Some recipes just feel like summer—and this is one of them. This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken brings sunshine to your plate, no matter what time of year it is. The first time I made this dish, I was standing on my back patio on a balmy June evening, the sun casting long golden rays across the lawn, and the scent of caramelized pineapple dancing through the air. One bite in, and I was transported. It tasted like something you’d order at a beachside grill on a tropical getaway.

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The blend of sweet mango and pineapple with savory grilled chicken is pure magic. It’s one of those dishes that’s light, fresh, and loaded with flavor—perfect for weekend barbecues, casual family dinners, or even meal prep if you want to spice up your lunch routine. There’s something special about fruit on the grill—the way it caramelizes and gets just the slightest bit smoky. When paired with juicy, well-marinated chicken, the result is absolutely irresistible.

Plus, it’s a recipe that doesn’t ask for a ton of effort. You marinate the chicken (just 30 minutes to a few hours), toss everything on the grill, and you’re done. But the flavors taste like you’ve been prepping all day. It’s a favorite in our house, and I have a feeling it’ll become one in yours too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Tropical Flavor Explosion: Juicy mango, sweet pineapple, and tender grilled chicken create the ultimate flavor trio.
Easy & Quick: A simple marinade and a few minutes on the grill is all it takes.
Versatile: Serve it with rice, over a salad, or in tacos for a fresh summer twist.
Naturally Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: Great for guests with dietary preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding kids or adults, everyone loves this combo.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup mango juice
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
1 large mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

HOW TO MAKE GRILLED MANGO PINEAPPLE CHICKEN:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Make the Marinade In a medium bowl, whisk together mango juice, pineapple juice, olive oil, brown sugar, lime juice, ground ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. It should smell sweet, citrusy, and just a little spicy—like a vacation in a bowl.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavorful the chicken gets. (If you’re in a pinch, even a quick 30-minute soak will make a difference!)

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it heats, remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You’re looking for beautiful grill marks and an internal temperature of 165°F. The sugars from the marinade will help give the chicken a gorgeous, caramelized crust.

Step 5: Add the Fruit During the last few minutes of grilling, toss the diced pineapple and mango onto a grill pan or piece of foil on the grill. Let them cook until they’re lightly charred and warm, about 3–5 minutes. The fruit will get beautifully golden and even sweeter from the heat.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish Once everything’s cooked, plate the grilled chicken and top it with the warm mango-pineapple mixture. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh, herby finish (optional, but highly recommended!).

HELPFUL TIPS:

Don’t Over-Marinate: Since the marinade has citrus, marinating too long (like overnight) can start to break down the chicken too much.
Use a Grill Pan for the Fruit: It keeps everything from slipping through the grates, and makes it easier to stir things around for even charring.
No Grill? No Problem: You can use a grill pan on the stove or even roast the chicken and fruit in the oven at 425°F for about 25–30 minutes.
Cut Chicken Evenly: If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them out a bit or slice in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes + marinade time (30 min – 4 hrs)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes + marinade time
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American, Tropical
Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

NOTES:

You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
Fresh fruit gives the best flavor, but canned (drained) pineapple and frozen mango can work in a pinch.
Leftover grilled fruit is amazing over yogurt or in smoothies!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per serving, approx.)

Calories: 320
Protein: 30g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 17g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 480mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the morning and grill it in the evening. Grilled chicken and fruit also reheat well.

Can I use frozen fruit?
You can! Just thaw it first and pat dry to avoid too much moisture.

What should I serve it with?
This dish goes great with coconut rice, grilled veggies, or even wrapped in tortillas for tropical tacos.

Is this spicy?
Nope! It’s mostly sweet with a little tang. But you could always add a pinch of chili flakes if you want some heat.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The grilled fruit stays surprisingly delicious even after reheating.

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CONCLUSION

This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is like a mini vacation on your plate—fresh, juicy, and bursting with tropical vibes. Whether you’re grilling for a summer dinner party or just need something bright and flavorful on a weeknight, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to impress. So fire up that grill, grab your fruit, and get ready to serve up some sunshine.