Chili Lime Mango Marinated Chicken Bowls are a healthy and flavorful dish that combines the sweet and zesty flavors of mango, chili, and lime with juicy chicken. Whether grilled or baked, this dish is a quick and easy option that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be made paleo by substituting rice with cauliflower rice. The marinade is a tropical blend of fresh mango, chili sauce, lime, honey, and garlic, making the chicken juicy and perfectly seasoned.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Mango Chile Chicken Marinade:

• 1 small mango, peeled and diced (about ⅔ to 1 cup)

• 2 tablespoons chili sauce (like sriracha)

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• ¼ cup honey or agave nectar

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• ¼ cup chopped red onion or shallot

• ¼ cup dry white wine (or substitute with apple cider vinegar and extra lime juice)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup fresh orange juice

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

For Garnishing:

• Fresh cilantro

• Lime wedges

• Crushed black pepper and sea salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the diced mango, chili sauce, lime juice, honey, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, white wine, olive oil, and orange juice. Blend until smooth.

   • Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade for later.

   • Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken breasts and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours).

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • For Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 20 minutes, brushing it with the reserved marinade. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Optionally, grill extra mango slices alongside the chicken.

   • For Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the reserved marinade over it. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, then broil for 1 minute to caramelize the marinade.

3. Assemble the Bowls:

   • Serve the grilled or baked chicken over cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for a paleo option). Top with slices of grilled mango and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of black pepper or sea salt.

Nutrients

Per Serving (approximate, 4 oz chicken):

• Calories: 270 kcal

• Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Protein: 27g

The Mango Chile Chicken Marinade: A Sweet and Zesty Tropical Kick

The heart of this dish is the mango chile marinade. The combination of fresh, ripe mango, chili sauce (like sriracha), lime juice, honey, garlic, and onion creates a tropical marinade with just the right balance of sweetness, acidity, and heat. Mango lends its natural sweetness, which is beautifully complemented by the tang of lime and the heat from the chili sauce. Honey or agave nectar adds a touch of sweetness to mellow out the spiciness.

The addition of garlic and red onion deepens the flavor profile, while the olive oil and orange juice bring richness and acidity to the mix. The marinade works to tenderize the chicken while infusing it with incredible flavor. The reserved marinade, added later during cooking, ensures that the chicken stays juicy and perfectly seasoned.

Cooking the Chicken: Grilled or Baked

One of the great things about Chili Lime Mango Marinated Chicken Bowls is that you can choose your preferred cooking method: grilling or baking.

• Grilling: Grilling the chicken adds a smoky depth to the flavor, making it a fantastic option for summer or when you want to achieve those beautiful grill marks. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, and cook the chicken for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. As the chicken cooks, you’ll brush it with the reserved marinade to keep it moist and add an extra layer of flavor. Optionally, you can also grill slices of mango to serve alongside the chicken for an extra burst of tropical sweetness.

• Baking: If you prefer a more hands-off approach, baking works wonderfully too. Preheat the oven to 425°F and place the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For a slightly caramelized finish, you can broil the chicken for an additional minute to get that crispy, golden-brown crust.

Assembling the Bowls: A Vibrant and Filling Meal

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to assemble the bowls. Start by serving the grilled or baked chicken over a base of your choice—either regular rice or cauliflower rice if you’re following a paleo or low-carb lifestyle. The cauliflower rice adds a light and healthy twist, while still providing a satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

Next, top the rice with slices of grilled mango for a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Garnish with fresh cilantro, which adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the tropical flavors. A squeeze of lime juice over the top will enhance the tanginess of the dish, and a sprinkle of crushed black pepper or sea salt can add a finishing touch to elevate the flavors.

Why Chili Lime Mango Marinated Chicken Bowls Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Chili Lime Mango Marinated Chicken Bowls are versatile enough to be served for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, preparing a meal for meal prep, or serving a crowd at a casual gathering, this dish is sure to impress. The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors creates a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing, making it perfect for warm-weather meals or anytime you crave something light yet full of flavor.

It’s a customizable dish that can be adapted to suit your dietary preferences. The option to substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice makes it paleo and low-carb friendly, while the absence of dairy and gluten makes it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Plus, it’s a filling and healthy option, providing a great source of protein and essential nutrients.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Chili Lime Mango Marinated Chicken Bowls (approximately 4 oz of chicken) contains about 270 calories. It’s a relatively light yet filling meal, with 27 grams of protein, which is great for muscle building and repair. The dish also contains 10 grams of fat, including 3 grams of saturated fat. While the fat content is relatively moderate, the olive oil used in the marinade provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

The carbohydrates come in at 18 grams per serving, including 2 grams of fiber, which helps with digestion. The dish also contains 7 grams of sugar, most of which comes from the natural sugars in the mango and honey. The meal provides 22% of your daily value of Vitamin A and 20% of your daily Vitamin C needs, both of which are essential for immune function and skin health.

The sodium content is 344mg per serving, which is relatively low for a flavorful dish like this, making it suitable for those watching their sodium intake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chili Lime Mango Marinated Chicken Bowls are a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet mango, spicy chili, and tangy lime creates a perfectly balanced meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you choose to grill or bake the chicken, this dish can be customized to fit your dietary preferences, making it a versatile option for any occasion. It’s quick, light, and full of tropical flavors, making it the perfect meal for busy nights or summer gatherings.