Healthy Honey Lime Chicken

introduction

This Healthy Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa is bright, fresh, and easy to make. The chicken gets a sweet-tart glaze and the mango salsa adds fresh color and juice. If you like bright flavors and simple meals, you may also enjoy BBQ chicken with cheesy garlic potatoes as a tasty side idea.

why make this recipe

This recipe uses few ingredients and comes together fast. It is healthy, full of flavor, and works for weeknights or a light weekend meal. The mango salsa adds fresh fruit and herbs for a bright finish.

how to make Healthy Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

Make the marinade, soak the chicken, and cook it until done. While the chicken rests, mix the mango salsa. Spoon the salsa over the chicken before you serve.

Ingredients :

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 3 tablespoons honey (use pure honey; substitute maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 2 limes, zest and juice (reserve about 1 tablespoon juice for salsa)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (use avocado oil for higher smoke point when grilling)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 mango, diced (firm but ripe; substitute pineapple for a tangier salsa)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (use green onion for a milder bite)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (for salsa)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley if you dislike cilantro)

Directions :

1. Whisk together honey, lime zest, lime juice from the 2 limes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth to make the marinade.
2. Marinate chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
3. While chicken marinates, mix diced mango, red onion, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a bowl to prepare the salsa. Season lightly with salt and allow flavors to meld.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat or preheat a grill. Remove excess marinade from the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the mango salsa over each breast before serving.
6. Serve chicken whole or sliced on a bed of cilantro-lime rice, quinoa, or mixed greens.

how to serve Healthy Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

Serve warm with rice, quinoa, or a green salad. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables or tortillas for tacos. Serve with lime wedges on the side. For a richer plated meal, serve with a creamy potato side like creamy herb chicken with mashed potatoes to make it full and cozy.

how to store Healthy Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

Cool the chicken to room temperature, then place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store salsa separately in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or oven. Do not freeze the mango salsa; it will get mushy.

tips to make Healthy Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

• Marinate at least 30 minutes for better flavor.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to get a good sear.
• Use a ripe but firm mango so the salsa has texture.
• Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
• If grilling, watch heat to avoid burning the honey in the marinade.

variation (if any)

• Use pineapple instead of mango for a tangier salsa.
• Swap cilantro for parsley if you dislike cilantro.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option and substitute plant-based chicken or tofu.

FAQ: Is this recipe spicy?

No. This recipe is not spicy by itself. You can add chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes to the salsa if you want heat.

FAQ: Can I make this ahead?

You can make the chicken and salsa a few hours ahead. Store the salsa separately in the fridge. Reheat the chicken and spoon chilled or room-temperature salsa over it.

FAQ: Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the marinated chicken on a sheet for about 18–22 minutes or until the internal temp is 165°F (74°C).

Healthy Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

This Healthy Honey Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa features a sweet-tart glaze and fresh mango salsa, making it a bright and flavorful dish perfect for weeknights.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Chicken Marinade

• 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 3 tablespoons honey use pure honey; substitute maple syrup for a vegan option
• 2 pieces limes, zest and juice reserve about 1 tablespoon juice for salsa
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil use avocado oil for higher smoke point when grilling
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Mango Salsa

• 1 piece mango, diced firm but ripe; substitute pineapple for a tangier salsa
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped use green onion for a milder bite
• 1 tablespoon lime juice for salsa
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped or parsley if you dislike cilantro

Method

 

Marinating the Chicken

1. Whisk together honey, lime zest, lime juice from the 2 limes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth to make the marinade.
2. Marinate chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.

Preparing the Salsa

1. While chicken marinates, mix diced mango, red onion, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a bowl to prepare the salsa.
2. Season lightly with salt and allow flavors to meld.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat or preheat a grill.
2. Remove excess marinade from the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes.
4. Spoon the mango salsa over each breast before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 330mgFiber: 3gSugar: 14g

Notes

Cool the chicken to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store salsa separately for up to 2 days. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or oven. Do not freeze the mango salsa; it will get mushy. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for better flavor.

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