Description
Grilled Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring juicy, honey-lime marinated chicken grilled to perfection and topped with a fresh, zesty mango salsa. This sweet-and-savory recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, served over white rice or your choice of sides.
Ingredients
For the Honey Lime Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Mango Salsa:
- 1 large ripe mango, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional for Serving:
- Cooked rice, quinoa, salad greens, or tortillas
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours for best flavor infusion.
- Make the Mango Salsa: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced mango, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro. Squeeze the lime juice over the salsa mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to mix all ingredients. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method:
- Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Pan-Searing: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until thoroughly cooked. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Allow resting for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Assemble and Serve: Slice the chicken and serve over cooked rice, quinoa, salad greens, or tortillas. Generously top with mango salsa and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrus kick. Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful meal!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer (up to 12 hours) for deeper, more intense flavors.
- Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier, more tender result.
- Make extra mango salsa as it pairs wonderfully with chips or seafood dishes.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spice level according to your preference.
