Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the tanginess of lime with the sweetness of honey, perfectly complementing the juicy grilled chicken. Topped with a refreshing mango salsa, this meal is not only delicious but visually appealing as well. Whether you’re enjoying a weeknight dinner with family or hosting friends for a summer barbecue, this recipe offers a delightful taste of tropical flair.
Why We Love This Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe
This recipe is a family favorite for many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor combination is simply irresistible. The honey adds a natural sweetness that balances the tartness of the lime, while the spices elevate the overall taste. Beyond the flavor, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it over rice, quinoa, or leafy greens, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences. Additionally, the mango salsa brings a burst of freshness and texture, making each bite a delightful experience. Not to mention, it’s quick to prepare, allowing you to whip it up even on busy evenings. Overall, Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Ingredients about Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
- For the 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
- To Serve:
- Cooked rice, quinoa, salad greens, or tortillas
- Lime wedges
How to Make Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa Directions
To create this delicious Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa, start with marinating the chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This marinade not only enhances the chicken’s flavor but also helps keep it juicy. Place your chicken breasts into a shallow dish or a resealable bag and pour the marinade over the top, ensuring every piece is coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for optimal results, let it sit in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours.
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the mango salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño (if you like some heat), and fresh cilantro. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Now it’s time to cook the chicken. You can choose to grill it over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked. If you prefer the stovetop method, heat some olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken for around 5-7 minutes per side. For those who like to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F and let the chicken bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The result should be perfectly cooked chicken with a slight char and an impressive flavor from the marinade.
Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into pieces. Serve it over a bed of rice, quinoa, or fresh salad greens, and generously spoon the mango salsa on top. Finish with a wedge of lime for that extra zing. Enjoy your delicious meal!
How to Serve Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
Serving Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is where you can get creative. The first option is a simple bowl presentation, where you place a scoop of cooked rice or quinoa at the bottom, topped with sliced chicken and a generous amount of mango salsa. This not only looks appealing but also combines all the flavors in each bite.
If you prefer a lighter option, serving the chicken over a bed of salad greens is a great choice. Add some sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a refreshing touch. The sweetness of the mango salsa enhances the crunchiness of your salad, making it a satisfying meal.
For a more casual setting, you can serve the chicken in tortillas for a fun taco night. Package the chicken and mango salsa into warm tortillas, and let everyone build their own tacos. This way, each person can customize their dish with additional toppings like avocado, sour cream, or extra lime juice.
No matter how you choose to serve it, the delicious combination of honey lime chicken and mango salsa is sure to impress your family and friends.
Expert Tips: Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
To elevate your Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa experience, consider these expert tips. First, marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes will greatly enhance the flavors. If you have the time, aim for the overnight option for even better results.
When preparing the mango salsa, choose a ripe mango for optimal sweetness. The mango should give slightly when pressed but not be overly soft. If you want to add more heat to the salsa, leave some of the jalapeño seeds in for an extra kick.
Experiment with the spices in the marinade. Feel free to add cayenne pepper for heat or fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for an aromatic boost. Also, don’t hesitate to mix in other fruits with the salsa, such as diced pineapple or diced bell peppers, for added flavor and texture.
Lastly, you can use leftovers creatively. Chop the leftover chicken and mix it into salads or grain bowls throughout the week to create new and exciting meals.
How to Store Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
Storing leftover Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is simple and helps maintain its freshness. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you would like to keep it longer, consider freezing it; it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
For the mango salsa, store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within two days as the ingredients may start to lose their freshness over time. When storing, be mindful that the salsa may release some liquid, so drain it or mix it well before serving again.
Variation of Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
This Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is highly adaptable. If you’re looking to add a twist, consider marinating the chicken with different spices based on your preferences. For instance, replacing ground cumin with coriander gives a distinct flavor profile.
You might also think about using other proteins. This marinade works wonderfully with shrimp or fish, such as tilapia or salmon, giving you a seafood version of the dish that’s equally delightful.
For the mango salsa, feel free to switch up the fruit! Diced pineapple, papaya, or even strawberries can create fantastic new versions of the dish. Additionally, experimenting with different herbs, such as mint or basil, can result in refreshing variations that brighten up the salsa.
You can also try grilling or roasting the mango to add a unique flavor twist, creating a warm salsa that complements the chicken differently.
FAQ
What is Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa?
Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is a flavorful dish that features marinated grilled chicken served with a fresh mango salsa made from diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, consider marinating it for up to 12 hours.
Can I use other fruits for the salsa?
Absolutely! While mango is the star, you can enjoy delicious variations by swapping in pineapple, strawberries, or papaya for a fresh twist on the salsa.
What can I serve with Honey Lime Chicken?
You can enjoy this dish over rice, quinoa, salad greens, or inside tortillas for tacos. Each option brings out different aspects of the flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers. The chicken stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days, and the mango salsa is best consumed within two days for optimal flavor.
Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 4 small chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 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
- 1 Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Cooked rice, quinoa, salad greens, or tortillas
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag, pour the marinade over, and ensure they are coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 12 hours.
Making the Mango Salsa
- In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper. Stir and let the salsa rest for 10-15 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes on each side, or cook in a skillet with olive oil for 5-7 minutes per side. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serving
- Slice the cooked chicken and serve over rice, quinoa, or salad greens, generously topped with mango salsa and accompanied by lime wedges.
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