Deliciously Tender Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Recipe

I still remember the first time I made Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken—it was a last-minute idea when I wanted something fresh and flavorful for a summer dinner party. A friend had introduced me to the combo of tropical chicken marinade with sweet fruits, and I was a bit skeptical at first. But once this grilled pineapple chicken skewers recipe hit the grill, my kitchen was filled with the most inviting aroma. Everyone at the table lit up with surprise and joy, calling it a “game-changer” for weeknight grilling.

This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken quickly became a regular in my rotation because it’s both approachable and packed with bright flavors. The sweet and tangy chicken recipe works so well whether you’re feeding family on a busy night or entertaining friends outdoors. It’s got that lively Caribbean grilled chicken vibe that’s refreshing without being complicated, relying on easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps.

What I love most about sharing this recipe is how it brings people together. Whether it’s a casual midsummer gathering or a quick midweek meal that feels special, this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken provides just the right balance of juicy, caramelized chicken and zesty tropical punch. If you’re a home cook who wants a dish that’s reliable, delicious, and friendly for all skill levels, this one’s for you. Let me show you how to make it your own.


What You’ll Need:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you like darker meat)
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (you’ll find this in the regular spice aisle)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (gives a gentle smoky warmth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Raw ingredients for Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken laid out on a marble surface, showing fresh mango, pineapple, chicken, spices, and marinade components

This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken uses ingredients you probably already have, so no special trip to the store is needed. Don’t have fresh mango on hand? No worries—I’ve swapped in peaches or even canned mango with great results for that tropical chicken marinade kick.

Frozen pineapple chunks work beautifully too and help keep prep simple. To save time, use pre-minced garlic or a garlic press—you’ll want that fresh punch without the fuss. If you’re on a budget, this dish stays affordable because it centers on fresh fruit and kitchen staples with no exotic or pricey additions.

Feel free to double the batch for leftovers; grilled chicken stores well in the fridge for 3 days and makes satisfying sandwiches or salads. My secret is adding a splash more lime juice after grilling—it keeps the flavors bright and fresh.


Let’s Cook It Together!

  1. Prep the Marinade: Start by combining lime juice, honey, garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This tropical chicken marinade brings all those sweet and tangy flavors together perfectly for your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Slice your chicken breasts into even pieces or strips—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Toss the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you can plan ahead, a couple of hours (or even overnight) is even better for deeper flavor.
  3. Thread the Skewers: While the chicken marinates, chop your mango and pineapple into bite-size pieces. If you want those grilled pineapple chicken skewers to shine, alternate threading chicken, mango, and pineapple chunks. This not only looks inviting but locks in the tropical vibe.
  4. Heat Your Grill: Get your grill nice and hot, around medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan or cast iron indoors, preheat it too. Cooking time for each skewer should be about 10-12 minutes, turning often to get that beautiful char without burning.
  5. Grill to Perfection: Place your skewers on the grill. You should smell those sweet and smoky aromas rising immediately. If your chicken isn’t browning evenly, adjust the heat or move skewers to a cooler part of the grill. Don’t rush—letting it cook undisturbed for a few minutes each side ensures juicy, tender chicken.
  6. Make the Mango Pineapple Salsa: While the skewers grill, combine extra diced mango, pineapple, a squeeze of lime, and a pinch of salt for a quick salsa. This fresh salsa is the perfect topping and adds a fresh tropical twist on this sweet and tangy chicken recipe.

From start to finish, this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken takes about 45 minutes, including marinating time. While that’s happening, set the table or pour yourself a cold drink—you deserve to enjoy the moment.

If your chicken looks a little charred in spots, don’t panic. Sometimes those caramelized edges add extra flavor and texture. Just keep an eye on timing next go-around, as grills vary.

This is where I used to rush my Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken—letting the marinade really do its magic plus steady grilling makes all the difference. Trust me; your kitchen will smell incredible.


How to Serve & Enjoy It!

Close-up of finished Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken served with fresh mango pineapple salsa

This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken shines when served alongside fluffy coconut rice or a cool avocado and tomato salad. The creamy richness of coconut rice balances the bright, sweet flavors from the chicken and the mango pineapple salsa.

For easy weeknight dinners, I like pairing it with simple roasted veggies or a crunchy green salad to keep things light. This dish works great for summertime cookouts and even casual family dinners where you want something just a little special.

