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Grilled Chicken with Watermelon Mango Mint Salsa

A refreshing dish featuring juicy grilled chicken paired with a vibrant watermelon mango mint salsa, perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Grilled
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the marinade
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce Offers a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the chicken's richness.
  • 2 tablespoons honey Adds natural sweetness, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Keeps the chicken moist and helps the marinade adhere.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar Provides acidity to balance flavors and brighten the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha An optional kick of heat for those who enjoy spicy flavors.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic depth and savory goodness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Enhances the overall flavor profile with a touch of warmth.
  • 4 pieces chicken breasts The main protein that absorbs the marinade’s flavors.
For the salsa
  • 2 cups watermelon, diced Provides a sweet and juicy base for the salsa.
  • 1 cup mango, diced Adds a tropical sweetness, enhancing the salsa's flavor complexity.
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, minced Offers a refreshing herbal note that lightens the dish.
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice Brightens flavors, making the salsa vibrant and zesty.
  • 1 piece jalapeno pepper, minced An optional addition for those who like extra heat and depth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Balances and enhances the flavors in both the chicken and salsa.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare the marinade by adding barbecue sauce, honey, olive oil, lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar), sriracha, minced garlic, and black pepper to a large zip-top plastic bag.
  2. Add chicken breasts to the bag and seal it shut.
  3. Toss to coat by squishing the bag around, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade.
  4. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least one hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Grilling
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 375°F or 190°C).
  2. Grill the marinated chicken for approximately seven minutes, flipping intermittently until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Salsa Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine diced watermelon, mango, minced mint, lime juice, minced jalapenos, honey, and salt.
  2. Mix the salsa ingredients well, tasting and adjusting salt and lime juice as needed.
  3. Cover the salsa and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serving
  1. Plate the grilled chicken, garnish generously with watermelon mango mint salsa, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

For a beautiful char, only flip the chicken when it naturally releases from the grill. If using frozen mango, ensure it's fully thawed and drained to avoid excess water in the salsa. Adjust the jalapeno amount based on your heat preference.