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Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken

Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
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Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant and juicy dish featuring tender grilled chicken infused with a sweet and tangy tropical marinade made from fresh mango, pineapple, lime juice, and aromatic spices. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or outdoor summer gatherings, this recipe offers a healthy, flavorful meal bursting with tropical sunshine and smoky goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless)

Marinade

  • 1 cup fresh mango chunks
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple pieces
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Grilling Fruit

  • Extra mango slices (about ½ cup, thick cut)
  • Extra pineapple slices (about ½ cup, thick cut)

Optional Variations and Extras

  • Chopped fresh chili or a dash of cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
  • Fresh cilantro or basil (for herbal infusion)
  • Smoked paprika or chipotle powder (for smoky sweetness)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh mango chunks, pineapple pieces, lime juice, honey, garlic, ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant tropical marinade that will infuse the chicken with amazing flavor.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place your chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the mango-pineapple marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to fully soak in and tenderize the meat.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. The grill should be hot enough to sear the chicken but not so hot that the sugars burn immediately.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and beautiful grill marks appear. Baste occasionally with leftover marinade for extra juiciness, but discard any used marinade to avoid contamination.
  5. Grill the Fruit: Slice extra pineapple and mango into thick pieces and place on the grill for just 2-3 minutes per side. This caramelizes the sugars and adds a smoky depth to the fruit, perfect for serving alongside the chicken.
  6. Rest and Serve: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite stays moist and tender. Then, plate with the grilled fruit and your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Choose ripe mango and pineapple for the sweetest, most vibrant flavors.
  • Do not marinate chicken longer than 4 hours to prevent mushy texture from the fruit enzymes.
  • Oil your grill grates well to avoid sticking and achieve nice sear marks.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy and tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, mango chicken, pineapple chicken, tropical chicken, summer grilling, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, fruit marinade, outdoor cooking

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/grilled-mango-pineapple-chicken/