Honey Lime Chicken Mango Salsa

Juicy chicken marinated in honey and lime then topped with fresh mango salsa has become my warm-weather dinner hero. It is vibrant healthy and the bold flavors always steal the show. When I want a meal that feels special but does not take much effort this is my go-to.

When I first tried this on a sunny Saturday my family devoured it and now they ask for mango salsa every time I grill chicken. It quickly became our backyard barbecue favorite.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose large juicy pieces for the best results smaller ones work well too
• Honey: adds subtle sweetness look for raw or local honey when possible
• Lime juice and zest: brings zing and freshness always use fresh limes and grate the zest just before using
• Olive oil: helps the marinade cling to the chicken for even flavor pick an extra virgin variety for richness
• Garlic: minced fresh garlic adds punch and aroma avoid jarred if possible
• Ground cumin: gives a warm earthy backbone check your spice freshness for best results
• Smoked paprika: infuses the marinade with gentle smokiness Spanish smoked paprika delivers bold flavor
• Salt and black pepper: brings everything together use kosher salt for clarity and freshly ground pepper
• Mango: a ripe mango provides sweetness and vibrant color look for fruit with slight give at the stem
• Red onion: adds bite and crunch choose firm onions with no soft spots
• Jalapeño: if you like heat pick a small firm pepper and remove the seeds if you want it milder
• Fresh cilantro: for herbal brightness only chop right before stirring it in for maximum freshness
• Lime juice: wakes up the salsa again use fresh for best taste
• Salt and pepper: boost all the flavors season to your liking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Whisk together honey lime juice lime zest olive oil garlic cumin paprika salt and pepper until fully blended set half aside for basting if desired place chicken in a shallow dish or bag and pour marinade over press to coat well refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to twelve hours for big flavor

Prepare the Mango Salsa:

Dice mango and add to a medium bowl finely chop red onion and jalapeño then stir both into the mango chop cilantro and add it on top squeeze in lime juice sprinkle with salt and pepper stir thoroughly let it rest for at least ten minutes while chicken marinates

Grill or Cook the Chicken:

If grilling preheat grill to medium high lay marinated chicken on grill and cook five to six minutes per side until juices run clear and internal temperature hits one sixty five let rest five minutes before slicing If pan-searing heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high add chicken and brown five to seven minutes per side until fully cooked through and golden brown transfer to a plate and let rest If baking preheat oven to four hundred degrees place chicken in a dish and bake twenty to twenty five minutes until cooked through let rest before slicing

Assemble and Serve:

Slice rested chicken lay over rice or greens for extra juiciness top generously with mango salsa garnish with a little extra cilantro and lime if you wish serve at once and enjoy

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Storage tips

Store leftover chicken and salsa in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator The chicken stays juicy for three days and the salsa tastes freshest in the first forty eight hours Always reheat chicken gently to avoid drying it out You can freeze cooked chicken but not the salsa due to the fresh fruit

Ingredient substitutions

If mango is out of season use pineapple peaches or even ripe strawberries instead Lemon can stand in for lime in a pinch For heat adapt by using serrano or even sweet bell pepper if you prefer no spice

Serving suggestions

Pile the chicken and salsa in warm tortillas for tacos Serve with fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa Layer chicken slices over greens for a tropical salad

Cultural or historical context

Honey lime chicken blends Latin American influences where citrus and spices brighten simple proteins Mango salsa comes from tropical regions that prize sweet and spicy salsas on meat fish or even grilled vegetables

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?

For the most flavorful result, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, up to 12 hours is ideal.

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and juicy.

→ Is there a good side dish to serve with this?

This pairs well with rice, quinoa, salad greens, or warm tortillas for a complete meal.

→ Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Absolutely. Mango salsa can be made a few hours in advance and kept chilled to let the flavors meld.

→ How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This keeps it juicy and tender.