Delicious Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken for Juicy Flavor

I still remember the first time I tried making Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and I was craving something flavorful but light enough for a summer BBQ. I wanted a dish that felt tropical and fun but wouldn’t leave me stuck in the kitchen for hours or wrestling with complicated ingredients. After mixing a simple mango pineapple marinade, throwing the chicken on the grill, and finishing with a bright fruit salsa grilled chicken topping, I was hooked.

This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken quickly became one of my go-to meals when I want something nourishing yet easy. It fits perfectly into that middle ground where cooking feels enjoyable, not like a chore, and eating feels balanced without the stress of dieting rules. Plus, it offers such a fresh take on the usual summer BBQ chicken routine, bringing in those tropical grilled chicken vibes that light up the plate—and the mood.

If you’re someone who sometimes feels overwhelmed by healthy eating or worries it means giving up flavor or fun, this dish is for you. I love how this Caribbean chicken recipe relies on simple, real ingredients you can find at your local market or grocery store, making it an achievable recipe for any home cook.

Over the years, I’ve played around with different versions of this mango pineapple marinade, learning what works best so the chicken stays juicy and infused with that bright sweetness. Sharing this recipe feels like inviting a friend into the kitchen to cook something that’s as satisfying as it is easy.

Ready to discover a new favorite? Let me walk you through everything you’ll need, how to make it step-by-step, and my favorite ways to enjoy your grilled mango pineapple chicken. This recipe isn’t about perfection, just good food you love to eat.

What You’ll Need:

Ingredients for Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken including mango, pineapple, chicken breasts, garlic, and spices

Here’s a simple ingredient list for your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken. No stress if you don’t have every single thing—I often swap fresh mango for frozen chunks when out of season, and canned pineapple does the trick just fine in a pinch.

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced (fresh is best for that perfect tropical grilled chicken taste)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned—just drain the juice if canned)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling and marinade)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed adds brightness)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional if you like a little kick)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (balances the tang from the pineapple)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish and extra tropical vibes)

You’ll find most of these in the regular produce section or nearby canned fruit aisles. This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken keeps costs low by using staple pantry items like olive oil and garlic. I love adding a little extra lime juice in my mango pineapple marinade for an even fresher finish.

For busy days, prep your mango pineapple marinade ahead and store it in the fridge. Leftovers of the cooked chicken keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners. If you have extra fruit salsa grilled chicken topping, it’s fantastic over salads or tortillas too.

Let’s Make It Together!

1. Prepare the mango pineapple marinade. Start by blending your diced mango and pineapple chunks with olive oil, garlic, lime juice, honey, chili flakes, salt, and pepper until smooth. This mango pineapple marinade is where all those tropical grilled chicken flavors begin to shine.

2. Marinate your chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a dish and pour the mango pineapple marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this makes the chicken juicy and packed with summer BBQ chicken vibes.

3. Heat your grill or grill pan. Medium-high heat works best. While it warms up, this is a perfect time to prep a simple side or set the table.

4. Grill your chicken. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken should smell wonderful, with that sweet and spicy aroma hinting it’s almost ready.

5. Make the fruit salsa topping. While the chicken grills, dice additional mango and pineapple (or use some leftovers from the marinade preparation), and mix with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a pinch of salt. This fruit salsa grilled chicken topping is what makes this Caribbean chicken recipe truly special.

6. Check for doneness. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and juices run clear. Don’t worry if your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken looks a bit charred at the edges—that’s flavor, not a mistake!

7. Serve and enjoy! Top your grilled chicken with the fresh fruit salsa and a little extra cilantro for color. This whole process usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a relaxed weekend meal or a quick but nourishing weeknight dinner.

Here’s where I used to overcomplicate my Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken—adding too many ingredients or marinating forever. Turns out simpler is better and quicker, which means more time enjoying your meal, less time stressing.

How I Love to Serve This!

Serving suggestion of Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken with coconut rice and fresh green salad

My favorite way to enjoy Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is with a side of coconut rice or quinoa and a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The creamy rice balances the bright sweetness of the mango pineapple marinade beautifully.

This Caribbean chicken recipe also works great alongside grilled veggies for an easy summer BBQ chicken vibe. Friends always ask for the recipe when I bring this to potlucks because it feels like a mini tropical getaway on a plate.

If you have leftovers, I love turning the fruit salsa grilled chicken into tasty wraps with some fresh greens and avocado. It keeps the meal nourishing but gives you a new twist on the flavors.

Seasonally, swapping fresh pineapple and mango for berries or peaches in the salsa can add a nice variation. I’ve even tried grilling the fruit lightly before chopping for a smoky touch—such a fun twist on tropical grilled chicken.

For more simple, healthy ideas you might love, check out this Air fryer Caribbean chicken with pineapple salsa.

Common Questions Answered

Can I make this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor and grill when ready. It keeps well in the fridge and makes for quick packed lunches.

What if I don’t have all the ingredients for this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken?

No worries! Missing mango? Try peaches or nectarines for a different fruit salsa grilled chicken twist. No fresh pineapple? Use canned or frozen. The key is balancing sweetness with acidity.

How can I adjust the flavor of this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken to my taste?

If you like it spicy, add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mango pineapple marinade. For a milder taste, simply reduce the spice and add a little extra honey.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Definitely! Thighs stay juicy and add a richer flavor, which pairs beautifully with the tropical marinade.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it naturally is! For more gluten-free chicken inspirations, you might enjoy my Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders recipe.

Can I cook this in an air fryer instead?

You can. Just adjust cooking time to about 15 minutes at 375°F. The outside will get crispy without drying out the juicy tropical grilled chicken inside.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep cooked chicken and salsa separate in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the fruit salsa fresh.

If you want more flavorful grilled chicken recipes made easy, take a peek at this Easy Mango Grilled Chicken from Amee’s Savory Dish.

For another hearty, comforting take on chicken meals, check out my Chicken and Dumplings, or try this quick Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Recipe for a different taste adventure.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is special in my kitchen because it strikes just the right balance of nourishing and joyful. It’s one of those recipes that feels both indulgent and wholesome—a rare combination in real-life cooking.

My Favorite Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Tips

  • Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight if you have time.
  • Use fresh fruit when possible but don’t stress frozen or canned to keep things simple.
  • Don’t skip the fruit salsa topping; it truly makes the dish pop with flavor.

I’ve tried variations swapping mango for peaches or adding fresh herbs like mint for a twist. My go-to version always comes back to the bright mango pineapple marinade and simple fruit salsa grilled chicken topping. It’s reliable, fresh, and fun to make.

I hope you give this one a try, and remember to put your own spin on it. Cooking Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is about finding what feels good for you—flavorful, nourishing, and stress-free.

Happy grilling, friend!

Print

Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken

This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken combines juicy, tropical fruits with tender grilled chicken for a delicious and vibrant dish perfect for summer meals.

  • Author: Zaya Dawson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine mango, pineapple, olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to make the marinade.
  2. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them. Reserve the other half for basting. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  6. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

For extra flavor, serve with a side of coconut rice or a fresh mango salsa.

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