Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe

Introduction

Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is a bright and flavorful dish perfect for warm evenings. The sweet and tangy marinade pairs beautifully with the fresh, zesty salsa, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Juice and zest of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large ripe mango, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag, pour the marinade over them, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for best flavor.
3. Step 3: While the chicken marinates, prepare the mango salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro. Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Stir well and set aside for 10-15 minutes.
4. Step 4: Cook the chicken using your preferred method:
   • Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
   • Pan-Searing: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest before serving.
   • Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake chicken in a dish for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Let rest a few minutes before slicing.
5. Step 5: Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it on a serving plate. Spoon the fresh mango salsa over the top and serve immediately with your choice of rice, quinoa, salad, or tortillas.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
• Substitute fresh mango with pineapple for a different tropical twist.
• If you prefer, add diced avocado to the salsa just before serving for creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and mango salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave. The salsa is best served fresh but can be kept cold and stirred before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms and use the same marinade and mango salsa for a delicious vegetarian option.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 12 hours?

Marinating for 30 minutes is sufficient for good flavor, but allowing it to marinate overnight will deepen the taste and tenderize the meat further.

Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 87 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender, marinated chicken breasts grilled, pan-seared, or baked to perfection and topped with a fresh, zesty mango salsa. This recipe combines sweet honey, tangy lime, and aromatic spices, making it an ideal light and refreshing meal perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Juice and zest of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Mango Salsa

• 1 large ripe mango, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
2. Prepare the Mango Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir well. Allow the salsa to sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
3. Cook the Chicken: Choose one cooking method:
   – Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
   – Pan-Searing: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove and let rest before serving.
   – Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken in a baking dish and bake 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Let rest a few minutes before slicing.
4. Assemble and Serve: Slice the rested chicken and arrange on a serving platter. Spoon generous portions of mango salsa over the top. Serve immediately alongside rice, quinoa, salad, or tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 12 hours) intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the meat.
• The jalapeño in the salsa is optional; omit for a milder dish or adjust quantity for preferred heat.
• If grilling outdoors isn’t an option, pan-searing or baking works just as well and yields delicious results.
• Mango salsa can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 1 day but is best enjoyed fresh.
• Serve with your favorite grain or fresh greens to balance the sweet and tangy flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: Honey Lime Chicken, Mango Salsa, Grilled Chicken, Summer Recipe, Healthy Chicken Meal, Fresh Mango Salsa, Easy Chicken Dinner