Dinner

Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher March 28, 2026March 28, 2026

Introduction

Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines juicy grilled chicken marinated in honey and lime with a fresh, zesty mango salsa. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, bringing a sweet and savory tropical twist to your table.

A white plate holds a serving of white rice topped with a grilled chicken breast that has dark brown grill marks and a shiny glaze. On top of the chicken is a colorful salsa made of yellow mango chunks, red bell pepper pieces, green herbs, and small bits of red onion, all mixed together. To the side of the chicken, there is a wedge of lime. The plate is sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional for serving: cooked rice, quinoa, salad greens, tortillas, lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the mango salsa by combining diced mango, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro in a medium bowl. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture, season with salt and pepper, and stir well. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Choose your cooking method for the chicken:
- 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.
- Pan-Searing: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Rest before slicing.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Allow to rest before slicing.
Step 5: Slice the chicken and serve over rice, quinoa, salad greens, or tortillas. Top generously with mango salsa and garnish with lime wedges. Enjoy your vibrant meal!

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken longer, up to 12 hours, for richer flavor.
Swap chicken breasts with thighs for juicier results.
Add extra mango salsa as a topping for fish or serve it with chips as a refreshing snack.
Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat level in the salsa.

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 until warmed through. The mango salsa is best served fresh but can be chilled for up to 24 hours.

How to Serve

A close-up of a grilled chicken breast with dark char lines, placed on top of a bed of white rice. Next to the chicken, there is a colorful mango salsa with bright yellow mango chunks, red diced peppers, green herbs, and small bits of purple onion mixed together. A lime wedge is partly visible in the background, adding a fresh vibe. Everything is served on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the mango salsa in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mango salsa a few hours ahead. Letting it sit allows the flavors to develop, but for the best texture and freshness, consume it within 24 hours.