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why make this recipe
Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is a delightful dish that brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This recipe is perfect for a summer BBQ, a weeknight dinner, or a festive gathering. The marinated chicken is juicy and tender, while the mango salsa adds a refreshing burst of flavor. It’s not only delicious but also healthy and colorful, making it an appealing choice for any meal.
how to make Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
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 for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice, quinoa, salad greens, or tortillas
- Lime wedges
Directions:
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Pour marinade over the chicken and coat well.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours in the fridge.
Make the Mango Salsa:
- In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro.
- Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir well and let sit for 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld.
Cook 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.
Skillet:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of 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. Let rest before slicing.
Assemble and Serve:
- Slice the chicken.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, salad, or tortillas.
- Top generously with mango salsa and lime wedges. Enjoy!
how to serve Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
This dish is versatile and can be served in many ways. You can place the grilled chicken on a bed of rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. It also works great in tacos or burritos alongside the mango salsa. For a lighter option, serve it over salad greens with the salsa on top. Lime wedges enhance the freshness of the dish, making it even better.
how to store Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
To store leftovers, place the chicken and salsa in separate airtight containers. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer bag. It can last in the freezer for about 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
- Marinating the chicken for a longer time will give more flavor.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño in the salsa to control the heat level.
- Use fresh, ripe mango for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh mango, canned mango can be a substitute.
- You can add other ingredients to the salsa, like bell peppers or avocado, for more texture and flavor.
variation
For a different twist, you could try using different proteins such as shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. You can also experiment with other fruits in the salsa, like pineapple or peaches, to create unique flavor profiles.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it is fully thawed before marinating and cooking.
2. What else can I serve with the chicken?
The chicken pairs well with sides like black beans, corn salad, or grilled vegetables.
3. How can I make this dish spicy?
Add more jalapeño or incorporate chopped fresh cilantro for an extra kick. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish.
Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
A delightful dish with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, perfect for summer BBQs or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free
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
- 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, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place chicken in a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Pour marinade over the chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours in the fridge.
- Make the Mango Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper. Stir well and let sit for 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Cook 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.
- Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of 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. Let rest before slicing.
- Assemble and Serve: Slice the chicken. Serve over rice, quinoa, salad, or tortillas. Top generously with mango salsa and lime wedges. Enjoy!
Notes
Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor. Adjust jalapeño for heat preference.