Honey Lime Chicken with Mango (Printable Version)
Grilled honey lime chicken paired with refreshing mango salsa for a bright, tropical dinner.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 3 tablespoons honey
03 - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - Zest of 1 lime
→ Mango Salsa
11 - 2 ripe mangoes, diced
12 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
13 - ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
14 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
15 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Juice of 1 lime
17 - ¼ teaspoon salt
# How to Make It:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and lime zest until well combined.
02 - Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
03 - While the chicken marinates, combine the diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a medium bowl. Toss gently, adjust seasoning to taste, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
04 - Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
05 - Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place on the hot grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior has a nicely charred finish. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
06 - Slice the rested chicken and arrange on plates. Spoon the mango salsa generously over the top and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The honey forms a gorgeous caramelized crust on the grill while keeping the meat incredibly juicy inside.
- Mango salsa brings a sweet heat that makes everyone reach for seconds without even thinking about it.
02 -
- Do not marinate longer than 2 hours or the lime juice will start breaking down the meat and turn it mushy.
- Letting the chicken rest is not optional because slicing too early sends all those good juices straight onto the cutting board.
03 -
- Chicken thighs swap in beautifully and actually stay juicier than breasts if you are worried about overcooking.
- Dice your mango slightly larger than you think because it shrinks a little once it sits and releases juice into the salsa.