Smoky-Sweet Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe for Summer Magic

Tropical breezes and summer memories dance through this vibrant grilled mango chicken that promises pure delight.

Succulent marinated pieces promise a flavor explosion waiting to happen.

Tangy mango pulp whispers sweet-savory secrets into tender meat fibers.

Marinades infused with zesty spices create magic on your grill.

Charred edges hint at smoky complexity beneath juicy surfaces.

Bold ingredients come together in a celebration of fresh, bright tastes.

Tropical Grill Night: Mango Chicken Magic

• Burst with Tropical Flavors: Experience a delightful explosion of sweet and tangy mango combined with savory chicken that transports your taste buds to a Caribbean paradise.
• Quick and Straightforward Prep: Whip up this delicious meal with minimal kitchen skills, using basic ingredients and simple blending and marinating techniques that anyone can master.
• Healthier Grilling Option: Enjoy a protein-packed dish that's lighter than traditional heavy sauces, using fresh mango and natural ingredients for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings, weeknight dinners, or casual entertaining, this recipe appeals to both adults and kids with its irresistible sweet-and-savory profile.

What Goes Into Grilled Mango Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs the mango marinade beautifully and provides a rich, juicy flavor profile.

• Mangos: Sweet tropical fruit that creates a smooth, flavorful base for the marinade and adds natural sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the chicken with its savory umami profile.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet mango marinade.
• Ginger: Offers a warm, slightly spicy undertone that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Water: Helps adjust the marinade to the right consistency for coating the chicken.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and herbal freshness to the finished dish.

Grilling Steps for Sweet Mango Chicken

Step 1: Transforming Mangoes Into Silky Puree

Carefully peel ripe mangoes and slice them into small chunks.

Use a blender to transform the fruit into a smooth, luscious puree with a vibrant golden color.

Step 2: Creating Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Freshly grated garlic
• Grated ginger

Whisk everything together until well blended and fragrant.

Step 3: Adjusting Marinade Consistency

Add water gradually to the mixture, stirring until you achieve a sauce-like texture that will beautifully coat the chicken.

Step 4: Bathing Chicken In Tropical Goodness

Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or shallow container.

Pour the mango marinade over the meat, ensuring every inch gets thoroughly covered.

Step 5: Infusing Flavors Overnight

Seal the container and refrigerate.

Let the chicken soak up the tropical marinade for minimum 1 hour, though overnight marinating will intensify the flavors dramatically.

Step 6: Firing Up The Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, creating the perfect environment for achieving those beautiful char marks.

Step 7: Grilling To Perfection

Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill.

Cook approximately 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

The meat should look golden and slightly caramelized.

Step 8: Serving With Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the grilled chicken.

Plate and serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Pro Advice for Juicy Mango Chicken

• Pound chicken thighs to even thickness before marinating to ensure consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a sauce or glaze after grilling for extra mango flavor.
• Use indirect heat method to prevent burning and achieve perfect caramelization on the chicken's surface.
• Add a splash of lime juice to the marinade to cut through the mango's sweetness and enhance overall taste profile.
• Always use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and never reuse marinade that has touched raw meat.

Twist Ideas for Grilled Mango Chicken Fans

• Tropical Coconut Fusion: Replace soy sauce with coconut milk and add lime juice for a creamy, tangy Caribbean-inspired marinade.
• Spicy Mango Habanero: Incorporate finely chopped habanero peppers into the mango puree for an intense heat kick that complements the sweet mango flavor.
• Dairy-Free Herb Variation: Substitute soy sauce with tamari and add fresh rosemary and thyme to create a gluten-free and herb-infused marinade.
• Low-Carb Citrus Option: Use orange juice instead of water, and add zest for a bright, low-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.

Plating Mango Chicken: Sides & Suggestions

• Tropical Summer Feast: Pair this juicy grilled mango chicken with coconut rice for a complete island-inspired meal that transports your taste buds to a beachy paradise.
• Fresh Garden Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with cucumber and mint, drizzled with a light citrus vinaigrette to complement the sweet and savory chicken flavors.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this chicken in a cooler for outdoor gatherings, and add some grilled vegetable skewers for a colorful and delicious portable lunch that everyone will love.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Slice the chicken and layer it on top of warm naan bread with a dollop of yogurt sauce, creating a satisfying and elegant weekend brunch option that feels gourmet yet easy to prepare.

Grilled Mango Chicken Storage & Reheating Tips

• Transfer leftover grilled mango chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the chicken completely to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to maintain moisture, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

• Is mango puree the same as fresh mango chunks?

No, mango puree is blended smooth while chunks are cut into pieces. For this recipe, you need to blend mangos completely to create a liquid marinade.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they are similar thickness for even cooking and adjust grilling time slightly as breasts cook faster than thighs.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Grilled Mango Chicken brings Caribbean sunshine to your dinner plate, marrying sweet tropical fruit with succulent grilled protein. Juicy chicken kissed with tangy mango marinade promises a delightful meal that transports you to island paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken thighs, boneless, skinless

Fruit and Aromatics:

• 2 mangos
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• Cilantro for garnish

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water (or more as needed)

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Instructions

1. Transform ripe mangos into a silky puree by peeling, dicing, and blending until completely smooth.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by combining the mango puree with umami-rich soy sauce, aromatic grated garlic, and zesty ginger.
3. Adjust the marinade’s consistency by introducing water, ensuring a perfect coating texture for the chicken.
4. Transfer chicken thighs into a large sealed container, thoroughly drenching each piece with the fragrant mango mixture.
5. Allow the chicken to absorb flavors by refrigerating for a minimum of 60 minutes, with overnight marination delivering maximum taste intensity.
6. Prepare the grill, heating to a medium-high temperature around 400-450°F for optimal cooking conditions.
7. Carefully extract chicken from the marinade, positioning pieces on the heated grill grates with precision.
8. Cook chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve beautiful char marks and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
9. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped cilantro across the grilled chicken, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the tropical-inspired meal.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken thighs by pounding them to an even thickness before marinating for more consistent cooking and better flavor absorption.
• Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the umami depth of the marinade.
• Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a delicious sauce or glaze after grilling, ensuring food safety by not cross-contaminating.
• Enhance tropical flavors by adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for an extra zesty kick that complements the sweet mango.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg