Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken

This grilled mango pineapple chicken brings together juicy, tender chicken breasts with the sweet zing of tropical fruit, all finished with a grill’s smoky char. It is the dish I make when summer is in full swing and I want something a little special but quick enough for a weeknight. Throw in some grilled peppers, and you have a crowd-pleasing dinner that always impresses my friends at backyard gatherings.

I whipped this up for my family’s first barbecue of the season and everyone kept asking for seconds especially my kids who usually turn their noses at fruit with chicken

Ingredients

• Thin sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook quickly and stay juicy
• Mango pineapple salsa: A burst of sweet and savory flavors Use a jar to save time or make your own if mangos are ripe at your local store
• Lime juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken Look for limes that feel heavy for their size
• Olive oil: Brings moisture and richness Use extra virgin for the best flavor
• Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a gentle kick Grind it fresh for aromatic heat
• Yellow bell pepper: Adds color and a mild sweetness Choose a pepper with firm skin and glossy appearance
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavor
• Additional mango and pineapple: For topping Thawed frozen works great or use fresh if available
• Fresh cilantro: Optional but makes a bright herbal accent Pick bunches with perky leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Add the chicken breasts mango pineapple salsa lime juice olive oil and black pepper to a large ziptop bag Work everything around until chicken is thoroughly coated Let marinate in the fridge for at least thirty minutes Overnight works even better for deeper flavor

Prep and Heat the Grill:

Lightly brush your grill grates with oil then preheat the grill or grill pan on medium high You want a hot surface for perfect searing

Season the Peppers:

Toss bell pepper strips with olive oil kosher salt and black pepper Place them in a grill basket This keeps the strips from slipping through the grill bars

Grill Chicken and Peppers:

Place the marinated chicken on one side of the grill and the pepper basket on the other Close the lid Grill the chicken about four to five minutes per side until cooked through The peppers will char and mellow in flavor Stir the peppers occasionally they may finish before the chicken

Finish and Garnish:

Transfer the grilled chicken to a platter Spoon extra salsa over each breast Scatter diced mango and pineapple across the top Finish with fresh cilantro if you like Serve hot with the sweet and smoky peppers on the side

Pin it

The salsa makes this dish incredibly juicy and multidimensional I always reach for extra ripe mango if I am making my own salsa since it melts right into the sauce One summer evening my kids helped grill peppers and the bright colors made them excited to fill their plates It turned into a fun family memory

Storing Your Grilled Chicken

Leftover chicken keeps well stored in the fridge for up to five days Make sure it is in a tightly sealed container You can also freeze cooked chicken for about four months Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat for best texture The peppers and salsa will taste freshest the first two days

Substituting Ingredients

If mango pineapple salsa is hard to find blend diced mango pineapple and a bit of red onion with a dash of lime juice and chopped jalapeño For a milder version use sweet red pepper instead of yellow and omit cilantro altogether For a vegetarian idea swap chicken for thick grilled slices of portobello mushroom

Serving Ideas

This chicken shines alongside coconut rice or fluffy jasmine rice For crunch add a side of shredded cabbage slaw or roll everything in a warm tortilla for tropical grilled chicken tacos Sometimes I serve it over salad greens and call it a summer chicken salad

A Touch of Tropical History

Mango and pineapple are both celebrated fruits in tropical cuisines bringing a sweet savory balance to grilled meats This dish is inspired by Caribbean and Hawaiian traditions where fruit salsas are paired with seafood poultry and smoky barbecue flavors

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this dish?

Yes, but it’s best to fully thaw the chicken before marinating to ensure even absorption of flavors and even cooking on the grill.

→ What can I use if I don’t have a grill?

You can use an indoor grill pan or even a regular skillet. Just ensure it’s preheated and oiled properly to prevent sticking.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add a pinch of red chili flakes or use a spicier salsa to enhance the heat profile of the dish.

→ What other vegetables work well as a side?

Zucchini, asparagus, or even red onions can be grilled alongside the chicken for additional flavors and textures.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marination will intensify the flavors.