Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and transports your taste buds straight to a tropical paradise, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe. The juicy chicken is marinated to perfection with zesty lime and fragrant cilantro, while the sweet and tangy mango salsa adds a refreshing contrast that’s simply irresistible. Paired with rich, creamy coconut rice, this recipe is a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that’s perfect for any meal, whether a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients are straightforward but bring their own magic to this Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe. From the bright citrus notes to the creamy coconut rice, each component plays a part in creating an unforgettable, colorful plate.

• Chicken Breasts (4, boneless, skinless): The star protein that soaks up all the vibrant marinade flavors beautifully.
• Lime Zest (1 teaspoon): Adds an intense citrus aroma that wakes up your senses.
• Orange Juice (3/4 cup): Provides natural sweetness and juiciness to the marinade.
• Lime Juice (1/3 cup + 1 1/2 limes for salsa): Essential for that fresh, tangy kick in both marinade and salsa.
• Canola Oil (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon for salsa): Helps keep the chicken moist and salsa silky.
• Honey (1 1/2 tablespoons): Balances the citrus with a touch of natural sweetness.
• Cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, earthy layer of spice.
• Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat to the marinade.
• Coriander (1/4 teaspoon): Complements the Mexican-inspired flavors perfectly.
• Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Gives a salty depth and umami boost.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses savory richness.
• Cilantro (1/2 cup chopped for marinade + 1/3 cup for salsa): Fresh herbaceousness that brightens everything.
• Cucumber (1, peeled, seeded, and diced): Adds crunch and cool contrast in the salsa.
• Mango (1 large, peeled and diced): Sweetness and tropical flavor that shines.
• Avocado (1 small, diced): Creamy texture to balance the salsa’s acidity.
• Jalapeno (1/2, seeded and minced): Subtle heat with a bit of zing.
• Red Pepper (1/4 cup, diced): Adds color and a subtle sweetness.
• Red Onion (1/4 cup, diced): Brings crunch and sharpness.
• Sugar (1 tablespoon): Slight sweetness to balance tartness in salsa.
• White Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives salsa its signature tang.
• Coconut Rice: Rich and fragrant rice cooked with coconut milk to serve as a dreamy bed for the chicken and salsa.

How to Make Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining all of the marinade ingredients in a large zip-top bag, then seal and gently squish everything together to blend those fresh, bright flavors. Pour off half a cup of the marinade and keep it chilled for basting later. Add the chicken breasts to the bag, seal, and massage the marinade into the meat. This step is what gives the chicken its juicy, flavorful punch, so don’t skip it! Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, flipping the bag halfway through for even soaking.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill and Cook the Chicken

When your chicken is ready, preheat the grill to high and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade that hasn’t been reserved. Place the chicken on the hot grill, quickly reduce heat to medium after one minute, then grill the chicken for about 6 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Brush the chicken with the reserved marinade as it cooks for an extra layer of flavor and delicious caramelization.

Step 3: Make the Mango Salsa

While your chicken is grilling, toss together all the salsa ingredients in a bowl: diced mango, avocado, cucumber, jalapeno, red pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, sugar, white vinegar, and canola oil. Stir gently and pop the salsa into the fridge so it can chill and the flavors meld beautifully. This colorful salsa not only adds sweet and spicy pops but also makes the dish look stunning on the plate.

Step 4: Prepare the Coconut Rice

Simmer your rice in a mixture of coconut milk and water for a fragrant, creamy base that perfectly complements the citrusy chicken and lively salsa. The coconut rice adds a luscious, slightly sweet foundation that ties the whole dish together and makes every bite feel like a tropical escape.

How to Serve Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe

Garnishes

To really elevate your Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro and a few extra lime wedges on top. A light drizzle of extra lime juice just before serving brightens the flavors even more and adds a lovely fresh aroma that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own, but if you want to add something extra, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables with a touch of garlic would be fabulous. Both options add variety in textures and colors without overpowering the star of the show.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the chicken sliced atop the coconut rice with a generous scoop of mango salsa arranged artfully beside it for a plate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Alternatively, serve the chicken and salsa family-style with bowls of rice and let guests build their own portions. For a fresh twist, you can even use the chicken and salsa to fill warm tortillas for a vibrant taco night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Store the chicken, salsa, and rice in separate airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent any flavor mixing that could soften textures.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken and rice individually for up to one month. However, it’s best to keep mango salsa fresh in the refrigerator as freezing will affect its bright flavors and texture negatively. When freezing, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in freezer bags.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or coconut milk to prevent drying out. Only add the salsa once the other components are warmed up to preserve its fresh, vibrant taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will offer a juicier and more flavorful option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

What can I substitute if I don’t have coconut milk for the rice?

If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use regular milk or a combination of milk and water, but you’ll miss that signature coconut aroma and subtle sweetness that makes the rice so special.

How spicy is the mango salsa?

The salsa has a mild kick thanks to the jalapeno, but you can adjust it to your taste by adding more jalapeno for extra heat or removing it altogether for a completely mild version.

Can I prepare the marinade and salsa a day ahead?

Yes, both can be made a day in advance. Just keep the salsa covered and chilled and marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor infusion.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Almost! Make sure to check that the soy sauce you use is gluten-free, as some varieties contain wheat. Opt for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep this meal gluten-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Making this Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice Recipe is like gifting yourself a mini tropical vacation on a plate. It’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with textures that dance together in perfect harmony. Once you try it, I bet this dish will quickly become a favorite to turn to whenever you want something exciting, bright, and downright delicious. Grab the ingredients, fire up your grill, and enjoy every joyful bite!

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