Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless & skinless)
Marinade
- 1 cup mango (cubed, defrosted if frozen)
- 3 Tablespoons lime juice (from 2 limes)
- 2 Tablespoons canola oil
- 1 Tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Sriracha
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
To Serve
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 lime (halved)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Combine mango, lime juice, fish sauce, canola oil, brown sugar, Sriracha, minced garlic, and kosher salt in a blender. Process until the mixture is smooth to create a tropical and spicy marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Transfer the marinade to a large ziplock bag, add the boneless skinless chicken thighs, seal the bag, and massage gently to coat the chicken thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to maximize flavor penetration and tenderness.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking and nice grill marks without burning the marinade sugars.
- Grill chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting and sauce. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over, spoon additional reserved marinade on top, and continue to grill for another 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Prepare the sauce: While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan, add 1/4 cup water, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer rapidly for at least 5 minutes to ensure it is safe to eat and slightly thickened into a flavorful sauce.
- Grill the lime halves: Place lime halves cut side down on the grill. Let them sear until they develop grill marks and a caramelized flavor, which will add brightness when squeezed over the chicken.
- Serve: Plate the grilled mango lime chicken, drizzle with the warm mango sauce, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve with grilled lime halves on the side for squeezing over the dish to add a fresh citrus finish.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan or under the broiler but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- The leftover marinade must be cooked thoroughly before serving as a sauce for food safety.
- Canola oil is used for its neutral flavor and high smoke point; olive oil can be substituted but may alter flavor slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American with Tropical Influence