Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa
A fresh and vibrant Lemon Ginger Chicken paired with a sweet and tangy Pineapple Mango Salsa. This quick and easy recipe combines juicy grilled chicken with tropical fruit salsa, delivering bright citrus, warming ginger, and colorful, nutritious ingredients for a deliciously balanced and healthy meal.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling/Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Fusion/Tropical
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pineapple Mango Salsa
- 1 cup ripe pineapple chunks, diced
- 1 cup fresh mango, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, grated ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the boneless chicken breasts or thighs and toss until well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb all the bright, zesty flavors.
- Prepare the Pineapple Mango Salsa: While the chicken marinates, dice the pineapple, mango, red bell pepper, and red onion into small, even pieces. Toss these with chopped cilantro, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently and set aside to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the hot surface and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has nice grill marks or a golden sear.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken into strips or chunks for serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the sliced lemon ginger chicken on plates and generously spoon the pineapple mango salsa over the top. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired and enjoy the explosion of fresh, tropical flavors!
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: The brightness of fresh lemon and ginger really makes this dish sing.
- Don’t skip resting: Give the chicken time to relax after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Keep salsa chunky: Dice fruits and vegetables evenly for the best texture contrast.
- Grill or pan-sear: Grilling adds smokiness, but a hot skillet works just as well indoors.
- Adjust sweetness: If fruits aren’t sweet enough, a tiny drizzle of honey in salsa can balance acidity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Lemon Ginger Chicken, Pineapple Mango Salsa, Grilled Chicken, Tropical Salsa, Healthy Dinner, Gluten Free, Quick Recipe