Easy Mango Watermelon Chicken
Chicken on the grill is a favorite of ours because it’s tender, so juicy, and full of flavor from the grill. Topped with this fresh mango watermelon salsa, it’s easy to get excited about this chicken dinner. Plus it’s so pretty. It’s not often I get to eat something so, well, pretty. It’s easy, healthy, there’s zero cleanup, it’s ready in 15 minutes, and you don’t have to heat your house up. I’m sure you have everything on hand in your pantry to get started on the chicken marinade. The watermelon salsa that tops the chicken is music to my watermelon and mango-loving self’s ears. I have a Strawberry Mint and a Peach Mango Salsa recipe that are other favorites. Seasonal juicy watermelon, mango, mint, lime juice, honey, and optional jalapeño peppers are the key ingredients. It’s such a perfect flavor enhancer to chicken on the grill. It’s like it was made to be eaten with grilled chicken. It’s summer in your mouth. But it’s also excellent on tortilla chips and I suggest going to town with a bag of chips and any extra salsa you have. And wash everything down with a margarita.
What’s in Grilled Chicken with Watermelon Salsa?
To make the watermelon mango salsa chicken, you’ll need:
BBQ sauce Honey Olive oil Apple cider vinegar Sriracha (optional) Garlic Chicken breast tenders Watermelon Mango Fresh mint Lime juice Jalapeño pepper
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Watermelon Salsa
Simply add your favorite barbecue sauce (I use this one) to a large ziptop bag and then add honey, olive oil for moisture, apple cider vinegar for tenderizing, garlic for pizzazz, and the chicken. I also like to add sriracha because I love a touch of spiciness but if you’re not into that, feel free to omit it. I like to marinate my chicken overnight for the full flavor effect, but if you’re running short on time, even 30 to 60 minutes will do. Once the chicken’s had time to marinate, simply grill until done and top with the mango watermelon salsa!
Can I Prep the Mango Watermelon Salsa in Advance?
Because the salt causes the watermelon and mango to release their natural juices, I don’t recommend making this salsa too far in advance, maybe 4 hours in advance max. Extra will keep just fine in the fridge for days, noting that it will become more watery as time passes.
Tips for Making Grilled Chicken and Watermelon Salsa
As a shortcut, I used chicken breast tenders — sometimes called breast cutlets or medallions. Their smaller size makes for faster grilling times and much more even cooking. Many times with large chicken breasts on the grill, I struggle to keep the outside from becoming overly dark before the interior is fully cooked through. I always use my outdoor grill to make this watermelon mango salsa chicken , but you can also try using an indoor grill pan. For the watermelon salsa, I love the kick the jalapeños add and don’t feel like salsa is actually salsa without some kick, but if you’re not into them, feel free to omit.
More Easy Chicken Recipes:
15 Chicken Dinners Ready in 15 Minutes – Easy dinners that are ready in a flash and perfect for busy weeknights! Delish, healthy, and guaranteed to please your toughest dinner critics! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes!
Sweet Chili Grilled Chicken – Tender, juicy, and full of flavor from the sweet chili sauce! Easy, healthy, ready in 10 minutes, zero cleanup, perfect for backyard barbecues or easy weeknight dinners!
Spicy Garlic Grilled Chicken – An EASY homemade marinade made with everyday ingredients that produces super FLAVORFUL, juicy chicken!! If you’re looking for a NEW marinade to jazz up grilled chicken, this is the one!!
Peach Chili Grilled Chicken – Tender, juicy, and full of flavor from the sweet peach preserves and chili garlic sauce! The perfect contrast! Easy, healthy, ready in 10 minutes, zero cleanup, perfect for backyard barbecues or easy weeknight dinners!
Foil Pack Barbecue Chicken – Ready in 15 minutes and such an easy way to enjoy barbecue chicken on the grill! A delish and healthy meal made in a foil pack with zero cleanup!
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Kabobs – Juicy chicken and crisp vegetables coated in a sweet-and-tangy sauce! Great for parties or easy weeknight dinners! Everything tastes better grilled!