Grilled Mango Chicken

What could be better than sweet, sticky and finger-licking good grilled mango chicken thighs? Marinated overnight in a flavorful mango marinade, these boneless, skinless thighs are ready in just 15 minutes on the grill. I’ve whipped these up multiple times, and David always devours three thighs each time! The mango marinade pairs so well with my signature coleslaw to make it a full meal. Plus, if you happen to have any leftovers, they’re absolutely fantastic when sliced and added to a fresh salad for a tasty lunch the next day! If you like a sticky sweet chicken you are going to love my Apricot Chicken Thighs or these Strawberry Chia Jam Balsamic Wings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This grilled mango chicken is a breeze to prepare. It marinates effortlessly overnight and grills up in no time the very next day. The sweet and tangy flavors make them an absolute hit with the whole family. Leftovers transform into a delightful addition to salads, giving you a delicious, no-fuss lunch the following day!

Ingredients You Will Need

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: offers a more tender and juicy texture than white breast meat. I like the chicken from Grass Roots Coop .

Mangos: are tropical stone fruits known for their sweet and juicy flavor. They pair well with chicken thighs, especially in marinades, due to their natural sweetness that complements the savory taste of the chicken.

Coconut Aminos: a gluten free and soy-free alternative to traditional soy sauce, coconut aminos bring a rich umami flavor and a subtle saltiness and sweetness to a dish.

Ketchup: I use unsweetened ketchup that allows the true sweetness from the tomatoes to shine through. I like Noble Made ketchup.

Garlic: fresh is best for obtaining a little stronger touch of garlic flavor. This is better than the sweeter touch you would obtain from powder.

Ginger Root: imparts a zesty, warm flavor that elevates the overall taste. It gives a hint of spiciness and a deep aroma.

Gochugaru: is a type of Korean chili pepper, typically sun-dried and made from various types of Korean red chili peppers adding both heat and a slightly sweet, smoky flavor to dishes.

Salt and Pepper: salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish and ground black pepper adds a gentle heat.

Cilantro: is a bright and fresh herb that adds a refreshing touch and complements the spicy-sweet blend perfectly.

Lime: squeezing lime over the grilled mango chicken adds a tangy citrus flavor. This enhances the dish’s overall taste and freshness.

Instructions

Make the marinade: by combining the mangos, coconut aminos, ketchup, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper & chili flakes in a blender until smooth.

Marinate the chicken: in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade on top. Seal the bag, removing all of the air. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight.

Prepare the grill: by heating it 400°.

Grill the chicken: in a single layer and cook approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Ensure the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165° on a thermometer.

Plate the chicken: the grilled mango chicken with fresh mango slices or even mango salsa.

Garnish and enjoy: with chopped cilantro and lime wedges, if desired and enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Marinate overnight: Marinating overnight allows the chicken thighs to soak up all the flavors and deeply infuse into the chicken. This enhances its taste and tenderness. This longer marination period allows the meat to absorb the flavors fully. As a result, you get a richer and more flavorful dish when grilled.

Are mangos not in season? You can use frozen mangos if fresh ones aren’t in season or aren’t readily available; simply ensure they are thawed before blending into the marinade!

Recipe Variations

Switch up the fruit: These grilled chicken thighs would be fantastic with peaches instead of the mango too. They offer a similar sweet profile that would pair nicely with the flavors in this recipe.

Try it with pork: Experiment with pork as an alternative protein choice! Thicker pork cuts marinate beautifully overnight. Although you may need to extend grilling times to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.

Storage Tips

you can store this grilled mango chicken in the fridge for 4-5 days when placed in a sealed airtight glass container. It’s also freezer-safe for up to 6 months.

FAQs About Grilled Mango Chicken

What temperature is best for grilling chicken thighs?

For the grilled mango chicken, a medium-high heat 400°F is ideal. This temperature helps cook the chicken through, keeping it tender and juicy while achieving a nice sear on the outside.

Should chicken thighs be room temp before grilling?

It’s generally a good idea to let chicken thighs sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before grilling. This helps promote even cooking throughout. However, you’ll want to avoid leaving them out too long to prevent any bacterial risk. Once grilled, it’s best to let the thighs rest briefly. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier result.

How to get more flavor in chicken thighs?

Marinating chicken thighs is a fantastic way to infuse them with flavor as they readily absorb the marinade. An overnight marinade yields the most flavor, but even a shorter marinating time can enhance the taste.