Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe

Tangy Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe: Summer on a Plate

Summers buzz with excitement when a zesty grilled mango chicken recipe hits the table.

Vibrant flavors dance across tender meat, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Tropical sweetness meets smoky grilling techniques, creating a mouthwatering combination that surprises and delights.

Fragrant spices weave through juicy chicken, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Marinades infused with ripe mangoes unlock incredible depth and complexity in every bite.

Each forkful tells a story of bold, fresh ingredients working harmoniously together.

Wow your guests with this unexpected and irresistible dish that celebrates sunshine on a plate.

Grilled Mango Chicken Reheats Best With These Steps

  • Store leftover grilled mango chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bag, storing up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in baking dish with splash of water, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, drizzling extra marinade to prevent dryness and maintain juicy flavor.

Delicious Extras for Grilled Mango Chicken

  • Elevate Sweet-Tangy Fusion: Pair this grilled mango chicken with a crisp Riesling that complements the tropical fruit notes and balances the savory chicken flavors.
  • Create Refreshing Side Kick: Serve alongside coconut jasmine rice, which absorbs the mango marinade's sweetness and provides a creamy textural contrast to the grilled meat.
  • Match Bright Herbal Accent: Prepare a light cucumber-mint salad with lime dressing to cut through the chicken's richness and add a fresh, zesty dimension to the meal.
  • Enhance Tropical Beverage Experience: Craft a passion fruit mojito that echoes the mango's tropical profile and provides a vibrant, citrusy complement to the grilled chicken's smoky undertones.

Grilled Mango Chicken Swaps

  • Tropical Coconut Chicken: Replace soy sauce with coconut milk and add lime juice for a creamy, tangy Caribbean-inspired version.
  • Vegetarian Mango Tofu Option: Swap chicken thighs with firm tofu, using the same marinade and grilling technique for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to cut down on salt while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Select gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, ensuring all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just adjust grilling time to ensure they don’t dry out, typically 5-6 minutes per side.

  • Is it okay to marinate chicken overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating for 8-12 hours will enhance the flavor and make the chicken more tender. Just keep it refrigerated.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

No problem. You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.

  • How spicy is this marinade?

The current recipe is mild. If you want more heat, add a small amount of chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade.

Grilled Mango Chicken With Tropical Flair And Char

  • Unlock Quick Flavor Fusion: Combines tropical mango sweetness with savory grilled chicken for an exciting meal twist.
  • Minimal Prep Delight: Requires only 30-minute marinating time and simple blending steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complex techniques.
  • Versatile Summer Centerpiece: Ideal for backyard barbecues, weekend gatherings, or casual dinner parties where guests crave something beyond traditional grilled proteins.
  • Healthy Protein Option: Lean chicken thighs paired with fresh mango create a nutritious dish packed with natural flavors and balanced nutrition, appealing to health-conscious food lovers.

What Goes Into Grilled Mango Chicken Dish

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs marinade beautifully, boneless and skinless for easy grilling and eating.
Fruit and Flavor Base:
  • Ripe Mangos: Provides natural sweetness and tropical flavor to the dish, choose mangos that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Water: Create a savory liquid base that helps tenderize and season the chicken, look for low-sodium soy sauce if watching salt intake.
  • Garlic Cloves: Adds robust, pungent flavor to the marinade, fresh garlic provides the most intense taste.
  • Fresh Ginger: Brings a sharp, spicy undertone that complements the sweet mango, grated for even distribution of flavor.
Garnish:
  • Cilantro: Optional fresh herb that adds bright, herbal notes and visual appeal to the finished dish, chopped just before serving for maximum freshness.

Grilled Mango Chicken Prep Guide

Step 1: Create Tropical Flavor Bath

Grab your blender and toss in ripe, juicy mangoes, zesty garlic cloves, freshly grated ginger, rich soy sauce, and a splash of cool water.

Blend everything until you have a smooth, vibrant marinade that looks like liquid sunshine.

Step 2: Infuse Chicken with Mango Magic

Nestle your chicken thighs into a spacious bowl and lovingly pour the mango marinade over them.

Let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors for at least half an hour, turning occasionally to ensure every inch gets coated.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Warm your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature.

You want those grates hot and ready to kiss the chicken with beautiful golden-brown grill marks.

Step 4: Sear and Char the Chicken

Carefully place marinated chicken thighs onto the grill.

Cook each side for 6-7 minutes, watching for that perfect caramelized exterior and ensuring the meat is completely cooked through.

The chicken should have gorgeous char lines and a tempting golden-brown color.

Step 5: Add Fresh Finishing Touch

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the grilled chicken just before serving.

This bright herb adds a final pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the sweet and savory mango notes.

Fresh Tips for Grilled Mango Chicken

  • Let chicken soak in the mango marinade for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper, richer flavor infusion.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
  • Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or drumsticks, adjusting grilling time based on thickness.
  • Clean grill grates and oil them lightly to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks.
  • Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free marinade that's equally delicious.
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Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe

Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mouthwatering “Grilled Mango Chicken” combines sweet tropical flavors with perfectly charred protein, creating a delightful summer meal. Succulent chicken marinated in zesty mango sauce promises a culinary journey you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 lb (907 g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

Fruits:

  • 2 ripe mangos, peeled and pitted

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) soy sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
  • Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Transform ripe mangoes, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger into a vibrant, silky marinade by blending until completely smooth and uniform in texture.
  2. Submerge chicken thighs thoroughly in the mango marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Refrigerate and allow flavors to penetrate for 30-45 minutes, occasionally turning to distribute marinade evenly.
  3. Prepare outdoor grill or grill pan by heating to medium-high temperature, creating ideal conditions for achieving beautiful caramelization and char marks.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Place chicken thighs onto hot grill surface, positioning pieces with space between them to ensure proper heat circulation.
  5. Cook chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, rotating once to create cross-hatch grill marks. Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe consumption.
  6. Transfer grilled chicken to serving platter, letting meat rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices and maintain tenderness.
  7. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, creating a bright, herbaceous contrast to the sweet and savory grilled chicken.

Notes

  • Swap chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the delicious mango flavor profile.
  • Create a low-sodium alternative by using reduced-sodium soy sauce and adding fresh herbs like basil or mint to enhance taste without extra salt.
  • Tenderize chicken by marinating longer (up to 4 hours) for more intense flavor absorption and juicier meat texture.
  • Prevent burning on the grill by patting chicken dry before cooking and using indirect heat method to ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelization.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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