Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa*! It’s like a burst of summer on your plate! The combination of sweet honey and zesty lime creates this mouthwatering marinade that perfectly complements the juicy grilled chicken. And that mango salsa? Wow! It adds such a fresh, vibrant touch with the diced mango, crunchy red onion, and a hint of cilantro. I whip this up whenever I want a quick yet impressive meal, especially during those warm evenings when I can fire up the grill. This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s got a special place in my heart because it reminds me of family gatherings where we’d enjoy each other’s company around the table. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too!
Ingredients for Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 jalapeno, minced (optional for a spicy kick)
How to Prepare Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
Alright, let’s dive into making this delightful dish! I promise, it’s super straightforward, and each step is packed with flavor. Just follow along, and you’ll have a beautiful plate of Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa in no time!
Marinating the Chicken
First things first, grab a medium-sized bowl and mix together the honey, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is where the magic happens, so give it a good whisk until everything’s well combined. Now, take your chicken breasts and place them in the marinade, making sure each piece is coated nicely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Trust me, the longer you let it sit, the more flavor it absorbs! If you can, aim for an hour or even overnight for maximum yumminess.
Grilling the Chicken
While your chicken is soaking up all that deliciousness, it’s time to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals get nice and ashy. Once heated, carefully place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Oh, and don’t forget to let them rest for a few minutes after grilling! This helps keep them juicy and flavorful.
Making the Mango Salsa
Now, let’s whip up that refreshing mango salsa! In a separate bowl, combine the diced mango, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and minced jalapeno if you’re feeling a little adventurous! Mix it all together gently. This salsa is where you can adjust the spice level to your liking, so taste it and add more jalapeno if you want a kick or leave it out for a milder flavor. It’s fresh, vibrant, and seriously addictive!
Serving the Dish
Alright, it’s time to plate up! Place a grilled chicken breast on each plate and generously top it with that gorgeous mango salsa. You can sprinkle a little extra cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it alongside some rice or a green salad for a complete meal. Honestly, your friends and family will be so impressed, and you’ll feel like a total rockstar in the kitchen!
Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the marinade: Letting the chicken marinate longer than 30 minutes really enhances the flavor. If you can, prepare it the night before!
- Preheat your grill: This is key for getting those beautiful grill marks and ensuring even cooking. A hot grill helps sear the chicken quickly.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
- Customize your salsa: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced red bell pepper or a splash of orange juice for a different twist!
- Let the chicken rest: After grilling, let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices locked in for a tender bite.
- Serve fresh: This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking, so try to serve it immediately for maximum freshness!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this delicious Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa, it’s nice to know what you’re putting into your body! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for one serving (that’s one chicken breast topped with that fabulous salsa):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But knowing you’re fueling up on lean protein and fresh ingredients? That’s a win in my book! Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option if you prefer a bit more richness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since they may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The mango salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep it for a day or so in the fridge as well.
Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mango salsa a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge. Just be mindful that the longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld, which can be super tasty!
What can I serve with this dish?
This Honey Lime Chicken pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. You could even wrap it in tortillas for some delicious tacos!
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you want to tone down the heat, simply omit the jalapeno from the salsa. You can also add a bit of diced bell pepper or even some diced avocado for creaminess without the spice.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or even bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just make sure it reaches that safe internal temperature!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just about 45 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Fresh Ingredients: With juicy mango, zesty lime, and tender chicken, you’re treating yourself to a plate full of vibrant flavors.
- Deliciously Balanced: The sweet honey and tangy lime create a flavor explosion that’s complemented perfectly by the fresh mango salsa.
- Grilling Fun: Fire up the grill for a fun cooking experience that adds a smoky depth to your chicken.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and swap ingredients to fit your taste, making it versatile for everyone.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether serving family or friends, this dish is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and mouthwatering taste!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, if you find yourself with any leftovers of this delightful Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa (which is totally possible, but let’s be honest, it’s hard to resist!), here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty!
First, let the chicken cool down completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make things soggy. Place the chicken in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3 days. The mango salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep it for a day or so in the fridge as well; just be prepared for it to soften a bit.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is key! I recommend warming the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you’re using the microwave, cover the chicken to help retain moisture and heat it in short bursts, checking frequently. You can also warm it in a skillet over low heat, which helps maintain that juicy texture. Just be sure not to overheat it, or you might end up with dry chicken!
And if you want to bring that mango salsa back to life, give it a quick stir before serving to refresh those flavors. Enjoy your delicious meal all over again!
For more information on the health benefits of mango, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of chicken, visit this NCBI study.
Print
Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa: 5 Simple Steps!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Honey lime chicken served with fresh mango salsa.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix honey, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- In another bowl, combine mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeno (if using).
- Serve chicken topped with mango salsa.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less jalapeno.
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with salsa
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: honey lime chicken, mango salsa, grilled chicken
