Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa

Made simply with wholesome and flavorful ingredients, this Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa is the ultimate healthy summer recipe. Pair it alongside your grain of choice and a salad for an unforgettable meal that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

For me, the summertime means lots of fresh flavors and grilled recipes. There’s nothing better than bringing your loved ones together on a beautiful summer day to hang out in the backyard and grill up something seriously delicious. This mango chicken is the perfect choice for those hot summer days.  Served with some grilled corn or a grilled avocado (trust me!), it's a meal you will make again and again.

I have always been a huge fan of teriyaki chicken, but not of the amount of sugar and additives that get packed into most teriyaki marinades. With this in mind, I have been working on finding cleaner versions of teriyaki chicken. Through some trial and error, I came up with this recipe and have absolutely fallen in love with it.

This delicious healthy recipe is all about striking the perfect balance between savory and sweet. Between the combination of soy sauce and orange juice in the grilled chicken marinade and the fresh mango salsa piled on top, this recipe couldn't be tastier. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for summertime.

Whether you’re serving dinner for the family or hosting a backyard barbecue for friends, this healthy grilled chicken recipe is guaranteed to be a show-stopper. Serve it alongside grilled veggies and a healthy grain like rice or quinoa for a complete meal that is out of this world.

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

To make this vibrant grilled chicken recipe, you will need the following key ingredients:

• Chicken breasts: You will need the boneless skinless variety for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer, just adjust the cooking time. Also it helps to keep the chicken at a uniform thickness so they cook evenly.
• Soy sauce: This adds just the right amount of savory umami flavors to the dish. You can use regular, low sodium, or gluten-free soy sauce. For a paleo or soy-free option, use coconut aminos.
• Orange juice: This brings acidity to the chicken marinade that brightens up the rest of the flavors with a fresh, tangy twist. If you can, squeeze this directly from orange for the freshest flavor. Store-bought also works, but fresh tastes better.
• Mango: This flavorful tropical fruit is the star of the delicious salsa that we serve over the grilled chicken breasts. You can swap in pineapple, peaches, or even strawberries.  Another option to kick up the flavor, is taking time to grill the mango. So good!
• Cilantro: This fresh and flavorful herb adds a ton of flavor to our mango salsa. If cilantro isn't your favorite, leave it out or swap in some fresh basil. 
• Lime juice: The acidity in the lime juice brightens up all the fresh flavors of the mango salsa. Lemon juice works as well or some extra orange juice. 

What to Serve With This Dish

This bright and delicious summer recipe deserves equally delicious side dishes to go along with it. I typically like to serve it with grilled vegetables, a refreshing salad, or a healthy grain like rice or quinoa. Here are some of my favorite healthy side dishes to pair with this recipe:

• Spicy Cabbage and Corn Slaw
• Cilantro Lime Quinoa
• Mexican Chopped Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
• Pineapple Coconut Coleslaw
• Easy Grilled Vegetables

Serving and Substitution Tips

• If you don’t have a grill or don’t feel like firing it up, you can sear the chicken breasts in a cast iron skillet or bake it in the oven.
• Looking to switch up the protein? Chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks, pork loin, and any type of firm white fish will work well in this recipe as an alternative.
• For a stunning presentation, serve this dish with extra cilantro sprinkled on top and lime wedges on the plate.
• If you’re looking to add a bit of heat to the dish, you can chop up jalapenos and add them to the mango salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade.
• Not a fan of mangos? Try making the salsa with peaches or pineapples instead for a delicious twist.
• Not sure what to do with leftovers? Cut the grilled chicken into strips or cubes and serve it on top of a bed or rice or salad, or in tacos, quesadillas, or burrito bowls.

How to Store This Dish

To store this dish, you will first need to separate the grilled chicken from the mango salsa and place them each in airtight bags or containers. The chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

The mango salsa can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you choose to freeze the mango salsa, make sure to drain any excess liquid first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this dish:

What fruits are good substitutes for mango?

If you can’t find mango at the store or simply prefer to switch it up with a different type of fruit, there are several other fruits that make excellent substitutes. Try using pineapple, peaches, papaya, or cantaloupe. Jarred mango salsa can also be bought at most grocery stores and will do in a pinch.

How do you store leftover mango salsa?

If you wind up with leftovers of the mango salsa, you can transfer it to an airtight container and store it for up to 3 days. If it’s been a few days and you find that it needs a bit of freshening up, simply squeeze some extra lime juice over it.

What can I add to mango salsa?

To bulk up the mango salsa, you can add additional ingredients like red bell pepper, avocado, cucumber, grilled corn, and jalapenos.

How long should I marinate chicken?

Different recipes call for different marinating times. For this recipe, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 4 hours or up to overnight to ensure maximum flavor.

How do you cook boneless chicken breast on the grill?

Once the grill is hot, the chicken breasts should be cooked for approximately 7-8 minutes on each side. To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, you can stick a meat thermometer through the thickest part and ensure that it’s at 165°F.

More Healthy Grilled Chicken Recipes

If you liked this dish, try these next:

• Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
• Grilled Lemon Chicken with Tzatziki
• Grilled Pineapple Barbecue Chicken
• Spicy Grilled Chicken Salad
• Grilled Greek Chicken Thighs