Mango Chicken brings all the flavor with tender marinated chicken and the absolute best cilantro-lime mango salsa on top.

Mango Chicken on a bed of rice, served with mango salsa and topped with fresh cilantro.
chelsea

Author’s notes

This Is What Summer Tastes Like!

I’m all about a good fruit salsa (I’ve shared so many different types over the years), but mango salsa? It’s simply the best! And pairing it with grilled chicken and creamy avocado is my favorite way to eat in the summer.

It’s fresh, super flavorful, and honestly just the best summer dinner.

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All ingredients prepped for easy assembly, including the meat, fruit, cilantro, jalapeño, onion, garlic, seasonings, honey, avocado, and oil.

Mango Chicken Ingredients

The full recipe is below, but here are a few quick notes:

  • Chicken: This recipe uses breasts, but thighs work great too if you prefer dark meat.
  • Olive oil, lime, and honey: Adds moisture and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • Paprika, chili powder, garlic, & cumin: Brings the flavor and a touch of smokiness.
  • Jalapeño & red onion: Remove seeds for less spice; skip the onion if you’re not a fan.
  • Mango: The riper, the better! Here’s a guide for how to cut a mango.
  • Avocado: Adds creamy texture and balances the flavors—wait for a perfectly ripe one.
The mango salsa being mixed in a bowl to top the mango chicken.

How to Make Mango Chicken (Tips)

  • Marinate in a shallow dish or bag so the chicken gets coated evenly.
  • Fully preheat the grill for the best grill marks and even searing.
  • Only flip once so the chicken sears properly and stays juicy.
  • Let grilled chicken rest 5–10 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
  • Chop salsa ingredients small and evenly so every bite has a mix of flavor.

Quick Tip

Slice large breasts in half or pound to even thickness so it absorbs more flavor and cooks evenly. As you grill the chicken, brush with reserved marinade. Leave a little bit to drizzle over the finished dish as a type of dressing.

The marinade whisked together in a bowl, then added to the chicken in a bag to marinate.

What To Serve With Mango Chicken

  • Coconut rice: Creamy and slightly sweet—pairs perfectly with the mango salsa.
  • Cilantro-lime rice or quinoa: Other great base options for this meal.
  • Grilled corn: Adds a nice charred flavor and a bit of crunch.
  • Black beans: Simple, filling, and a nice contrast to the sweetness of the mango.
  • Tortilla chips: Good for scooping up extra salsa.
The mango chicken cooked to perfection for this dish.

Storage

Store chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add fresh avocado just before serving.

More Chicken Dinners You’ll Love:

5 from 24 votes

Mango Chicken

Grilled chicken, fresh mango salsa, tons of flavor—this Mango Chicken is an instant favorite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

Ingredients

Chicken
  • 1-1/2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 limes
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
Mango Salsa (see note 1)
  • 1-1/2 cups diced ripe mango
  • 1 tablespoon diced jalapeño
  • 1/3 cup diced red onion
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro measure 1/3 cup, then finely chop
  • 1 lime plus more for serving (optional)
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 large ripe avocado chopped or thinly sliced
  • Coconut rice or cilantro-lime rice or quinoa, optional, for serving

Instructions 

  • Trim and slice large chicken breasts in half widthwise. Pound to an even thickness (not flat, just even) using a meat mallet or the bottom of a pan.
  • In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, 1 tsp lime zest, ¼ cup lime juice, garlic, honey, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and about ½ tsp each salt and pepper. Set aside 3 tablespoons of the marinade.
  • Add the rest of the marinade to the chicken in a large resealable bag. Seal and knead to coat evenly. Chill for at least 30 minutes and up to 2–3 hours (no more than 4).
  • To cook this on the stovetop, see note 3. Otherwise, heat grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F). Oil the grates well with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil (use tongs to hold the towel).
  • Remove chicken from marinade and discard the marinade. Grill 4–6 minutes per side, until chicken reaches 160°F. Baste with 2 tablespoons of reserved marinade while grilling and after flipping. Transfer to a plate, cover with foil, and let rest 5 minutes. Slice or dice chicken. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon reserved marinade.
  • In a large bowl, combine mango, jalapeño, onion, and cilantro. Add 1 tablespoon lime juice, cumin, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp pepper. Toss gently and taste. Adjust seasoning as needed—add a little honey for sweetness or olive oil for richness if desired.
  • Serve sliced chicken over rice or quinoa, topped with mango salsa and avocado. Add extra lime juice if desired.

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: If you like a lot of salsa, you’ll want to double the salsa recipe.
Note 2: A ripe avocado adds creamy texture. If you skip the avocado but want something creamy, add a cilantro-lime sauce.
Note 3: To cook on the stovetop: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Let excess marinade drip off the chicken. Cook in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan), 2–4 minutes per side, until cooked through. Brush with reserved marinade after cooking.
Storage: Store chicken and mango salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add avocado just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 456kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 1048mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1048IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

 

Meet Chelsea


Hello, and welcome to Chelseaโ€™s Messy Apron! Iโ€™m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. Iโ€™m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping byโ€”I hope you find something delicious to make!

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5 from 24 votes (1 rating without comment)

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48 Comments

  1. Lisa A Cooper says:

    5 stars
    Chelsea, I risked trying this out on friends for an al fresco dinner, and it was delicious! The flavors blend beautifullyI I didn’t change anything. Served it with quinoa, and your Mexican salad recipe. So good and my friends agree. It’s my new go-to for summer dinner parties.

    I’ll be back on your site for more great food.

    Thank you for this!

    Lisa

    1. Chelsea says:

      Yay! I am so happy to hear this!

  2. David Burwell says:

    5 stars
    I could taste this dish as soon as I read the ingredients! Once it was made and on the plate I said to myself. Thank you for this wonderful recipe. Can not wait to try more of your concoctions. Will definitely be scouring your recipe index. I didnโ€™t try to improve or delete not even 1 ingredient. LOVED YOUR RECIPE. my wife loved it too

    1. Chelsea says:

      Yay! So thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much David!

  3. Patty says:

    5 stars
    I happened to have a bunch of individual serve cups of diced mango on hand (snacks for my grandkids) and used three. An easy substitution.

    1. Chelsea says:

      Delish! Happy you were able to make those work! Thanks Patty! ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Christine says:

    5 stars
    Made this many times. Itโ€™s amazing! Tried the chicken in the air fryer and it works great when canโ€™t grill. The only thing thatโ€™s lacking is some salt and a bit of cayenne for the chicken and I add a bit of hot sauce when itโ€™s all done.

    1. Chelsea says:

      I’m so happy to hear this! Thanks Christine! ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Radwa says:

    5 stars
    This was such a delicious and easy recipe! Thank you so much!!

    1. Chelsea says:

      I am so happy to hear this! Thanks!

  6. Robert says:

    5 stars
    Your recipe for mango salsa was fantastic thank you.

    1. Chelsea says:

      I am so happy you enjoyed! Thanks Robert! ๐Ÿ™‚