Description
Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of honey, lime juice, and spices. Served with a fresh, zesty mango salsa, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, offering a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Honey Lime Chicken:
- 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
For the Mango Salsa:
- 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, or tortillas
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
- Make the Mango Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño if using, and chopped fresh cilantro. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let the salsa sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred method:
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Pan-Searing: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Allow the chicken to rest before slicing.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Let rest before slicing.
- Assemble and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and serve over cooked rice, quinoa, salad greens, or wrapped in tortillas. Generously top with the fresh mango salsa and garnish with lime wedges. Enjoy this bright and delicious meal!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for deeper, more intense flavor.
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
- Make extra mango salsa to use as a dip with chips or as a topping for fish.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (active); plus marinating time of 30 minutes to 12 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Tropical
Keywords: Honey Lime Chicken, Mango Salsa, Grilled Chicken, Summer Recipes, Easy Dinner, Healthy Chicken Recipe
