresh fruit. Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this dish is healthy, vibrant, and packed with bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright & Refreshing – The combination of mango, pineapple, and lime adds a tropical twist.
- Healthy & Balanced – Lean protein, fresh fruit, and a light marinade make this dish nutritious.
- Easy to Make – Requires minimal prep and cooks quickly on the grill or stovetop.
- Versatile – Great for salads, tacos, rice bowls, or served as a standalone meal.
Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside getaway or just want a taste of the tropics at home, this dish delivers!
Recipe: Tropical Grilled Chicken with Mango-Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey or agave
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Mango-Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded & minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
For Serving (Optional):
- Cooked coconut rice or cilantro lime rice
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
- Grilled pineapple rings
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Make the Mango-Pineapple Salsa
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced mango, pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Toss gently and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade (shake off excess) and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For extra flavor, grill pineapple rings for 2 minutes per side.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve over coconut rice or with a side of grilled veggies.
- Top with mango-pineapple salsa and garnish with avocado, lime wedges, and extra cilantro.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: High in protein, low in fat, and rich in B vitamins.
- Mango & Pineapple: Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Olive Oil & Lime: Healthy fats and digestion-boosting acidity.
This dish is gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made low-carb by serving it over greens instead of rice.
Variations & Tips
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne to the marinade or extra jalapeños to the salsa.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Grill extra chicken and store with salsa for quick lunches.
- Stovetop Option: Use a cast-iron skillet if you don’t have a grill.
- Tacos or Bowls: Shred the chicken and serve in tortillas or over quinoa.
Final Thoughts
This Tropical Grilled Chicken with Mango & Pineapple is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors. The smoky grilled chicken balances perfectly with the sweet and tangy salsa, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just craving a taste of the tropics, this dish is sure to impress!
Fire up the grill and enjoy this island-inspired meal! 🌴🍍🔥