Looking for a dish that’s light, zesty, and packed with tropical flavors? This Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. Juicy, marinated chicken infused with fresh lemon and warm ginger pairs beautifully with a vibrant fruit salsa that brings a tropical twist to every bite!
This easy, healthy meal is great for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests. Grill it, pan-sear it, or bake it—no matter how you cook it, this dish is a guaranteed winner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Bright & Refreshing – The citrusy ginger marinade + fresh fruit salsa = flavor heaven.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, quick prep, and fast cooking time.
✔ Healthy & Light – Packed with lean protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.
✔ Versatile Cooking Methods – Grill, bake, or pan-sear!
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make extra and enjoy leftovers in wraps or salads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Lemon Ginger Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small ones)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Pineapple Mango Salsa:
- ½ cup fresh pineapple, diced
- ½ cup ripe mango, diced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How to Make Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, ginger, garlic, honey, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the chicken in a ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
- Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Mango Salsa
- In a bowl, combine pineapple, mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with lime juice and honey, then sprinkle with salt.
- Toss everything together and let it chill for 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
🔥 Grilling Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
🍳 Pan-Searing Method: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side.
🔥 Baking Method: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice the juicy lemon ginger chicken and top with pineapple mango salsa.
- Serve with coconut rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken & Salsa
✔ Marinate Longer – The longer the chicken sits, the more flavorful it will be.
✔ Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh ginger, lemon juice, and ripe fruit make a huge difference!
✔ Don’t Overcook – Chicken should be juicy, so use a thermometer (165°F/74°C internal temp).
✔ Customize the Salsa – Add avocado, jalapeño, or cucumber for extra texture and spice!
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa is a vibrant, tropical-inspired dish that’s easy to make yet bursting with fresh, zesty flavors. Whether you’re meal-prepping or serving guests, it’s a healthy, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Try it tonight and bring a taste of the tropics to your table! 🌴🍍🔥
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