
This Seared Mango Pineapple Chicken takes just 10 minutes and delivers juicy meat that'll make you feel like you're vacationing on a TROPICAL getaway! The grilled peppers on the side round out the PERFECT summer dish that's good for you and tastes amazing. The combo of mango, pineapple, and zingy salsa brings vacation vibes right to your dinner table.
The first time this hit our table, my family couldn't stop talking about how the taste took them straight to a beachfront resort. That blend of sweet fruits with savory chicken creates such a crowd-pleaser that it's now a summer staple at our house.
Key Ingredients and Shopping Advice
- Thinly Cut Chicken Breasts: They cook fast and stay juicy throughout
- Tropical Salsa: With mango, pineapple, and red jalapeños for that perfect flavor foundation
- Lime Juice: Adds zest and helps soften the chicken
- Olive Oil: Makes a smooth marinade and stops sticking
- Yellow Bell Pepper: Brings color, nutrients, and light sweetness when grilled
- Chopped Mango & Pineapple: Go with fresh if you can, but thawed frozen works too
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds bright color and herb flavor
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Mix Your Sauce: Stir together about 2/3 bottle of chunky Tropical Salsa with some olive oil and fresh squeezed lime juice in a mixing bowl. This tasty mix will work as both your marinade and topping.
- Soak the Chicken: Put your thin chicken pieces in a plastic bag and pour in most of the sauce mix, saving about 1/4 cup for later. Push out the air, seal it tight, and rub everything around to coat all pieces. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for stronger flavor.
- Get Ready to Cook: Heat your grill to medium-high (around 400-425°F). While it warms up, cut your yellow pepper into strips and put them in a grill basket if you have one.
- Cook Everything: Take chicken out of the marinade, letting extra drip off. Put chicken on one side of your hot grill and your peppers (in their basket) on the other side. Cook chicken about 3-5 minutes each side until it hits 165°F inside. Cook peppers until they get some char marks and turn tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes total, moving them around now and then.
- Let Chicken Rest: Take chicken off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This keeps all the juices inside.
- Put It All Together: Lay out your grilled chicken and peppers on a serving plate. Drizzle with your saved sauce, then scatter fresh mango and pineapple chunks on top for a burst of color and fresh taste.
- Add Final Touches: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over everything just before you serve it. For extra zing, squeeze fresh lime juice over top and add a tiny pinch of salt.

I learned these tricks after making this many times, especially after I got distracted once and overcooked everything. Now I always use a meat thermometer to get perfectly juicy chicken every time.
Nutritional Perks and Benefits
This meal isn't just tasty – it's packed with good stuff too. The lean chicken gives you quality protein that keeps muscles strong and hunger away. The mangoes and pineapples are full of vitamin C that helps your immune system and keeps skin healthy. Peppers add antioxidants and more vitamin C, while olive oil has fats that are good for your heart. With around 300 calories per serving and 28 grams of protein, this dish makes eating healthy actually enjoyable.
Great for Backyard Gatherings
When I have friends over in summer, this dish always gets compliments while keeping my stress level down. You can make the marinade a day ahead, and since it cooks so fast, you won't be stuck at the grill instead of chatting with guests. For bigger parties, I create a "tropical chicken station" with the grilled stuff plus extra toppings like coconut flakes, diced avocado, and different hot sauces so everyone can fix their plate just how they like it.

Smart Base for Weekly Meals
This recipe has a hidden talent – it switches up easily throughout your week. The basic tropical chicken can turn into all sorts of meals. Leftover meat works great in grain bowls with black beans and corn, stuffed into cheesy quesadillas, or mixed with greens for a bright tropical salad. Making extra chicken the first time sets you up for quick, tasty dinners when you're busy later in the week.
Cooking Inside When Needed
Bad weather or no outdoor space shouldn't stop you from enjoying this tropical treat. A cast iron ridged pan on your stove can create those grill marks and sweet caramelization that make this dish special. If you live in an apartment, a small electric grill or even a sandwich press with grooved plates works surprisingly well. During winter, I've put the chicken under the broiler about 6 inches from the heat, getting great results that bring summer feelings to the coldest days.

Closing Thoughts
This Seared Mango Pineapple Chicken has become one of my go-to summer meals. There's something really special about mixing sweet tropical fruits with savory grilled chicken that makes dinner feel fancy without hours of work. The fact that it's so simple to throw together is our secret. The mix of hot and cold, crunchy and soft, sweet and savory creates a memorable meal that hits all the right spots.