Summer grilling just got a tropical upgrade with this Quick Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa that transforms ordinary boneless chicken thighs into an extraordinary feast. This seasoned grilled chicken recipe combines the smoky char of perfectly grilled meat with the bright, refreshing flavors of fresh mango salsa, creating one of the best grilled chicken dishes you’ll ever taste.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for new grilling ideas for a quick weeknight dinner, this easy grilled chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes. The combination of juicy grilled chicken and vibrant mango salsa makes it perfect for summer BBQ chicken recipes that will impress your family and friends without keeping you chained to the grill all day.
Recipe Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
- Estimated Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Quick Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 8 boneless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs/900g), skin-on preferred
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Mango Salsa:
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced (about 2 cups/300g)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment Required
- Gas or charcoal grill
- Grill brush for cleaning
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl for marinade
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Serving platter
Recipe Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Seasoned Grilled Chicken
- Create the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano. This seasoning blend is what makes this one of the best grilled chicken recipes for summer.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the boneless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving that perfect grilled char. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Season generously: Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to get under the skin if using skin-on thighs. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the mango salsa and preheat the grill.
Making the Fresh Mango Salsa
- Dice the mangoes: Choose ripe but firm mangoes for the best texture. Cut into small, uniform cubes (about 1/4 inch). Pro tip: The mango should yield slightly to pressure but not be mushy.
- Prepare the vegetables: Finely dice the red bell pepper and red onion. Remove seeds from the jalapeño before mincing to control the heat level. For extra flavor, you can grill the bell pepper for 2-3 minutes before dicing.
- Combine the salsa: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine diced mango, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. Add lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix carefully to avoid mashing the mango pieces. Set aside to let flavors meld.
Grilling the Chicken
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-425°F/200-220°C). Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Place seasoned chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down first if using skin-on thighs. Don’t move them for 4-5 minutes to develop a beautiful crust. This is key to achieving that perfect grilled chicken texture.
- Flip and finish: Turn the chicken and grill for another 4-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Rest the meat: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring your grilled chicken stays moist and flavorful.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Expert Grilling Tips
- Choose boneless chicken thighs over breasts for this recipe – they’re more forgiving and stay juicier on the grill
- Don’t press down on the chicken while grilling, as this squeezes out valuable juices
- Create temperature zones on your grill by having one side hotter than the other for better control
- Brine the chicken for 2-4 hours beforehand for extra juicy results
Delicious Variations
- Spicy version: Add extra jalapeños to the salsa or include chipotle powder in the chicken seasoning
- Tropical twist: Add diced pineapple and coconut flakes to the salsa
- Protein alternatives: This seasoning works beautifully with chicken breasts, pork chops, or even fish
- Vegetarian option: Use the same seasoning on portobello mushrooms or firm tofu
Perfect Grilled Chicken Sides
This easy grilled chicken dinner pairs wonderfully with:
- Coconut rice or cilantro lime rice
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Black bean and quinoa salad
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers
- Fresh avocado slices
- Warm flour tortillas for making tacos
Storage and Meal Prep
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight containers
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months (salsa is best fresh)
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the spice rub and salsa up to 24 hours in advance
- Reheating: Warm gently in a 350°F oven to maintain moisture
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 650mg
This summer chicken recipe provides lean protein while the mango salsa adds beneficial vitamins A and C, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Why This Is One of the Best Grilled Chicken Recipes
This Quick Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa stands out among summer BBQ chicken recipes for several reasons. The combination of perfectly seasoned boneless chicken thighs with fresh, tropical salsa creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to execute at home.
The beauty of this easy grilled chicken recipe lies in its versatility and speed. Unlike complicated grilling recipes that require hours of preparation, this dish comes together quickly while still delivering complex, satisfying flavors. The mango salsa not only adds a burst of freshness but also provides the perfect counterpoint to the smoky, spiced chicken.
For those seeking new grilling ideas, this recipe offers the perfect balance of familiar techniques with exciting flavors. It’s become a go-to choice for busy weeknights and weekend entertaining alike, proving that the best grilled chicken doesn’t have to be complicated.
Conclusion
This Quick Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa recipe proves that amazing summer BBQ chicken recipes don’t require hours of preparation or complicated techniques. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can create a memorable meal that brings tropical flavors to your dinner table.
The combination of perfectly seasoned grilled chicken and fresh mango salsa makes this one of the most requested easy grilled chicken recipes in my collection. Whether you’re new to grilling or looking for fresh summer chicken recipes to add to your repertoire, this dish delivers every time.
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below with your results, any variations you tried, or questions you might have. Don’t forget to share photos of your grilled chicken creation on social media – tag us to be featured!
Looking for more grilling inspiration? Check out our other easy grilled chicken dinner recipes and discover even more ways to elevate your summer cooking game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of boneless chicken thighs for this grilled chicken recipe? A: Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time to 6-8 minutes per side and be extra careful not to overcook them. Thighs remain juicier and are more forgiving for beginners.
Q: How do I know when my grilled chicken is perfectly cooked? A: The safest method is using a meat thermometer – chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear when the thickest part is pierced.
Q: Can I make this mango salsa ahead of time? A: Yes! The salsa actually improves after sitting for 30 minutes to 2 hours as the flavors meld. However, it’s best consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness and texture.
Q: What are the best grilled chicken sides to serve with this dish? A: This pairs beautifully with coconut rice, grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or black bean salad. For a lighter option, serve over mixed greens as a salad.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep and summer BBQ parties? A: Absolutely! You can season the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, and the recipe easily doubles or triples for larger gatherings. It’s one of the most popular summer chicken recipes for entertaining.
