Honey Lime Chicken With Mango Salsa (Printable Version)
Grilled honey lime chicken paired with fresh mango salsa for a vibrant tropical meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken and 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 - 1/2 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 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
14 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
15 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Juice of 1 lime
17 - 1/4 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, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator 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 a 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. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is nicely charred. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
06 - Slice the rested chicken and serve topped generously with the chilled mango salsa.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The honey lime combo creates this gorgeous caramelized crust on the chicken that you just cant replicate any other way.
- Mango salsa is basically summer in a bowl, and it comes together while the chicken soaks up all that flavor.
02 -
- Dont marinate longer than 2 hours because the lime juice will actually start breaking down the chicken and make it mushy.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling is non negotiable if you want juicy meat instead of a puddle on your cutting board.
03 -
- Dry your chicken breasts with paper towels before marinating so the flavors actually penetrate instead of sliding off the surface moisture.
- Reserve a tiny spoonful of the marinade before it touches raw chicken and brush it on in the last minute of grilling for extra caramelization.