Name: Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves; Cooking spray; 2 cups watermelon, cut into 1/2 inch cubes; 1 cup mango, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons jalapeño pepper, finely chopped and seeded; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with bright, fresh flavors and satisfies your craving for something both juicy and healthy, this Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe is an absolute winner. I first discovered this combo on a hot summer evening, and honestly, it quickly became a family favorite because of how perfectly the smoky grilled chicken pairs with that sweet, tangy salsa. Stick around—I’m sharing all my tips so you can nail this dish every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing Flavor Combo: The mango and watermelon salsa adds a juicy, sweet contrast to the smoky grilled chicken that’s simply irresistible.
Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or summer cookouts.
Light and Healthy: Lean chicken breasts paired with fresh fruit salsa make it a guilt-free, nutrient-rich meal.
Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the jalapeño in the salsa to match your personal spice level.

A white rectangular plate holds two grilled pieces of seasoned chicken with a dark, slightly charred crust. On top and around the chicken is a colorful salsa made of bright yellow mango chunks, red watermelon cubes, small pieces of red onion, and fresh green cilantro leaves, adding a fresh and vibrant contrast against the chicken. The background surface is white marble. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa, grilled chicken with tropical fruit salsa, summer grilled chicken recipes, healthy grilled chicken ideas, easy fruit salsa chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here might seem simple, but they work beautifully together to create layers of flavor. When choosing your watermelon and mango, I like to pick fruits that are ripe but firm—this helps the salsa hold its shape and freshness on top of the warm chicken.

Flat lay of fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts arranged neatly, a small white bowl of cubed bright red watermelon, another bowl with vivid orange mango cubes, a pile of finely chopped red onion, a few sprigs of fresh green cilantro, a small heap of finely chopped green jalapeño peppers, a small white bowl with fresh lime juice, a small white bowl containing golden extra virgin olive oil, whole garlic cloves with their pale papery skins intact, fresh oregano sprigs with delicate green leaves, small piles of warm brown chili powder, light tan ground cumin, coarse white salt crystals, and granulated white sugar, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa, grilled chicken with tropical fruit salsa, summer grilled chicken recipes, healthy grilled chicken ideas, easy fruit salsa chicken

Fresh oregano: Adds a fragrant herbal note; fresh really is best here for maximum flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: Provides richness in the marinade and helps keep the chicken juicy.
Chili powder: Gives subtle smoky heat that rounds out the spices.
Ground cumin: Adds earthiness that pairs well with the fruit salsa’s brightness.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the chicken with savory depth.
Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves: Easy to grill and perfect for quick cooking.
Cooking spray or extra oil: Prevents sticking on the grill; trust me, this step saves a lot of frustration.
Watermelon (1/2 inch cubed): Sweet and hydrating base for the salsa.
Mango (peeled and 1/2 inch cubed): Adds tropical sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
Red onion (finely chopped): Brings a subtle sharp bite.
Fresh cilantro: For that fresh, citrusy herbal kick that lifts the salsa.
Jalapeño pepper (seeded and finely chopped): Adds just the right amount of fiery heat—you can adjust for your taste.
Fresh lime juice: Brightens everything up with a nice acidity.
Sugar: Balances the tartness and brings harmony to the salsa flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your mood or the season. Feel free to experiment with the salsa or marinade to truly make it your own.

Variation: I like to swap out jalapeño for a milder pepper like poblano if I’m serving kids or guests who prefer less heat, and it still tastes amazing.
Variation: Add a teaspoon of honey to the salsa if your mango or watermelon isn’t as sweet as you’d like—it’s a little trick I discovered to balance tartness wonderfully.
Variation: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more forgiving cut if you’re new to grilling.
Variation: For a fun twist, throw some chopped mint into the salsa for an extra layer of cool freshness.

How to Make Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken to Infuse Flavor

Start by tossing fresh oregano, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and minced garlic into a zipper bag. Give it a good squish to combine everything. Then add your chicken breasts and make sure each piece is coated evenly. I usually marinate mine for about 2 hours, but you can go up to 4 hours if you want deeper flavor. Just be careful not to over-marinate, as the acid and salt can start to “cook” the chicken.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill and Cook to Perfection

Preheat your grill to high heat and give the grill grate a light spray or brush of oil to prevent sticking. Place your chicken on and grill for about 5 minutes per side. I always start checking on the second side around the 3-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Your goal is an internal temperature of 160-165°F—juicy and cooked through. Once done, let the chicken rest covered with foil for 5-10 minutes. This resting step is crucial because it locks in the juices.

Step 3: Whip Up the Mango Watermelon Salsa

While the chicken is grilling or resting, combine your watermelon, mango, finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. I find tossing it gently helps blend the flavors without breaking down the fruit. This salsa can even be prepped a day in advance—it actually tastes better once the flavors meld. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate up your grilled chicken and top generously with the vibrant mango watermelon salsa. The warm, smoky chicken paired with bright, fruity salsa is just magic. Trust me, your family and friends will go crazy over this combo!

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Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe

Use Room Temperature Chicken: Let your chicken sit out for about 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
Dry Chicken Before Grilling: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels after marinating to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Resting the chicken juices lock in, making each bite tender and juicy.
Prep Salsa Ahead: Making the salsa the day before lets flavors develop and makes dinnertime a breeze.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe

The image shows pieces of grilled chicken with golden brown, slightly crispy skin arranged on a white rectangular plate. On top of the chicken, there is a colorful salsa made of bright yellow corn kernels, red diced tomatoes, and small green herb leaves, creating a fresh and vibrant contrast. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa, grilled chicken with tropical fruit salsa, summer grilled chicken recipes, healthy grilled chicken ideas, easy fruit salsa chicken

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and a light sprinkle of lime zest on top of the salsa—it brightens everything up. If you’re like me and enjoy a little texture, toasted pepitas or chopped toasted almonds sprinkled on top add a fun crunch that contrasts perfectly with the juicy salsa.

Side Dishes

When I serve this Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe, I usually go with something simple yet complementary, like cilantro-lime rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a light green salad tossed with avocado and a squeeze of lime. It balances the meal and keeps things light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive gatherings, I like to slice the grilled chicken into thin strips and serve it over a bed of mixed greens with generous spoonfuls of the mango watermelon salsa draped over top like a colorful salad. You can also make vibrant lettuce wraps for a fun handheld option—super fun for summer parties or casual dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, you can store leftover grilled chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate helps keep the chicken from getting soggy. I’ve found reheating the chicken gently helps preserve its juicy texture.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the salsa because fresh fruit can lose its texture and get watery when thawed. However, the marinated chicken can freeze well before grilling—just thaw it overnight in the fridge and grill fresh for the best results.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover grilled chicken is to gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the meat. Just add fresh salsa when serving to brighten it back up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer a juicier, more forgiving cut of meat. Just grill them longer and keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How spicy is the mango watermelon salsa, and can I adjust it?

The salsa has a gentle kick thanks to the jalapeño, but you can easily adjust the heat by using fewer seeds or swapping the jalapeño for a milder pepper like poblano or bell pepper if you prefer no heat.
Can I prepare the salsa ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making the salsa a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is the easiest and most reliable method. Aim for an internal temperature of 160-165°F in the thickest part of the chicken breast. If you don’t have one, cook until juices run clear and the meat feels firm.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe brings a little sunshine to the dinner table, even on a weeknight. It’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with colors that make everyone at the table smile. When you try it, I’m confident you’ll appreciate the simple ingredients coming together in such a delicious way, and you might find yourself making it over and over like I do. So go ahead, fire up that grill, and treat yourself to this wonderful summer dish—you deserve it!