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Flavorful Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe with Easy Fresh Mango Salsa

cilantro lime chicken - featured image

A quick and easy grilled chicken recipe marinated in a zesty cilantro lime mixture, served with a fresh, sweet, and tangy mango salsa that perfectly balances savory and bright flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (loosely packed)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, ideally 1 hour, but no more than 3 hours.
  3. Prepare the Mango Salsa: Combine diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro in a bowl. Squeeze lime juice over the top and sprinkle with salt. Toss gently and set aside.
  4. Preheat the Grill or Pan: Heat your grill to medium-high or warm a grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil grates or pan to prevent sticking.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
  6. Rest the Chicken: Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  7. Serve: Slice the chicken and pile the fresh mango salsa on top or alongside.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for better sear. Do not marinate longer than 3 hours to avoid meat breakdown. Rest chicken after grilling to retain juices. Use frozen mango if fresh is unavailable. For vegan option, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh. Spoon reserved marinade into a saucepan, boil and drizzle over chicken for extra flavor (do not use raw marinade).

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, mango salsa, grilled chicken, summer recipe, fresh salsa, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe