If you’re craving something bold, fresh, and full of sunshine, this Tropical Mango Grilled Chicken is just the dish for you! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a vibrant mango-soy sauce blend, then kissed by the grill for smoky, sweet-tangy perfection. One bite and you’ll be transported to a summery paradise—no passport required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Mango Magic: The marinade’s pureed mango infuses the chicken with natural sweetness and tropical flair—you’ll taste summer in every bite.
- No-Fuss Prep: Minimal chopping, zero complicated steps, and a blender do all the heavy lifting for ultra-flavorful results.
- Endlessly Adaptable: Whether you grill, broil, or pan-sear, this recipe delivers big flavor and works with whatever chicken cut you love most.
- Fresh & Vibrant: The combination of ginger, garlic, cilantro, and mango creates a lively dish that dazzles weeknight dinners and summer parties alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple: each ingredient in this Tropical Mango Grilled Chicken brings bold flavor or tender, juicy texture to the party. The few essentials you need are likely already in your kitchen, and together, they become something truly crave-worthy.
- Chicken Thighs (2 lb., boneless & skinless): These are naturally juicy and soak up marinades beautifully. Their slightly higher fat content makes them perfect for grilling, so you get flavorful, tender bites every time.
- Soy Sauce (½ cup): The salty-savory backbone of the marinade adds depth while tenderizing the chicken, perfectly balancing out the mango’s sweetness.
- Mangos (2, ripe): Go for mangos that are slightly soft to the touch; they blend into a creamy, sunshiny sauce that’s the star of the show.
- Garlic Cloves (3): Fresh garlic provides a zesty kick and beautiful aroma that rounds out the marinade.
- Fresh Ginger (½ teaspoon, grated): Just a little fresh ginger goes a long way, adding gentle heat and a tropical touch.
- Water (2 tablespoons, or more as needed): This helps blend everything smoothly and keeps your marinade the perfect consistency.
- Cilantro (for garnish): Freshly chopped cilantro brings brightness and a burst of color to the finished dish—totally optional but highly recommended!
Variations
Don’t be afraid to shake things up! Tropical Mango Grilled Chicken is as versatile as it is flavorful, so you can easily tailor it to suit what’s in your fridge, your mood, or your guests’ tastes. A few tweaks, and it becomes a whole new masterpiece.
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken thighs? Use boneless chicken breasts or even shrimp—just adjust the grill time as needed.
- Add Some Heat: Blend in half a jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a fiery, sweet-and-spicy kick.
- Citrus Twist: Squeeze in fresh lime or orange juice for extra tanginess that will really wake up your taste buds.
- Herb Upgrade: Toss in fresh mint or basil alongside the cilantro for an even more vibrant, garden-fresh flavor profile.
How to Make Tropical Mango Grilled Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Add your soy sauce, mangos, garlic, ginger, and water to a blender or food processor. Puree until the sauce is ultra-smooth and fragrant—don’t be shy about letting the blender run a few extra seconds! This vibrant mixture will be the flavor base for the whole dish.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Tuck your chicken thighs into a large resealable bag or baking dish. Pour in all but ¼ cup of the mango marinade (reserve this bit for basting later). Massage the bag to coat each piece, then pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours—longer if you want an even deeper flavor infusion.
Step 3: Get Grilling
Heat your grill to a sizzling 400°F. Using tongs, lift each thigh out of the marinade, letting the extra drip away. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the edges have gorgeous grill marks and the centers are cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Move the freshly grilled chicken to a pretty platter and brush with the reserved tropical mango marinade for extra shine and flavor. Sprinkle generously with cilantro and serve immediately—you’ll wow everyone at the table with the color and aroma alone!
Pro Tips for Making Tropical Mango Grilled Chicken
- Mango Selection Matters: Choose ripe, fragrant mangos for the sweetest, most flavorful marinade—if they give a little when pressed, they’re perfect!
- Extra Marinade Magic: Always reserve some marinade separately for brushing after grilling; don’t use marinade that touched raw chicken for food safety.
- Perfect Doneness: Grill the chicken until the internal temperature hits 165°F—juicy, never dry, with irresistible smoky char.
- Clean Grill Success: Brush the grill grates with oil just before placing the chicken down to prevent any of that luscious mango glaze from sticking.
How to Serve Tropical Mango Grilled Chicken
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro is the classic finishing touch, lending a burst of vibrant green and a pop of herbal flavor. For extra pizzazz, top with a sprinkle of finely diced mango or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds—the little details go a long way with Tropical Mango Grilled Chicken!
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside coconut rice, grilled corn, or a crunchy cabbage slaw tossed with lime. A simple salad with cucumber, avocado, and red onion also plays beautifully with the tangy sweetness of the mango chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile sliced Tropical Mango Grilled Chicken onto a platter with grilled pineapple rings, or tuck strips into warm tortillas for unforgettable tacos. Feeling fancy? Skewer chunks of chicken and mango on bamboo sticks for a stunning appetizer or party platter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra Tropical Mango Grilled Chicken will keep beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making leftovers an absolute treat cold or reheated.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, pop the grilled chicken (without garnish) into a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste.
Reheating
For juicy reheating, warm the chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed, or microwave in short bursts until just heated through. Finish with a fresh cilantro sprinkle to revive its tropical flair.
FAQs
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Can I make Tropical Mango Grilled Chicken without a grill?
Absolutely! If the weather (or your kitchen setup) isn’t cooperating, you can broil the chicken in your oven or cook it in a grill pan on the stovetop. You’ll still get all the sweet, tangy flavors and a beautiful golden glaze.
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Is this recipe spicy?
Nope! By default, Tropical Mango Grilled Chicken is sweet and savory with lots of tropical zing. If you love a bit of spice, you can always add sliced chili or chili flakes to the marinade for a gentle kick.
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Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
Yes you can! Thaw frozen mango chunks and use them just as you would fresh mangos. They’ll blend beautifully into the marinade and keep this chicken recipe delicious year-round.
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How do I know when the chicken is done?
If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety. Otherwise, slice into the thickest part—if the juices run clear and the meat is opaque (not pink), your Tropical Mango Grilled Chicken is ready to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to fire up the grill and bring a taste of the tropics to your table with this Tropical Mango Grilled Chicken. Whether it’s a weeknight family feast or a sunny backyard party, this dish is sure to spark smiles and requests for seconds. Give it a try and let the sunshine shine in!
Print
Tropical Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Mango Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a luscious mango sauce, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lb. chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
For the Marinade:
- 2 mangos
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons water, or more as needed
- cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Add chicken to a plastic bag or a large baking dish: Set aside.
- Marinate the chicken: Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce, then pour the rest over the chicken. Seal the bag shut and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours.
- Grill the chicken: Heat the grill to 400°F. Remove the chicken from the bag, shake off excess marinade, and grill for 6-7 minutes per side.
- Finish and serve: Place the grilled chicken on a platter, brush with reserved sauce, and garnish with cilantro. Enjoy!
Next, make the marinade: Add the soy sauce, mangos, garlic, ginger, and water to a small blender or food processor and pulse until smooth.
Notes
- Calories are per serving (approx. 2 chicken thighs) and are an estimation.
- This recipe was intended for chicken thighs; adjust cooking time for chicken breasts.
- Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 chicken thighs)
- Calories: 549 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1799mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 222mg