Want to dress it up for guests? Serve the chicken skewers on a wooden platter with extra mango pineapple salsa on the side, sprinkled with fresh cilantro. It looks inviting and fresh, which always impresses.

Leftovers? Chop your grilled chicken into cubes and toss it into a wrap with leafy greens and a drizzle of yogurt or mayo for a quick lunch. Or add it to grain bowls with whatever’s in your fridge for a simple meal.

Seasonal twist: In cooler months, swap fresh mango for finely chopped apples and add a pinch of cinnamon to your tropical chicken marinade. This mix gives a fun contrast while keeping the spirit of grilled pineapple chicken skewers alive.

If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo or Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad for variety and fresh flavors.


Your Questions Answered

Can I make this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely. Marinate your chicken up to 24 hours early and keep it covered in the fridge. The flavors intensify, and you can grill it fresh when you’re ready. This helps hugely on busy weeknights.

What’s the best substitute for lime juice here?

Lemon juice works well and is usually easy to find. I’ve also used a splash of orange juice if I want a sweeter tropical chicken marinade twist.

How do I adjust this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken for more or fewer servings?

Just scale the ingredients up or down. The marinade works well in any amount. I recommend marinating at least 1 hour for maximum flavor no matter the batch size.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Thighs stay juicier and a bit more forgiving if you’re new to grilling. The tropical chicken marinade works beautifully on either cut.

Do you have a shortcut if I don’t have a grill?

Try using a grill pan or broiling in the oven. You can even cook the chicken in a hot skillet—it won’t get the smoky char but still tastes wonderful.

What’s the best way to thread the skewers?

Alternate chicken and fruit chunks for a colorful, balanced bite every time.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients here are naturally gluten-free.

If you want to mix up your Caribbean grilled chicken repertoire, check out the Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Salsa recipe over at Creme De La Crumb or the Air fryer Caribbean chicken with pineapple salsa shared by fans on Facebook. These offer similar flavors with slightly different twists.

For more reliable dinner ideas, check out Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo or Easy Yaki Onigiri Tasty Grilled Rice Balls. Both fit right into flavorful, simple cooking that anyone can master.


Final Thoughts

This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken holds a special place in my recipe collection because it hits all the marks: approachable, fresh, vibrant, and crowd-pleasing. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a cooking rockstar without any stress.

My Best Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Tips:

  • Marinate long enough for flavor but not so long that the acid breaks down the meat too much.
  • Don’t rush the grill—gentle heat develops balanced char and juicy chicken.
  • Use fresh mango and pineapple if you can—they brighten the dish unlike canned versions.

I’ve tested several variations over the years. The version with extra jalapeño in the tropical chicken marinade adds a nice kick. Another favorite is swapping pineapple for grilled peaches in late summer. And my family often asks for the version served over coconut rice with the mango pineapple salsa spooned generously on top—it’s always a hit.

Making this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken your own is part of the fun. Add your favorite herbs, adjust sweetness to your taste, or even turn it into a vibrant salad topping.

What I hope you’ll love most is how this recipe brings tropical vibe and joy into everyday cooking and gatherings alike. You’ve got a delicious, reliable dish here that you can count on time and again.

Give it a go—you won’t regret making this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken a part of your kitchen favorites.

For another tangy chicken option that’s just as flavorful, try this Citrus Chicken | The Cozy Apron recipe. It shares the same simple approach to bright, fresh dinners.

I hope this helps you enjoy your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken even more—happy cooking, friends!

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Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken

Home cook, taken with iPhone 15 Pro. Close-up slight angle of freshly prepared Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken on white plate. Mouthwatering --ar 4:3 --style raw --s 240

This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken features juicy grilled chicken breasts glazed with a vibrant, tropical mango and pineapple sauce, perfect for a flavorful summer meal.

  • Author: Duma Ashton
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a blender, combine mango, pineapple, olive oil, honey, lime juice, garlic, and ginger. Blend until smooth to create the tropical glaze.
  3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Brush the chicken with half of the mango-pineapple glaze.
  5. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, brushing with remaining glaze halfway through, until cooked through and nicely charred.
  6. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Slice chicken and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, serve with a side of coconut rice or a fresh green salad to complement the tropical notes of the dish.

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