This Easy Grilled Mango Chicken is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken with a sweet mango glaze. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner!
Trust me, once you taste that sweet glaze, you’ll be hooked! 🍗🍑 I love serving it with rice for an extra treat. It’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use chicken thighs instead; they add more flavor!
Mango: Fresh ripe mango is perfect here for its sweetness. If mango isn’t available, you can try substituting with peach or pineapple, although the flavor will be slightly different!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and a nice glaze. If you’re looking for a vegan option, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient adds a savory depth to the glaze. If you’re reducing sodium, low-sodium soy sauce works well. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides brightness. Bottled lime juice is okay in a pinch, but fresh makes a big difference in flavor. If lime isn’t available, lemon juice can work too!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with the right technique, you’ll have tasty results! Here’s how to ensure your chicken is grilled to perfection:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for flavor. More time brings more deliciousness, so up to 2 hours works best!
- Preheat your grill well! A hot grill helps to sear the chicken, creating beautiful grill marks and keeping it juicy.
- Don’t forget to oil the grill grates! This helps prevent the chicken from sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil, held with tongs.
- Grill the chicken without flipping too often. Cook 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature — it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Baste the chicken with reserved glaze during the last few minutes for a lovely finish.
- Let it rest after grilling! Resting allows the juices to redistribute, which keeps the chicken moist.
Easy Grilled Mango Chicken with Sweet Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For The Mango Glaze:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for grilling
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time for mixing the glaze and marinating the chicken. Add an extra 15 minutes for grilling. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your succulent chicken in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Mango Glaze:
In a blender or food processor, combine the diced mango, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth. This will be your sweet mango glaze that adds amazing flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Reserve about half of the mango glaze in a small bowl for basting later. In a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, place the chicken breasts and pour the remaining mango glaze over them, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your chicken will be — up to 2 hours is great!
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, being sure to discard the used marinade. Place the chicken directly on the grill.
4. Check for Doneness:
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved mango glaze to add extra flavor and to create a nice glossy finish.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once grilled, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Slice the chicken and serve it garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges if you like. It goes wonderfully with steamed rice or a fresh green salad!
Enjoy your flavorful and juicy Easy Grilled Mango Chicken with Sweet Glaze! It’s sure to be a hit! 🍗🥭
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely before marinating. The safest way is to thaw it overnight in the fridge, or you can place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Mango?
If fresh mango isn’t available, you can substitute it with canned mango in juice or live with diced peaches or pineapple. Just adjust the sweetness, as canned fruits can be sweeter than fresh ones.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled mango chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove to avoid drying it out.
Can I Grill This Chicken Indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, brushing with the mango glaze halfway through for extra flavor!
