Healthy Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa: A Zesty Summer Favorite

If you’re looking for a bright, flavorful, and nourishing meal that celebrates fresh ingredients, look no further than this Healthy Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a tropical vacation on a plate juicy, citrus-marinated chicken paired with a sweet and tangy mango-avocado salsa, all served over a bed of fluffy cilantro-lime rice or coconut rice.

This dish checks all the boxes: it’s protein-packed, nutrient-rich, gluten-free, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The citrus marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with notes of lime, orange, honey, and herbs. The mango salsa provides balance with its vibrant color and refreshing sweetness.

In this article, you’ll get a complete walkthrough on how to prepare this delicious dish, along with helpful tips, variations, and frequently asked questions to make sure it turns out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Honey Lime Chicken

• Bright citrus marinade that tenderizes and flavors the chicken
• Fresh mango-avocado salsa for a sweet and savory twist
• Pairs perfectly with rice (coconut-lime or cilantro-lime)
• Make-ahead friendly for busy weeknights or meal prep
• Naturally gluten-free and packed with real, wholesome ingredients

Ingredients

Let’s break this down into two parts: the citrus chicken marinade and the mango salsa for serving.

Chicken Marinade:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 oranges (juice and zest if desired)
• 3 limes (juice and zest)
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2½ tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ¼ cup coarsely chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

The combination of citrus juice, soy sauce, and honey creates a perfect balance of acid, salt, and sweet.

For Serving:

• 1 batch mango-avocado salsa (see quick recipe below)
• Cilantro-lime rice or coconut-lime rice (optional)

These sides help round out the meal and complement the flavors beautifully.

Quick Mango-Avocado Salsa Recipe

To make the salsa, combine:

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, minced (optional for heat)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toss gently and chill until ready to serve.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl or resealable bag, whisk together:

• Orange juice (from 3 oranges)
• Lime juice (from 3 limes)
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Cumin
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper

Taste the marinade—feel free to adjust salt, acid, or sweetness to your preference.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken to the marinade and ensure it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–4 hours, but no more than 12 hours.

The acid from the citrus tenderizes the meat, so don’t over-marinate or the chicken may become mushy.

Step 3: Prepare the Mango Salsa

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the mango-avocado salsa and chill it in the fridge.

This can also be made up to a day ahead—just add the avocado right before serving to avoid browning.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

You can grill, pan-sear, or bake the chicken depending on what you have available.

Grilling Method (Best flavor):

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
• Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Pan-Sear Method:

• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, flipping once, until fully cooked and nicely browned.

Oven Method:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Bake chicken on a foil-lined tray for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

Slice the cooked chicken and serve over your choice of rice. Top generously with the mango-avocado salsa. Garnish with extra lime wedges or chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.

Optional: Drizzle with reserved marinade (boiled and reduced) for extra flavor.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use fresh citrus juice—bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
• Don’t skip resting the chicken—this locks in moisture before slicing.
• Taste the salsa before serving—adjust salt, lime, or spice to your liking.
• Use thighs for juicier results, but breasts work well if not overcooked.
• Marinate in glass or plastic containers—avoid metal, which reacts with citrus acid.

Suggested Sides

This chicken dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Coconut-lime jasmine rice
• Cilantro-lime cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
• Grilled or roasted vegetables
• Black bean and corn salad
• Tortilla chips for scooping extra salsa

Variations to Try

• Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
• Taco Night: Slice and serve in warm tortillas with salsa and crema.
• Salad Bowl: Serve over greens with quinoa, salsa, and a drizzle of vinaigrette.
• Tropical Twist: Replace mango with pineapple or papaya.
• Garlic-Lovers: Add roasted garlic paste to the marinade for depth.

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
• Mango salsa is best fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days (add avocado just before serving).
• Freezing? Cooked chicken can be frozen up to 3 months—thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled citrus juice?

Fresh juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor and proper acidity balance. Bottled versions may contain preservatives or added sugar.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours. Don’t exceed 12 hours, especially with chicken breast, or it may turn mushy due to the citrus.

What kind of mango works best?

Use a ripe, slightly soft mango. Ataulfo (honey) mangoes are especially sweet and creamy, while Tommy Atkins are firmer and more fibrous.

Can I make this meal ahead?

Yes! Marinate the chicken the day before, and prep the salsa (without avocado) ahead of time. Cook just before serving and assemble fresh.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) in the marinade.

Conclusion: A Fresh & Flavorful Feast

This Healthy Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa brings together everything we love about fresh, seasonal eating—zesty citrus, sweet tropical fruit, lean protein, and vibrant color. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for entertaining guests on a warm summer evening.

With the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, this dish is sure to become a repeat favorite. Serve it with fluffy rice or tucked into a tortilla for taco night. However you enjoy it, it’s guaranteed to be refreshing, wholesome, and delicious.

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