The very first time I tasted Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken, I was at a lively summer BBQ with close friends near a sparkling lake. The moment the juicy, tropical grilled chicken touched my plate, I was caught off guard by the bright, fruity chicken glaze that wrapped each tender bite. The sweet mango pineapple marinade gave the chicken this irresistible balance of juicy tropical flavors and savory warmth that made it unforgettable. That’s exactly the kind of approachable comfort I aim for in all my recipes — simple ingredients coming together to create memorable moments around the table.
This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken perfectly reflects my philosophy of home cooking: no intimidating techniques, only the joy of shared meals and rich flavors that warm the heart and satisfy hunger. I’ve tested versions with everything from extra spicy Caribbean chicken grilling touches to sweeter mango pineapple marinades, and each one brings a little sunshine to the dinner plate. What really excites me about sharing this recipe is how easy it is to bring a tropical flair into an ordinary weeknight or a summer bbq chicken recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
If you love recipes that feel like a delightful mini-vacation for your taste buds and your soul, this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is for you. It’s the kind of meal that sparks connection, invites creativity, and promises comfort with every juicy bite. I can’t wait for you to experience the fruity chicken glaze and tropical grilled chicken magic at your own table!
Ingredients

To make this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken truly shine, here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for richer flavor)
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (canned works in a pinch, but fresh is best)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup for that perfect fruity chicken glaze
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for subtle warmth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin for a hint of earthiness
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for a Caribbean chicken grilling kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
The secret to amazing Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is using fresh, ripe mango and pineapple for that bright, tropical flavor that canned just can’t match. You’ll find the best ingredients for this recipe at your local farmers market or grocery store’s fresh produce section. If you want to splurge on one ingredient, make it the fresh pineapple—its vibrant sweetness makes all the difference in your mango pineapple marinade.
Not a fan of spicy? Skip the jalapeño, and your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken will still shine with juicy sweetness and savory depth. For a more citrus-forward fruity chicken glaze, add extra lime juice or a dash of orange zest. If you need to prep ahead, you can chop your mango and pineapple a day in advance—just store them in an airtight container in the fridge so the flavors stay fresh and vibrant.
Let’s Make This!
- First, prepare your mango pineapple marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine diced mango, pineapple chunks, garlic, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, and jalapeño if using. Blend until smooth. This tropical grilled chicken marinade is the heart of your flavor, so take a moment to enjoy the fruity aroma before moving to the next step.
- Marinate your chicken: Place your chicken breasts in a shallow dish or large zip-top bag. Pour the mango pineapple marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 to 6 hours. Don’t rush this step—marinating lets the flavors infuse deeply into your chicken for juicy, flavorful bites.
- Preheat your grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. Meanwhile, let your chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the chicken: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the excess. Place chicken on the grill and cook about 6 to 7 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with reserved marinade. You’re looking for a nicely charred exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Final glaze: In the last few minutes of grilling, brush your chicken with any remaining mango pineapple marinade to build that glossy, fruity chicken glaze. This is where your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken transforms into something truly special.
- Rest and slice: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This holds in all the juices and keeps your chicken tender and flavorful.
Don’t worry—your Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken will turn out beautifully, even if you’re new to grilling or marinating. While it’s cooking, take a moment to breathe in that tropical aroma and get ready to wow your family and friends.
Serving & Presentation

Serving Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a joyful moment. Arrange your chicken slices on a rustic wooden board or vibrant, colorful plate that echoes the Caribbean chicken grilling spirit. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color and brightness.
Pair this tropical grilled chicken with fluffy coconut rice, a simple green salad, or grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a balanced summer BBQ chicken recipe. For an extra special twist, serve alongside a tangy mango salsa or your favorite corn on the cob with a sprinkle of lime zest.
This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken often creates the sweetest moments at family dinners and outdoor gatherings. I’ve watched kids sneak a second helping and adults break into big smiles after their first bite. Leftovers? Don’t hesitate to slice them cold for a refreshing chicken salad version—try this alongside my chicken salad chick grape salad recipe for unbeatable comfort and flavor.
If you want to change things up seasonally, try swapping pineapple for fresh peaches in the summer or adding a dash of warm cinnamon to your mango pineapple marinade during fall. Every variation brings a new adventure in tropical grilled chicken goodness!
FAQs
Can I make this Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken ahead of time?
Definitely! Marinate your chicken up to 24 hours in advance to deepen the flavors. Cook it fresh when ready or grill the day before and gently reheat on a low grill or in the oven. This is perfect for busy weeknights or summer celebrations.
What if I don’t have fresh mango for my mango pineapple marinade?
Frozen mango works well too. Thaw it before blending to get that smooth fruity chicken glaze. If frozen isn’t available, canned mango in juice is a second-best option but be sure to drain excess liquid.
How do I know when my Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is perfectly done?
Use an instant-read thermometer for peace of mind. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Your chicken should feel firm but still juicy when pressed gently. If you notice grill flare-ups, move the chicken to a cooler spot to avoid charring.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs stay juicy longer and match beautifully with the tropical marinade. Adjust grilling time slightly—thighs may take a bit longer to cook through but are forgiving and flavorful.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely, just use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your honey or agave is pure. This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken fits nicely into many dietary preferences.
How spicy is this recipe?
The jalapeño adds a mild heat reminiscent of Caribbean chicken grilling. Leave it out for a sweet, family-friendly version or add extra for more kick. You control the comfort level!
Where can I find more fruity chicken glaze and tropical grilled chicken recipes?
If this recipe brings you joy, you’ll love this delicious Easy Mango Grilled Chicken from Amee’s Savory Dish and check out Marinated chicken with tropical fruit cocktail. For a spicy Caribbean twist, explore Caribbean sweet and spicy chicken recipes with mango tango hot sauce. You might also enjoy my Sour Cream and Onion Chicken, Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad, and Cajun Chicken Pasta for more comforting meals.
Why This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Will Become Your New Favorite
This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is everything I stand for — approachable, comforting, and bursting with juicy, tropical flavor that brings people together. It’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners or standing out with that summer BBQ chicken recipe everyone loves.
My Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken Success Tips:
- Always marinate for at least 1 hour for deep flavor infusion.
- Use fresh mango and pineapple when possible—they make the fruity chicken glaze sing.
- Let chicken rest before slicing to lock in juices and tenderness.
I’ve created versions with smoky chipotle for added warmth, a honey lime twist for extra brightness, and a spicy Caribbean chicken grilling version with mango habanero salsa. The version with the classic mango pineapple marinade gets the most smiles every time.
I’m confident this recipe will become part of your go-to meals, creating beautiful moments with family and friends. Enjoy the juicy tropical grilled chicken magic, and please share your delicious results — I love hearing from fellow food lovers who bring these recipes to life in their kitchens!
Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken
This Grilled Mango Pineapple Chicken is a vibrant and tropical dish combining juicy grilled chicken with sweet mango and pineapple for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 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 sliced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Thread mango slices and pineapple chunks onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes).
- Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Grill the mango and pineapple skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized.
- Remove chicken and fruit from the grill. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the grilled chicken topped with the grilled mango and pineapple, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve with a side of cilantro-lime rice or a fresh green salad. You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.