Save to Pinterest Picture this: a warm summer evening, the grill sizzling, and a plate of perfectly charred chicken topped with a vibrant, colorful salsa that practically screams freshness. That's what you get with this Grilled Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa—a beautiful marriage of smoky, juicy protein and bright, tropical fruit flavors that dance on your palate.
Save to Pinterest This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: succulent grilled chicken seasoned with a smoky spice blend, and a refreshing tropical salsa that cuts through the richness with its bright, zesty notes. The contrast of warm chicken and cool salsa creates a textural and temperature experience that makes every bite interesting.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- For the Mango Avocado Salsa:
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
- Make the marinade
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Marinate the chicken
- Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the salsa
- Meanwhile, prepare the salsa: In a medium bowl, combine mango, avocado, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to combine. Set aside.
- Grill the chicken
- Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Rest the chicken
- Remove chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve
- Slice the chicken and serve topped generously with the mango avocado salsa.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
The key to perfect grilled chicken is patience. Don't move the chicken around too much on the grill—this prevents those beautiful grill marks from forming. For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating. If you don't have a meat mallet, use a heavy bottom pan. The mango and avocado should be ripe but firm to maintain their shape in the salsa.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile recipe can be adapted in numerous ways to suit your preferences. For a spicier version, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you're not a fan of cilantro, substitute with fresh parsley. Don't have mango? Pineapple makes an excellent alternative. For a heartier meal, serve the chicken and salsa over coconut rice or quinoa. You can also swap chicken for firm white fish like mahi-mahi or even grilled shrimp.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this vibrant dish on a platter with the sliced chicken fanned out and the colorful salsa generously spooned over top. It pairs beautifully with grilled corn on the cob brushed with lime butter, a side of black beans, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, add a side of cilantro-lime rice or warm tortillas to make quick tacos with the leftovers. A cold Mexican beer or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the tropical flavors perfectly.
Save to Pinterest This Grilled Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa brings sunshine to your table no matter the season. It's a reminder that sometimes the simplest combinations—smoky grilled protein and fresh, vibrant fruits—create the most memorable meals. Whether you're cooking for a casual family dinner or entertaining friends on your patio, this colorful, flavorful dish is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Recipe Help Center
- → What is the best way to grill the chicken evenly?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts for 6–7 minutes per side, ensuring grill marks form and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe doneness.
- → How can I prepare the mango avocado salsa for maximum freshness?
Dice ripe mango and avocado shortly before serving and gently toss with red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to maintain vibrant flavors and textures.
- → Can the spice level of the salsa be adjusted?
Yes, the optional jalapeño can be omitted for a milder salsa or added according to taste for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the mango.
- → What marinade ingredients enhance the chicken flavor?
Combining olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and black pepper creates a smoky, tangy marinade that tenderizes and seasons the chicken effectively.
- → Are there suggested side dishes that pair well with this dish?
Grilled corn or steamed rice serve as excellent accompaniments, balancing the fresh salsa and smoky grilled chicken for a complete meal.