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!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This grilled mango chicken is a breeze to prepare, marinating effortlessly overnight and grilling 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: A protein option known for its quick cooking and versatility in dishes. It also offers a more tender and juicy texture than white breast meat.
Mangos: 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. The sweetness offers a delicious contrast when used in conjunction with spicier flavors too.
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 prefer unsweetened ketchup that allows the true sweetness from the tomatoes to shine through. I like using the ketchup from Noble Made!
Garlic: Fresh is best for obtaining a little stronger touch of garlic flavor than the sweeter touch you would obtain from powder.
Ginger Root: Ginger imparts a zesty, warm flavor that elevates the overall taste with a hint of spiciness and a deep aroma.
Gochugaru: This 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. The spice from the Gochugaru pepper pairs really nicely with the sweetness of the mango in this recipe.
Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances and balances flavors, while pepper adds a gentle heat, improving the overall flavor of a dish.
Cilantro: While the cilantro in this dish is for a garnish, this bright and fresh herb adds a refreshing touch that complements the spicy-sweet blend perfectly.
Lime: Squeezing lime over the grilled mango chicken adds a tangy citrus flavor that enhances the dish's overall taste and freshness.
Instructions
Make the marinade: In a blender, combine mangos, coconut aminos, ketchup, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper & chili flakes until smooth.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs 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: Heat your grill to 400°.
Grill the chicken: Place the chicken on the grill in a single layer and cook approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165° on a thermometer.
Plate the chicken: Once fully cooked, plate the grilled mango chicken with fresh mango slices or even mango salsa.
Garnish and enjoy: Garnish the chicken 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, enhancing its taste and tenderness. This longer marination period allows the meat to absorb the flavors fully, resulting in 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, as 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
The grilled mango chicken can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days when placed in a sealed airtight glass container, and it's freezer-safe for up to 6 months.
FAQs About Recipe
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, which 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, allowing 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.
Grilled Mango Chicken
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh
- 2 Mangos peeled & diced large
- ¼ cup Coconut Aminos
- ¼ cup Ketchup I like Noble Made
- 3 cloves Garlic peeled
- 2 teaspoon Ginger Root minced
- 1 teaspoon Gochugaru Korean chili pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ cup Cilantro chopped for garnish
- 2 Limes cut in wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Combine in a blender, mangos, coconut aminos, ketchup, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper & chili flakes till smooth
- Place chicken thighs in a zip lock bag and pour marinade over and marinate over night for best flavor
- Heat grill to 400°.
- Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side or till thickest part reaches 165 degrees on a thermometer
- Plate with fresh mango slices or Mango Salsa
- Garnish with chopped cilantro & lime wedges if desired
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