Description
This vibrant Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and a touch of honey, then grilled to perfection and topped with a fresh mango and pineapple salsa infused with lime juice and cilantro. Ideal for a healthy, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
For the Mango Pineapple Salsa
- 1/2 cup mango, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board, removing any excess fat with a sharp knife to ensure lean pieces.
- Coat with Olive Oil: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides, allowing the seasoning to stick effectively and preventing sticking to the grill.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken. Gently rub the spices in for thorough coverage.
- Grill the Chicken: Once the grill is ready, place the chicken breasts on the grates. Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side, turning carefully, until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
- Prepare the Mango Pineapple Salsa: While the chicken cooks, dice the mango and pineapple into uniform small pieces. Combine them in a bowl with chopped fresh cilantro and pour in the lime juice. Stir gently to mix the flavors.
- Rest the Chicken: After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.
- Serve: Place the rested chicken on a serving plate and generously spoon the fresh mango pineapple salsa on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Use ripe mango and pineapple for the sweetest, most flavorful salsa.
- Resting the chicken after grilling helps retain moisture and tenderness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more honey if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
- Optional: Garnish with extra cilantro or a lime wedge for presentation and added freshness.