This grilled cilantro lime chicken with mango salsa is bursting with bright, balanced flavors and is a must for cilantro fans. Easy to prepare and full of sweet, spicy and citrus notes, it quickly becomes a weeknight favorite. If you enjoy dishes with a Mexican-inspired touch, this recipe pairs well with many sides and makes a satisfying main course.
This post may contain affiliate links in which I receive a small commission.
We eat a lot of chicken at home, so changing up marinades keeps meals interesting. For this version I chose chicken thighs because they stay juicy and are forgiving on the grill. A simple cilantro-lime marinade gives the meat a lively citrus-herb flavor, and topping the chicken with fresh mango salsa brightens every bite.
HOW TO MAKE CILANTRO LIME MARINADE
A cilantro-lime marinade is one of my go-to blends for poultry. Homemade is best because you control the ingredient quality and freshness. It comes together quickly and pairs beautifully with grilled proteins.
Ingredients:
- Cilantro
- Red onion
- Fresh-squeezed lime juice (or bottled lime juice)
- Black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth. The result is a bright, herb-forward marinade that clings nicely to chicken.
MANGO SALSA
Mango salsa is an ideal topping for this cilantro lime chicken. Its sweetness and acidity balance the marinade’s heat and herbs. This simple fruit salsa is quick to prepare and adds freshness and color to the plate.
Salsa ingredients:
- Ripe mangoes
- Red onion
- Red bell pepper
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeño (adjust for heat)
- Lime juice
HOW TO MAKE GRILLED CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN WITH MANGO SALSA
Add the cilantro-lime marinade ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag and pour about one cup of the marinade over them. Shake or massage the bag so the marinade coats the chicken evenly. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes; for best results marinate 4 hours to overnight so the flavors penetrate the meat.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the mango salsa. Dice the red onion, red bell pepper and jalapeño and place them in a medium bowl. Dice the mango into bite-sized cubes, add to the bowl, then finely chop the cilantro and stir it in. Finish with lime juice and a pinch of salt, then set the salsa aside to let the flavors meld.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Once hot, lightly spray the grates or pan with cooking spray such as avocado oil. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and let them sear without moving until they release easily from the grates—about 6–7 minutes per side depending on thickness and heat. Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute. Serve the chicken topped with a generous spoonful of mango salsa.
HOW TO SERVE MANGO SALSA CHICKEN
This grilled cilantro lime chicken with mango salsa is versatile—serve it with rice, swap in low-carb sides, or pack it for meal prep. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Jasmine rice
- Brown rice
- Coconut rice
- Cilantro lime rice
Low-carb options:
- Cauliflower rice
- Mixed green salad
- Steamed or roasted broccoli
This recipe is excellent for meal prep because the flavors develop overnight. To pack lunches, portion rice or your chosen side, add a grilled chicken thigh, and finish with a side container of mango salsa.
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below. I also share recipes, workouts and motherhood content on social media—follow me on Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest for more ideas.
Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
-
1 Grill Grill pan or Griddle works too
Ingredients
Cilantro Lime Marinade
- 1/3 cup Cilantro
- 1/4 Red Onion
- 1/2 Lime juice fresh squeezed
- 1 tbsp Black pepper
- 1/4 Extra virgin olive oil
Mango Salsa
- 1 ripe Mango
- 2 tbsp Red Onion
- 2 tbsp Red Bell pepper
- 1 tsp Jalapeno
- 1 tbsp Cilantro
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
Grilled Chicken
- 1 lb chicken thighs
Instructions
Cilantro Lime Marinade
-
Add all ingredients for the cilantro lime marinade to a food processor or blender
-
Blend until smooth
Mango Salsa
-
On a large cutting board, dice your vegetables including the red onion, red pepper, and jalapeno peppers.
-
Place the diced vegetables in a medium mixing bowl and sprinkle with a touch of salt.
-
Next, dice the mango into cube-size pieces. Place the diced mango in the bowl along with the other ingredients.
-
On the cutting board, roll the cilantro into a tight bundle and slice thinly to chop it.
-
Add the cilantro to the bowl with the remaining ingredients.
-
Lastly, squeeze lime juice over the salsa and stir to combine.
Grilled Chicken
-
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
-
Once the grill is hot, spray with cooking spray like avocado oil and place the chicken thighs on the grill grates.
-
Allow the chicken to sear and cook prior to flipping. You will know when the chicken is ready to be flipped as it will pull away easily from the grill, generally about 6 – 7 minutes per side.
-
Using a meat thermometer, ensure you cook your chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
-
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove from the grill and allow to rest so the juices redistribute.