Zesty Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe: A Tropical Dinner Dream

Tropical grilled mango pineapple chicken dances with vibrant island-inspired notes that instantly spark culinary excitement.

Succulent poultry refines when kissed by sweet, caramelized fruit essences that develop incredible depth and complexity.

Bright fruit marinades infuse each tender morsel with unexpected layers of tangy richness.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe bridges familiar comfort with adventurous global taste profiles.

Carefully selected ingredients blend harmoniously, creating a sensory experience that feels simultaneously elegant and relaxed.

Bold flavors intertwine, promising a meal that breaks through mundane dinner routines.

You’ll crave these irresistible tropical combinations that elevate ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken: A Tropical Flavor Explosion

• Burst with Tropical Freshness: Mango and pineapple create a vibrant, sunny flavor explosion that transforms ordinary chicken into a vacation-worthy meal.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Hero: Marinate in just 30 minutes, grill in under 15 minutes, delivering a restaurant-quality dinner without complex cooking techniques.
• Nutrient-Packed Protein Powerhouse: Packed with 36g of protein, low in carbs, and balanced with fresh fruits, this dish supports healthy eating goals without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile Grilling Delight: Perfect for summer barbecues, outdoor gatherings, or simple family dinners, offering a crowd-pleasing recipe that's both nutritious and delicious.

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs marinade flavors and provides main dish protein. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking.

• Salsa: Adds zesty flavor and tenderizes the chicken. Fresh or jarred salsa works well.
• Lime Juice: Provides bright acidity and helps tenderize the meat. Fresh lime juice recommended.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade and prevent chicken from sticking to grill.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and enhances overall seasoning.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetable that adds sweetness and crunch when grilled. Choose red, yellow, or green for variety.
• Mango: Sweet tropical fruit that adds fresh, juicy flavor to the dish. Look for ripe, slightly soft mangoes.
• Pineapple: Tangy fruit that complements the chicken with bright, sweet notes. Fresh pineapple recommended.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides a bright, citrusy garnish. Optional for those who enjoy herb flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Marinade

• Chicken
• Salsa
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Black pepper

Mix all ingredients in a sealed plastic bag. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or let flavors develop overnight for deeper taste.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Warm up your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush grates with olive oil to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 3: Cook Chicken to Perfection

Place marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is fully cooked with golden brown edges.

Step 4: Roast Colorful Bell Peppers

Drizzle bell peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite seasoning. Grill until they develop slight char marks and become tender.

Step 5: Create a Tropical Masterpiece

Arrange grilled chicken on a serving plate. Top with fresh salsa, diced mango, sweet pineapple chunks, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of tropical flavors.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken

• Marinate Wisely: Let chicken soak in the citrusy mixture for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness, with overnight marinating delivering the most intense taste.
• Grill Temperature Matters: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat for perfect sear marks and juicy chicken without drying out the meat.
• Prevent Sticking: Thoroughly oil grill grates before cooking to create a non-stick surface and achieve beautiful grill marks on chicken and vegetables.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Fruit Grilling Technique: Lightly brush mango and pineapple with oil before grilling to caramelize natural sugars and develop a delicious charred flavor.

Storing Leftover Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled mango pineapple chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will remain fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate the grilled chicken from fresh fruit toppings to prevent soggy texture.
• Freezing: Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen chicken maintains best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

Best Sides to Serve with Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken

• Pair with Tropical White Wine: Select a crisp, light-bodied sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the grilled tropical chicken. These wines enhance the fruity notes and cut through the richness of the dish.
• Match with Coconut Rice: Create a creamy, slightly sweet side dish that mirrors the tropical ingredients in the main course. The coconut rice provides a smooth texture and balances the grilled chicken's char and bright salsa.
• Serve with Refreshing Mojito: Mix a classic mojito using fresh mint, lime juice, rum, and a touch of sugar. This cocktail's zesty and herbal profile perfectly mirrors the dish's citrusy and fresh cilantro elements, offering a cooling counterpoint to the grilled protein.
• Add Cucumber Mint Salad: Prepare a light, crisp side salad with sliced cucumbers, fresh mint leaves, and a light lime vinaigrette. This refreshing accompaniment adds extra brightness and helps cleanse the palate between bites of the grilled chicken.

Add a Twist to Your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken

• Tropical Citrus Infusion: Swap lime juice with orange or grapefruit juice for a zesty, bright flavor profile that complements the chicken's marinade.
• Spicy Caribbean Kick: Add diced jalapeños or habanero peppers to the salsa for a fiery heat that elevates the tropical taste.
• Herb-Crusted Island Style: Coat chicken with a mixture of chopped fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley before grilling to introduce an aromatic Mediterranean-Caribbean fusion.
• Coconut Marinade Magic: Replace olive oil with coconut milk in the marinade, creating a creamy, rich undertone that enhances the fruit's sweetness and adds depth to the chicken's flavor.

Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Tropical Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken delivers a sun-kissed Caribbean fusion of sweet and savory flavors. Juicy marinated chicken meets caramelized fruit, creating a perfect balance of tangy richness that transports taste buds to island paradise in one delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large yellow bell pepper

Marinades and Sauces:

• 8 ounces island salsa
• 4 ounces island salsa
• 0.33 cup lime juice
• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Fruits and Garnishes:

• 0.5 cup diced mango
• 0.33 cup pineapple tidbits
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Mix boneless chicken breasts with fresh salsa, freshly squeezed lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, and coarsely ground black pepper in a resealable plastic zipper bag, ensuring chicken is evenly coated.
2. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
3. Prepare outdoor grill or indoor grill pan by preheating to medium-high heat (375-400°F/190-204°C), lightly brushing cooking grates with vegetable or canola oil to prevent sticking.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and pat dry with paper towels to promote better caramelization.
5. Grill chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side, rotating 45 degrees halfway through cooking to create attractive crosshatch grill marks.
6. Simultaneously, brush bell peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and cracked black pepper, grilling until edges are slightly charred and vegetables are tender.
7. Verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a digital meat thermometer inserted into thickest part.
8. Transfer grilled chicken to serving platter, generously topping with fresh diced mangoes, chunky pineapple pieces, and finely chopped cilantro.
9. Garnish with additional salsa and serve immediately while ingredients are warm and vibrant.

Notes

• Marinating your chicken beforehand infuses deep, tropical flavors that transform a simple dish into a culinary adventure.
• Grilling fruit caramelizes natural sugars, creating a sweet and smoky dimension that elevates the entire meal’s taste profile.
• Olive oil helps prevent chicken from sticking to grill grates and promotes even, beautiful golden-brown sear marks.
• Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal punch that cuts through the richness of grilled chicken and sweet fruit.
• Lime juice not only tenderizes the meat but also provides a zesty, refreshing undertone to balance the dish’s complex flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 100mg