Name: Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small); 2 tablespoons honey; Juice and zest of 2 limes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 large ripe mango, diced; ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped; 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 1 lime; Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)

2 tablespoons honey

Juice and zest of 2 limes

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 large ripe mango, diced

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1 lime

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag, pour the marinade over them, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro. Squeeze in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Stir well and let sit for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 4: Choose your cooking method:

Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high and grill chicken 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Pan-Searing: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and let rest.
Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake chicken in a dish for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Let rest a few minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Slice the cooked chicken and arrange on a serving plate. Spoon the mango salsa over the top and serve immediately with your choice of rice, quinoa, salad, or tortillas.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, include the jalapeño seeds or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Swap mango for pineapple or peach for a different fruity twist on the salsa.

Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for brighter flavor.

Marinate the chicken overnight to deepen flavors and tenderize the meat even more.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper marinade absorption. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely in the fridge first.