Mango Chili Lime Chicken Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 ripe mango, diced into small cubes - 1 fresh red chili, finely chopped - 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced finely - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Mango chili lime chicken is all about fresh and vibrant flavors. You need chicken breasts as your base. Choose boneless and skinless ones for easy cooking. The star of the dish is the ripe mango. It adds a sweet touch that balances the heat of the chili. You can adjust the chili amount based on how spicy you want it. Next, lime juice brings a zesty kick. It pairs well with honey, which adds sweetness. Don't forget the olive oil and garlic for richness and depth. Lastly, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making every bite tasty. - Fresh cilantro leaves - Lime wedges For a burst of color and flavor, use fresh cilantro leaves. They add a nice herbal note to the dish. You can also serve lime wedges. They give a fresh squeeze of juice that brightens the chicken even more. These simple garnishes make your dish look and taste great! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a medium mixing bowl. Combine these ingredients: - 1 ripe mango, diced - 1 fresh red chili, finely chopped - 4 tablespoons lime juice - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced Use a fork or whisk to blend everything. You want a smooth mix, but let the mango chunks stay. This gives the marinade texture. Next, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over it and make sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Massage the marinade into the chicken. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Now, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. It needs to be hot for a good sear. When ready, take the chicken out of the marinade. Let any excess drip off, and throw away the leftover marinade to keep things safe. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown color and nice grill marks. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, move the chicken to a cutting board to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Slice the chicken into strips and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle any juices from the cutting board on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a bright look. For a fun meal, serve it with a green salad or steamed jasmine rice. You can also add lime wedges for an extra zesty kick. To pick the perfect mango, look for a skin that has a rich, golden hue. A ripe mango gives slightly to gentle pressure. It should not feel too hard or too mushy. If you can’t find fresh mango, frozen mango works well. Just ensure it is unsweetened. Thaw it before use for the best flavor. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red chili. Start with half of what the recipe calls for. You can also swap the chili with paprika for a milder flavor. For a kick, try adding cayenne pepper or jalapeño slices. Letting the chicken rest after grilling is key. This step keeps it juicy and flavorful. I suggest resting it for about five minutes. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. Pro Tips Marinade Time: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the spices and flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly. Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high. A hot grill will create a nice sear on the chicken, locking in the juices and flavor. Resting Period: Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy piece of chicken. Serving Suggestion: Pair the chicken with a fresh mango salsa or a side of avocado for added texture and flavor. This balances the heat from the chili beautifully. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the protein in this dish. Shrimp works great for a light twist. Simply marinate the shrimp as you would the chicken. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Tofu is another excellent choice. Use firm tofu, cut into cubes. Marinate and grill it just like the chicken. It soaks up all the tasty flavors. Want to elevate the flavor? Try adding herbs like cilantro or mint. Fresh basil can also add a nice twist. If you like more spice, add garlic powder or paprika. For alternative marinades, consider using coconut milk or yogurt mixed with lime juice. These options create a creamy texture and rich taste. Get creative with your side dishes. A fresh salad with avocado and lime pairs well. You can also serve the chicken with coconut rice for a tropical vibe. Don’t forget dips! A zesty avocado dip or a tangy salsa complements the chicken perfectly. These additions make your meal fun and exciting. After you enjoy your Mango Chili Lime Chicken, store any leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Refrigerate the chicken for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen chicken can last for up to three months. When you reheat the chicken, keep it juicy and tender. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time, and check often to avoid dryness. In the fridge, the chicken stays good for three days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the chicken has an off smell or a slimy texture, it’s time to throw it away. If it looks dry or has changed color, that’s a bad sign too. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. To thaw it, place the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you need it faster, submerge the sealed chicken in cold water for about an hour. Just ensure it is fully thawed before marinating. To make this dish spicier, use more fresh red chili. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat. Taste the marinade before adding more spice to find your perfect balance. If you don’t have lime juice, try lemon juice or orange juice. Both options add a nice citrus zing. Adjust the amount to match your taste, as they can vary in sweetness and acidity. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Cooked chicken can last in the fridge for about three to four days. Use airtight containers for best results. In this article, we explored how to make Mango Chili Lime Chicken, focusing on key ingredients and preparation steps. You learned about choosing ripe mangoes and adjusting spice levels for your taste. I shared tips for grilling the chicken perfectly and enhancing flavors with different proteins and herbs. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy this dish later. With practice, you'll create delicious meals that impress everyone. Enjoy experimenting with these tips and make this recipe your own!$

Mango Chili Lime Chicken Delight

A flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated with mango, chili, and lime for a tropical twist.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 20

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Fusion

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 piece ripe mango, diced into small cubes
1 piece fresh red chili, finely chopped
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced finely
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, finely chopped red chili, freshly squeezed lime juice, honey, olive oil, and minced garlic. Use a fork or a whisk to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth but retains some texture from the mango.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the seasoned chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, and massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or for enhanced flavor, up to 2 hours.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Ensure it is hot enough for searing the chicken.
Once the chicken has marinated, carefully remove it from the bag or dish, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side. Aim for a golden-brown exterior with distinct grill marks while ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
After grilling, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps retain the juices for a tender cut.
Slice the chicken into strips and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle with any juices collected during the resting period and garnish generously with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant touch.

Notes

Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed jasmine rice. Add lime wedges for extra flavor.

Keyword chicken, grilled, lime, mango, spicy