Description
Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is a vibrant, sweet-and-savory dish featuring juicy grilled chicken marinated in honey and lime, topped with fresh mango salsa. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining, this recipe offers flexible cooking options including grilling, pan-searing, or baking to suit your preference.
Ingredients
For the Honey Lime Chicken:
- 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
For the Mango Salsa:
- 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
Optional for Serving:
- 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, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Coat the chicken well with the marinade and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 12 hours, for best flavor.
- Make the Mango Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño if using, and chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let the salsa sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method:
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Pan-Searing: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Let rest before slicing.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Let rest before slicing.
- Assemble and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and serve over your choice of cooked rice, quinoa, salad greens, or wrapped in tortillas. Top generously with the fresh mango salsa and garnish with lime wedges. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful meal!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for even deeper flavor infusion.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs to achieve juicier results.
- Make extra mango salsa as it pairs wonderfully with chips or fish.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spice level to your taste.
