Grilled chicken with mango salsa is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for a light and refreshing meal. The juicy chicken breasts are seasoned and grilled to perfection, while the vibrant mango salsa adds a burst of tropical freshness. This dish is not only delicious but also gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
When preparing this recipe, you might find that mango is not a staple in every household. It's important to choose a ripe mango for the best flavor, which should give slightly when pressed and have a sweet aroma. Additionally, cilantro might not be everyone's favorite herb, so if you're new to it, consider buying a small bunch to test its flavor. The rest of the ingredients like red bell pepper, red onion, and lime juice are commonly found in most supermarkets.
Ingredients For Grilled Chicken With Mango Salsa
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein component of the dish, providing a lean and tender base for the meal.
Olive oil: Used to brush the chicken, it helps in keeping the meat moist and adds a subtle richness.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the salsa, used in both components of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the chicken.
Mango: Provides a sweet and juicy contrast to the savory chicken, essential for the salsa.
Red bell pepper: Adds a crunchy texture and a mild sweetness to the salsa.
Red onion: Offers a sharp, pungent flavor that balances the sweetness of the mango.
Cilantro: Brings a fresh, citrusy note to the salsa, complementing the other ingredients.
Lime juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the salsa, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Technique Tip for Perfecting This Dish
To ensure your chicken breasts remain juicy and flavorful, consider marinating them in the olive oil, salt, and black pepper mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Additionally, when preparing the mango salsa, make sure to dice the mango and red bell pepper into uniform pieces for a consistent texture and presentation. The lime juice not only adds a zesty flavor but also helps to keep the salsa fresh and vibrant.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is a lean protein similar to chicken and will provide a similar texture and flavor when grilled.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a great alternative for grilling.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral profile.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used if you prefer less heat.
diced mango - Substitute with diced pineapple: Pineapple offers a similar sweetness and tropical flavor that complements grilled meats.
diced red bell pepper - Substitute with diced yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell pepper has a similar sweetness and crunch, adding color variation to the salsa.
diced red onion - Substitute with diced shallots: Shallots provide a milder onion flavor and can be used for a subtler taste.
chopped cilantro - Substitute with chopped parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and can be used if you prefer to avoid cilantro.
fresh lime juice - Substitute with fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and brightness to the salsa.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger crystals and can be used for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
Allow the grilled chicken to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
For short-term storage, place the grilled chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To keep the mango salsa fresh, store it separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It should remain vibrant and flavorful for about 2-3 days.
If you plan to freeze the grilled chicken, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the chicken's juicy texture.
Label the freezer bag with the date to keep track of freshness. The grilled chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the grilled chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps retain moisture and flavor.
Reheat the grilled chicken gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
Freshen up the mango salsa by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro before serving. This will revive its zesty and refreshing taste.
Serve the reheated grilled chicken topped with the revitalized mango salsa for a delightful meal that tastes just as good as the day it was made.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the grilled chicken on a baking sheet, cover it with foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method ensures the chicken remains juicy while warming up evenly.
For a quick fix, use a microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warm.
If you prefer a stovetop approach, slice the chicken into strips and heat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.
To reheat the mango salsa, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to maintain its fresh texture and vibrant flavors. Alternatively, serve it at room temperature to preserve its refreshing qualities.
For a creative twist, transform the leftovers into a chicken salad. Dice the grilled chicken and mix it with the mango salsa, adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for creaminess. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful meal.
Essential Tools for Perfect Grilling
Grill: Used to cook the chicken breasts, providing a smoky flavor and grill marks.
Brush: Utilized for applying olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts to ensure they remain moist during grilling.
Mixing bowl: Needed for combining the ingredients of the mango salsa, allowing them to meld together.
Knife: Essential for dicing the mango, red bell pepper, and red onion into small, uniform pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for safely chopping and dicing the ingredients.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken breasts on the grill without piercing them, which helps retain their juices.
Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lime juice for consistent flavor.
Serving platter: Ideal for presenting the grilled chicken topped with mango salsa in an appealing manner.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prep ingredients in advance: Dice the mango, red bell pepper, and red onion ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
Marinate the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper a few hours before grilling to enhance flavor and save time.
Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly by using a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F, reducing guesswork and cooking time.
Batch grill: Grill extra chicken for future meals, saving time on cooking throughout the week.
Grilled Chicken With Mango Salsa
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Mango Salsa
- 1 cup Mango diced
- ½ cup Red bell pepper diced
- ¼ cup Red onion diced
- 1 tablespoon Cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice fresh
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- 2. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- 3. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- 4. While the chicken is grilling, prepare the mango salsa by combining mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- 5. Serve the grilled chicken topped with mango salsa.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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