I remember the first time my family requested Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken like it was yesterday. It wasn’t even a special occasion—just one of those busy weeknights when I needed something quick, bright, and satisfying. My kids had been asking for something different, something with a tropical twist that wasn’t just plain grilled chicken. I decided to give Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken a try, blending juicy mango and tangy pineapple into a marinade that doubled as a glaze.
The moment I placed that caramelized grilled fruit chicken on the table, the buzz started. My husband’s eyebrows shot up, and my kids dug in without a word, clearly loving each bite. That summer BBQ chicken recipe instantly earned a permanent spot in our family meal rotation. It brought everyone together—around the table, sharing smiles and stories. The best part? The grill’s smoky heat paired with the sweet fruit marinade chicken flavor made for a juicy chicken that felt like a mini celebration, even on an ordinary weeknight.
Over time, I learned some kitchen tips that made my Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken come out perfectly every time, from balancing the pineapple and mango glaze to knowing exactly how long to grill so the chicken stays juicy with those lovely caramelized touches. I now make this tropical grilled chicken with confidence, and I’m excited to share what works for my family so you can make it your own.
If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s both simple and a little special, my Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken recipe is a must-try. It brings a splash of sunshine to the dinner table and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. And for more family favorites you’ll love, check out this tasty Chicken Alfredo Soup or a comforting Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll want for the best Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken. Trust me, this ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. Most of these you’ll find at your regular grocery store, so no special trips required.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds) – Choosing fresh, good-quality chicken makes a difference in texture and taste.
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced – I prefer a sweeter mango for the best caramelized grilled fruit chicken effect.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks – You can find pre-cut pineapple to save time.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This helps the fruit marinade chicken blend nicely and keeps chicken moist.
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup – Adds natural sweetness to the pineapple and mango glaze.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – A little garlic gives a nice punch without overpowering the tropical flavors.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice – Fresh lime juice brightens the tropical grilled chicken flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – This adds subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasoning balances the sweet fruit notes.

For the best Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken, I recommend ripe, juicy fruit. If your mango feels too firm, pulse it quickly in a blender with a little lime juice and olive oil for your fruit marinade chicken base. This recipe is forgiving if you want to swap chicken breasts for thighs—just adjust the grilling time accordingly.
My family prefers when I use fresh lime juice rather than bottled—the difference really shows in the tang of the pineapple and mango glaze. For an extra kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
This tropical grilled chicken shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients and the way the fruit doubles as both marinade and glaze, creating juicy, flavorful chicken every time. If your family enjoys this, they’ll also love the mellow flavors of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup for a cozy change-up.
How to Make It
Let’s walk through making Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken—step by easy step. This recipe usually takes me about 40 minutes from start to finish, including marinade time. If you prep a little ahead, dinner feels effortless on busy nights.
- Start by making the fruit marinade chicken base. Place the diced mango, pineapple chunks, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a blender. Pulse until it forms a smooth pineapple and mango glaze. Don’t worry if there are small chunks; a bit of texture is delicious.
- Pour half of this glaze into a bowl and add your chicken breasts. Coat them well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours. This step lets the tropical grilled chicken flavors soak into the meat.
- While your chicken marinates, reserve the other half of the fruit marinade for basting and serving. This extra glaze will caramelize beautifully on the grill.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. You want it hot enough to char the chicken lightly but not so hot that the glaze burns.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook it for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it and baste with the reserved glaze every couple of minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing as the sweet pineapple and mango glaze caramelizes over the heat.
- You’ll know your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken feels firm but still juicy to the touch. Don’t rush this part; juicy chicken is key for this recipe’s success.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting locks in the juices and keeps your caramelized grilled fruit chicken tender.
- Serve your chicken sliced with a drizzle of the remaining pineapple and mango glaze.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken—I’d leave the chicken on too long, and the fruit sugars would burn. Now I remember to keep the heat moderate and baste regularly. It makes all the difference!
While your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is cooking, you’ll have time to toss a quick salad or steam some rice, perfect sides for this summer BBQ chicken recipe.
