Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

Grilled Honey Lime Chicken served with fresh Mango Salsa

why make this recipe

Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey and mango with the zesty brightness of lime. It’s a perfect meal for warm days, barbecues, or any time you want something fresh and flavorful. Plus, it’s simple to make, making it great for both beginners and experienced cooks. The colorful presentation and vibrant flavors will impress your family and friends!

how to make Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

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
  • Cooked rice, quinoa, salad greens, or tortillas
  • Lime wedges

Directions:

Marinate the Chicken:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat well.
  3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours in the fridge.

Make the Mango Salsa:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
  2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Stir well and let sit for 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld.

Cook the Chicken:

Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

Grilling:

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
  2. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  3. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Skillet Cooking:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
  2. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through. Rest before slicing.

Baking:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Let rest before slicing.

Assemble and Serve:

  1. Slice the chicken and serve over rice, quinoa, salad, or tortillas.
  2. Top generously with mango salsa and add lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!

how to serve Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

You can serve Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Pair it with a fresh salad or wrap the chicken in tortillas for a delicious taco night. The mango salsa adds a refreshing touch, making it great for lunch or dinner.

how to store Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, while the salsa is best consumed within 2 days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving again.

tips to make Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your heat preference.
  • Feel free to add other fruits to the salsa, like diced avocado or bell peppers.
  • Garnish with additional cilantro for a fresh finish.

variation

You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or fish if you prefer seafood. The marinade and mango salsa will work wonderfully with these proteins too!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.

2. Can I make the mango salsa in advance?
Yes, you can make the mango salsa a few hours ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

3. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just prepare and store the chicken and salsa separately, and you can enjoy it all week long.

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Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

A delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey and mango with the zesty brightness of lime, perfect for warm days, barbecues, and impressing family and friends.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 4 small
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 units limes juice and zest
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mango Salsa
  • 1 large ripe mango, diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced optional for heat
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 unit lime juice
  • to taste salt and pepper
For Serving
  • Cooked rice, quinoa, salad greens, or tortillas
  • Lime wedges

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat well.
  3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours in the fridge.
Make the Mango Salsa
  1. In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
  2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Stir well and let sit for 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld.
Cook the Chicken
  1. For Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  2. For Skillet Cooking: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through. Rest before slicing.
  3. For Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Let rest before slicing.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Slice the chicken and serve over rice, quinoa, salad, or tortillas.
  2. Top generously with mango salsa and add lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your heat preference. Feel free to add other fruits to the salsa, like diced avocado or bell peppers. Garnish with additional cilantro for a fresh finish.