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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning - 1 ripe mango, pitted and diced - 1 cup fresh pineapple, peeled and diced - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced (optional) - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges and other potential accompaniments When I create a dish like Mango Pineapple Salsa Chicken, I want each ingredient to shine. First, I choose high-quality chicken. I love using boneless, skinless breasts. They grill nicely and soak up flavors well. Seasoning with olive oil, salt, and pepper adds a good base for the chicken. For the salsa, ripe mango and fresh pineapple are key. They bring sweetness and brightness. I dice them into small pieces. This way, they mix well with other ingredients. I also add a red bell pepper for crunch. A finely chopped red onion gives it a nice bite. If you like heat, the jalapeño is a great option. Just remember to remove the seeds for less spice. Lime juice is essential. It brightens the salsa and balances the sweetness. Fresh cilantro is a must for garnish. It adds color and a fresh taste. When serving, I like to add lime wedges. They give a fun touch and let everyone add more flavor if they want. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a medium mixing bowl. Add your diced mango, fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and minced jalapeño if you like some heat. Pour in the lime juice and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently toss all the ingredients together. This step is key. Let the salsa sit for 10-15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to come together and shine. Next, let’s season the chicken. Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts dry. This helps the oil and spices stick better. Drizzle some olive oil on both sides of each breast. Then, season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure to cover all parts evenly for the best flavor. Now, it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, lay down the seasoned chicken breasts. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and grill for another 6-7 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). After grilling, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time keeps the juices locked inside. For plating, use a sharp knife to slice the grilled chicken into tender strips. Lay the slices in the center of a serving dish, fanning them out a bit for a nice look. Spoon the colorful Mango Pineapple Salsa generously over the chicken. Let it cascade over the edges for a vibrant presentation. Finish by sprinkling some freshly chopped cilantro on top. This adds a nice touch of color and fresh aroma. Serve with lime wedges on the side for that extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your beautiful summer dish! To grill chicken perfectly, start with dry breasts. Pat them with paper towels to remove moisture. This step helps the chicken brown well. Drizzle olive oil on both sides. Season generously with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat. Cook for 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. Let it rest for five minutes. This helps keep the juices in, making every bite tender. To make great salsa, focus on fresh ingredients. Use a ripe mango and sweet pineapple for good flavor. A red bell pepper adds crunch and color. Don’t skip the lime juice; it brightens the dish. Mix the diced fruits and veggies in a bowl. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust if needed. More lime juice can add zing, while more salt can enhance sweetness. Presentation matters when serving food. For this dish, use a colorful platter. Lay the sliced chicken in the center. Spoon the vibrant salsa over the chicken, letting it cascade down the sides. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of green. Add lime wedges around the platter. This not only looks nice but also gives guests a chance to add more lime if they like. A well-presented dish makes every meal feel special! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Fruits: Select a mango and pineapple that are ripe for the best sweetness and flavor. Look for a mango with a slight give when gently squeezed and a pineapple with a sweet aroma at the base. Marinate for Extra Flavor: For added depth, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice, olive oil, and spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will enhance the overall taste. Check Doneness with a Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption and juicy results. Serve with Complementary Sides: Pair the dish with coconut rice or a fresh green salad to complement the tropical flavors of the salsa and create a well-rounded meal. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Fish works great, especially salmon or tilapia. These fish cook quickly and soak up the salsa flavors well. Tofu is another option. Press it to remove extra water, then marinate it in lime juice and olive oil for taste. Grill or pan-fry until golden brown. These swaps keep the dish fresh and fun. Feel free to get creative with the salsa! Other fruits like kiwi or strawberries add a nice twist. You could also add vegetables. Corn or avocado pairs well with the mango and pineapple. They add texture and flavor. Experiment with what you love, and make the salsa your own! Do you like heat? You can adjust the spice in your salsa. If you want it mild, skip the jalapeño. For more heat, add another jalapeño or use a hotter pepper like serrano. You can also sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne for a kick. Taste as you go to find the right balance for your taste buds. To keep your Mango Pineapple Salsa Chicken fresh, store it properly. Place the chicken and salsa in separate airtight containers. This helps keep flavors intact. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. The chicken stays good for 3-4 days. The salsa can last 2-3 days. When reheating, use the oven or stovetop for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist. For the salsa, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating, as it can change the fresh taste. You can freeze the chicken and salsa for later meals. Wrap the chicken in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It lasts up to three months. For salsa, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it may expand. Thaw both in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use them. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. For the best flavor, make the salsa first. The fresh mango, pineapple, and lime juice blend nicely if you let them sit. Prepare the salsa up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The chicken can also be seasoned and stored for later cooking. Just remember, grill it fresh for the best taste. Mango Pineapple Salsa Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Rice: White or brown rice adds a nice base. - Quinoa: For a healthy twist, try quinoa. - Salad: A crisp green salad balances the meal. - Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances the summer vibe. - Grilled Vegetables: Add a colorful mix of grilled veggies. You can easily make this dish lighter. Here are some tips: - Chicken: Use skinless chicken thighs for more flavor, but keep it lean. - Oil: Reduce olive oil to one tablespoon. - Salsa: Add more veggies like cucumber or mango to cut calories. - Spice: Use fresh herbs instead of salt for flavor. Mango Pineapple Salsa Chicken is easy to make and full of flavor. We covered key ingredients, from chicken to fresh salsa, and shared tips for grilling. You now know how to plate and store leftovers, too. Experiment with different proteins and spices to make the dish your own. Enjoying this meal will brighten your plate and impress your guests. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to make it again and again. Happy cooking!

Mango Pineapple Salsa Chicken

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring grilled chicken topped with a fresh mango pineapple salsa.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 piece ripe mango, pitted and diced
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, peeled and diced
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 piece jalapeño, deseeded and minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Salsa: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, fresh pineapple, red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and minced jalapeño (if using). Add the lime juice along with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss all ingredients together to mix well, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld together—about 10-15 minutes.
  • Season the Chicken: Using paper towels, pat the chicken breasts dry to remove excess moisture. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of each chicken breast, then generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even coating.
  • Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts onto the grill. Grill each breast for approximately 6-7 minutes on one side, flip and continue grilling for another 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
  • Assemble the Dish: With a sharp knife, slice the grilled chicken breasts into tender strips. Begin plating by laying the slices in the center of a serving dish, fanning them out slightly. Generously spoon the vibrant Mango Pineapple Salsa over the sliced chicken, letting the colorful toppings cascade over the edges.
  • Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro over the salsa for an aromatic touch and appealing color. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness and zing.

Notes

For added visual appeal, consider serving the dish on a colorful platter and arranging extra lime wedges around the edges.
Keyword chicken, grilled, mango, pineapple, salsa