For more inspiration on tangy grilled chicken dishes, check out this Grilled pineapple chicken recipe for picky eaters or try the sweet twist on Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken (Baked OR Grilled!).
Serving Ideas
My family can’t get enough of this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken, and it’s a hit whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or part of a backyard summer BBQ. Serve it with fluffy rice or a refreshing cabbage slaw to balance the tropical sweetness.
I love pairing this tropical grilled chicken with grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. The smoky, charred flavors complement the caramelized grilled fruit chicken beautifully.
Presentation-wise, slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of rice or greens, then drizzle a little extra pineapple and mango glaze for a fresh, glossy finish.

Leftovers? If there are any, my family enjoys cold chicken slices in wraps or tossed into salads the next day. It’s a great way to keep the tropical grilled flavors going without reheating.
I’ve experimented with variations too. Sometimes I swap mango for papaya or add a splash of coconut milk to the glaze for creaminess. Each one has a slightly different vibe but stays true to that signature fruit marinade chicken flavor we all love.
Whenever I bring this recipe to a potluck, I get asked for the Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken recipe or how to make the pineapple and mango glaze just right. If your family loves this, they might also enjoy the comfort of a warming Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe or the cozy style of Chicken Alfredo Soup.
Your Questions Answered
I get lots of questions about making Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken—here are some of the ones I hear most often, with answers from my kitchen to yours.
Can I make this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for extra flavor. You can also cook it and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
What if I don’t have fresh mango or pineapple?
You can use frozen fruit—just thaw and drain excess liquid before blending your pineapple and mango glaze. Canned pineapple in juice works in a pinch, but fresh is best to avoid extra syrupy sweetness.
How do I store leftover Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken?
Keep them in the fridge in airtight containers. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or slice cold for salads and sandwiches.
Can I grill this chicken on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes! A grill pan works well. Just watch your heat carefully to prevent the pineapple and mango glaze from burning.
What sides go well?
My family loves it with rice, slaws, grilled veggies, or even corn on the cob. For lighter dinners, add a simple green salad.
Is this recipe good for picky eaters?
Definitely. The fruit marinade chicken adds sweetness and fun texture, helping picky eaters try something new without being overwhelmed. For more picky eater-friendly options, check out this fun Grilled pineapple chicken recipe for picky eaters.
I’m worried about the grill sugars burning. Any tips?
Keep the heat medium, baste often, and flip frequently. You can also cook the chicken a little over indirect heat to avoid burning.
Can thighs be used instead of breasts?
Sure! Thighs are juicier and stay tender. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How long should I marinate?
At least 30 minutes, though overnight works best to soak in that tropical grilled chicken flavor.
For more grilling inspiration, take a peek at these ideas for Marinated chicken with tropical fruit cocktail.
The Final Word
This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken has earned its spot in my recipe collection because it combines simple ingredients with bold, fresh flavors that bring our family right to the table every time. No matter how busy life gets, it’s a meal that feels like a small celebration and leaves everyone happy.
My Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Tips:
– Always use fresh fruit if possible for the best caramelized grilled fruit chicken texture.
– Keep the grill heat moderate and baste often to avoid burning the pineapple and mango glaze.
– Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
I’ve tried a few variations that work just as well—adding cilantro and jalapeño for a spicy kick, swapping papaya for mango for a different tropical twist, and even using coconut milk in the glaze for creaminess. My husband loves the classic recipe, while the kids enjoy it with the milder mango and pineapple glaze.
I hope your family finds as much joy in this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken as mine does. It’s a delicious dish that’s simple enough to make anytime and special enough to turn an ordinary night into a memory.
Ready to try this recipe? Don’t forget to check out other family favorites like Chicken Alfredo Soup and Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup if you’re in the mood for cozy, comforting meals. Here’s to many joyful dinners ahead with your own Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken!
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
Enjoy a tropical twist with this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken, featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with a fresh mango and pineapple salsa for a vibrant and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, honey, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Brush chicken breasts with the marinade and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken grills, combine mango, pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl to make the salsa.
- Once chicken is done, top each breast with the fresh mango pineapple salsa and serve immediately.
Notes
For added heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper in the salsa or serve with a side of spicy jalapeño salsa.

