Mango Pineapple Salsa Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 ripe mango, diced - 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced (optional for heat) - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped The base of this dish starts with the chicken. I prefer boneless, skinless breasts for a lean option. They cook evenly and are easy to slice after grilling. Next, the salsa brings the magic. A ripe mango and fresh pineapple add a sweet twist. The red bell pepper gives it a nice crunch and color. Using red onion adds a sharp bite. If you like heat, add a minced jalapeño. I often opt for it, but it’s up to you. Lime juice brightens the flavors, while olive oil helps keep the chicken juicy. Finally, salt and pepper are essential. They enhance every ingredient. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of green. It also gives a fresh taste that balances the sweetness of the salsa. Gather all these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a colorful and tasty dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a medium bowl. Combine the diced mango, fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño if you want some heat. The sweet fruit pairs well with the crunch of the pepper. Next, squeeze in two tablespoons of lime juice. This adds a zesty kick. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything gently and set it aside. Letting it sit helps the flavors mix and grow. Now, let’s get the chicken ready. First, pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Drying them helps the seasoning stick. Rub each breast with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps with grilling. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Make sure every inch is coated. This step is key to a tasty chicken. Next, preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts on the grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. After grilling, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting keeps the juices in, making the chicken tender. Time to plate your delicious creation! Slice the grilled chicken breasts into strips. Arrange them nicely on a plate. Next, take that fresh Mango Pineapple Salsa and spoon it generously over the chicken. The colorful salsa adds a vibrant touch and a burst of flavor. To finish, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro on top of the salsa. This adds a pop of color and flavor. For a bright touch, serve the dish with lime wedges on the side. The extra lime gives a fresh zing that elevates the dish. Enjoy your Mango Pineapple Salsa Chicken, a true delight for the senses! When selecting chicken breasts, look for ones that are plump and pink. Avoid any that are slimy or have dark spots. Fresh chicken tastes best and cooks evenly. You can marinate the chicken for extra flavor. A simple mix of lime juice, olive oil, and spices works well. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chicken soak in all the good flavors. To adjust the sweetness, add more mango or pineapple. For a spicier kick, toss in extra jalapeño. Always taste as you go. Letting the salsa sit for 15-30 minutes allows the flavors to blend. This step is key to making the salsa really pop. To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a grill, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Another option is pan-searing. Just use a bit of oil in a hot skillet. This will give you a nice sear and keep the chicken moist. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Fruit: Make sure to select a ripe mango and pineapple for the best flavor. A ripe mango should give slightly when pressed and have a sweet aroma. Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice, olive oil, and spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Customize Your Salsa: Feel free to add other ingredients to your salsa, such as diced avocado, mango, or even black beans for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can swap fruits for a new twist. Try using diced papaya or kiwi. These fruits add sweetness and a unique flavor. Seasonal fruits can also shine. Use peaches in summer or apples in fall. Each fruit brings its own taste and texture. This keeps the dish fresh and fun! Want some heat? Add different peppers to the salsa. You can use serrano or habanero for more spice. Simply adjust the amount to match your heat level. If you prefer mild, stick to the jalapeño. Removing the seeds helps lower the heat too. This way, you can make the salsa just right for you! You can serve this dish in many ways. Pair it with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Both add great texture and soak up the salsa. Another option is to use it in tacos. Just fill a soft tortilla with the chicken and salsa. You can even make a salad with greens, chicken, and salsa. Each style gives a new experience to enjoy! To keep your leftovers fresh, store them right. First, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in. For the salsa, transfer it to a separate container. A glass jar works well. Make sure to seal both tightly. In the fridge, your chicken can last up to three days. Salsa stays fresh for about two days. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing. Chicken can be frozen for up to three months. Salsa can be frozen too but may change texture when thawed. When reheating chicken, use the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the chicken in foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. For the salsa, avoid the microwave. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This helps keep the flavors bright and fresh. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen chicken takes longer to cook through. Make sure to cook it until the inside reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it's safe to eat and has good texture. Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and salsa in advance. Store them in separate containers. When ready to eat, just heat the chicken and top it with fresh salsa. To add heat, try a few options. You can increase the amount of jalapeño in the salsa. You can also add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Each option gives a nice kick without overpowering the dish. Yes, canned pineapple works in a pinch. However, it may change the taste and texture. Canned pineapple is softer and sweeter. Make sure to drain it well to avoid excess juice in the salsa. This dish pairs well with several sides. You can serve it with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. A simple green salad adds freshness, too. Consider chips and guacamole for a fun twist. This blog post covers how to make a flavorful Mango Pineapple Salsa Chicken. We explored the main ingredients, like chicken, mango, and pineapple. I provided step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. Tips on choosing quality chicken and perfecting your salsa are included. Variations let you customize your dish too. In conclusion, this recipe blends fresh ingredients to create a tasty meal. I hope you try it and enjoy the vibrant flavors!$

Mango Pineapple Salsa Chicken

A delicious grilled chicken dish topped with a fresh mango pineapple salsa.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Fusion

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 piece ripe mango, diced
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1 piece red bell pepper, diced
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 piece jalapeño, deseeded and minced (optional for heat)
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño (if using). Add lime juice, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Toss well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub each side with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes.
Assemble the Dish: Slice the grilled chicken breasts and plate them. Generously spoon the Mango Pineapple Salsa over the top of the chicken.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the salsa for a vibrant presentation. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, grilled, mango, pineapple, salsa