Today, I’m thrilled to share my absolute favorite grilling recipe that’ll transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise: Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers with Fresh Mango Salsa.
After countless hours perfecting this recipe in my outdoor kitchen setup, I’ve discovered that the secret lies not just in the ingredients, but in the tools and techniques that elevate a simple skewer to restaurant-quality status.
Let me guide you through creating this mouth-watering dish that’s become a sensation at my weekend gatherings.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
Before we dive into the culinary adventure, let me tell you why these skewers have earned a permanent spot in my grilling repertoire.
The combination of zesty lime, subtle heat from chilies, and sweet-tangy mango salsa creates an explosion of flavors that’ll make your guests think you’ve hired a professional chef.
I’ve found that using premium ingredients makes a world of difference in the final result.
While testing this recipe, I discovered that my Weber Master-Touch Grill provides the perfect heat distribution for achieving those coveted char marks while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy.
Ingredients for the Star of the Show
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 pounds organic chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 4 fresh limes, juiced and zested
- 3 tablespoons premium extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon honey (Local wildflower honey works wonders here)
- Add sea salt to taste and freshly ground black pepper.
For the Mango Salsa:
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced (I prefer Ataulfo mangoes for their creamy texture)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 red onion, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Pinch of sea salt
Affiliate Disclosure: Kitchen tools and ingredients mentioned in this post have been carefully selected based on years of professional experience. Some links above and within the article are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Rest assured, I only suggest or recommend kitchen essentials or things I use and trust in my own kitchen.
The Art of Preparation (Instructions To Make Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers)
Step 1: Marinate to Perfection
In a large glass mixing bowl (I use the Pyrex 8-piece set for all my marinades), combine the lime juice, zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and honey.
Whisk the marinade ingredients until well combined and then add your chicken pieces and ensure they’re well-coated.
Next up, cover with an eco-friendly reusable silicone lid and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
Pro tip: Don’t marinate longer than 4 hours, as the lime juice can start to “cook” the chicken.
Step 2: Crafting the Salsa
As the chicken marinates, make the mango salsa.
Dice your mangoes into uniform 1/4-inch cubes followed by combining with the diced bell pepper, minced red onion, and jalapeno in a beautiful serving bowl.
Don’t forget to add fresh cilantro and lime juice and then gently toss everything together and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Skewer Assembly
- Set your grill’s temperature to medium-high (375–400°F).
- Remove chicken from marinade and thread onto your skewers.
- Pro tip: For even cooking, leave a small space between each piece of chicken.
Step 4: Grilling Magic
- Clean and oil your grill grates thoroughly.
- Place skewers on the preheated grill.
- Grill for 12-15 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes.
- Use your meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Presentation and Serving
Arrange your golden-brown skewers on a rustic serving platter (The Pottery Barn Rustic Wood Server adds such a beautiful touch to any table setting).
Top with generous spoonfuls of the vibrant mango salsa, and garnish with extra lime wedges and cilantro sprigs.
I love serving these skewers with coconut rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal that’ll transport your guests to a tropical paradise.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Success
To recreate this dish perfectly, you’ll want to have these game-changing tools in your arsenal:
- A reliable meat thermometer (I swear by the ThermoPro TP19H for its lightning-fast readings and accuracy)
- My Heavy-duty stainless steel skewers has revolutionized my grilling game with their flat design that prevents food from rotating
- A quality citrus juicer (The Chef’n FreshForce extracts every last drop of lime juice effortlessly)
- A sharp chef’s knife (My go-to is the Wusthof Classic 8-inch for precise mango dicing)
Storage and Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), store the chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers.
I’ve found that the Glass Lock Storage Set keeps everything fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Wine Pairing Suggestion
These zesty skewers pair beautifully with a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The tropical notes complement the mango salsa perfectly while the acidity cuts through the richness of the grilled chicken.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your chicken is sticking to the grill: Make sure your grates are well-oiled and hot before adding the skewers.
- For extra juicy chicken: Try brining your chicken pieces for 30 minutes before marinating.
- If your mangoes aren’t quite ripe: Place them in a paper bag with a banana overnight to speed up ripening.
Final Thoughts
Creating these Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers has become one of my favorite ways to elevate outdoor entertaining.
With the right tools and techniques, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own backyard.
Remember, the key to success lies in quality ingredients and proper tools. That being said, you can certainly make this recipe with basic equipment, investing in a few key pieces will take your grilling game to the next level.
