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Grilled Mango Chili Chicken Skewers

These Grilled Mango Chili Chicken Skewers are a vibrant dish that combines sweet mango and spicy chicken, perfect for summer gatherings. The marinade adds depth and flavor, making every bite a delightful experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
  • 8 wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk until fully blended. This marinade will be the flavor base for your skewers.
  2. Add the cubed chicken to the bowl, ensuring each piece is coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes—up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. If you skip this step, the chicken may lack the flavorful punch you desire!
  3. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Cut the red and yellow bell peppers into 1-inch pieces and slice the red onion into wedges. This will add lovely color and crunch to your skewers.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). If using wooden skewers, make sure they have soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. This is critical for ensuring your skewers don’t catch fire!
  5. Once marinated, thread the chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating between the chicken and vegetables for fun color and texture. Aim for 3-4 pieces of chicken and a few pieces of each vegetable per skewer.
  6. Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks. You’ll know it's done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
  7. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Don’t rush the marinating process! Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour will enhance the flavors significantly. If you’re short on time, even 15-30 minutes can make a difference.