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 (1/2 inch cubed); 1 cup mango (peeled and 1/2 inch cubed); 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped); 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped); 2 tablespoons jalapeño pepper (finely chopped, seeded); 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and a perfect balance between smoky and sweet, you absolutely have to try my Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe. This recipe combines juicy grilled chicken with a refreshing fruit salsa that will make your taste buds dance. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy summer produce and impress friends or family with something just a bit different from the usual chicken dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Bright Flavors: The mango and watermelon salsa adds a juicy, sweet contrast to the smoky grilled chicken.
Super Easy to Prepare: With a simple marinade and fresh salsa that you can prep ahead, this meal comes together quickly.
Healthy and Light: Lean chicken breasts paired with fresh fruit make this recipe perfect for a wholesome dinner.
Perfect for Summer Entertaining: Colorful and delicious, this dish is a crowd-pleaser at any backyard BBQ or dinner party.

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 fruit salsa, summer chicken recipes, healthy grilled chicken ideas, fruity chicken dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe is how simply the ingredients come together — with vibrant fruit and a spice-packed marinade. Picking ripe mangoes and juicy, sweet watermelon really makes the salsa shine, so shop for the freshest produce you can find.

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 fruit salsa, summer chicken recipes, healthy grilled chicken ideas, fruity chicken dishes

Fresh oregano: Adds that herby, slightly minty aroma which brightens the marinade.
Extra virgin olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and carries the flavors beautifully.
Chili powder: Gives a nice smoky kick without overpowering the dish.
Ground cumin: Adds depth and earthiness—one of my secret spices for juicy grilled chicken.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the salsa to perfection.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for that punch of flavor you want in every bite.
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts: Choose plump and uniform pieces for even grilling.
Cooking spray: To keep your grill grates clean and prevent sticking.
Watermelon (cubed): The refreshing base of the salsa, sweet and hydrating.
Mango (peeled and cubed): Adds sweet tropical flavor contrasting with the watermelon.
Red onion (finely chopped): Provides a little crunch and sharpness to balance the sweetness.
Fresh cilantro (chopped): Brings fresh herbaceous notes to brighten the salsa.
Jalapeño pepper (finely chopped, seeded): Just enough heat to wake up the salsa without being spicy for everyone.
Fresh lime juice: For that zesty citrus punch that lifts all the flavors.
Sugar: Helps mellow out the tartness and deepen the fruit flavors.

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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

I love how versatile the Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe is. You can tweak the salsa or marinade to fit your mood, diet, or what’s in season. Let me share a few ways I like to play around with it.

Spicy Kick: Sometimes I add a bit more jalapeño or even some chipotle powder to the marinade for a smoky heat that my spice-loving friends adore.
Herb Swap: If you don’t have oregano, fresh basil or mint can add a fun twist to the chicken marinade.
Fruit Variations: When mangoes aren’t in season, pineapple or peaches work just as well in the salsa for that tropical vibe.
Make it Keto: Skip the sugar in the salsa or swap it with a keto-friendly sweetener if you’re watching carbs.
Grill Veggie Side: I often grill some corn or zucchini alongside the chicken to keep the flavors cohesive and super fresh.

How to Make Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by tossing fresh oregano, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and minced garlic into a large zip-top bag. This combo is such a flavor powerhouse—it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with subtle spice and herb notes. Add the chicken breasts, seal the bag, and give it a good squish to coat all sides evenly. I usually refrigerate mine for at least 2 hours, but if you can do up to 4, you’ll get a richer flavor that really shines through after grilling.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill and Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill to high—this helps get that lovely sear and those gorgeous grill marks we all love. I like to lightly spray the grill rack with cooking spray or use an oil-soaked paper towel with tongs to prevent sticking; trust me, it makes cleaning way easier. Grill the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and start checking after 3 minutes on the second side. Aim for an internal temperature of 160-165°F to make sure the chicken is juicy but cooked through. Once done, let them rest covered loosely with foil for about 5 to 10 minutes. This step is key for keeping the juices locked in.

Step 3: Whip Up the Mango Watermelon Salsa

While your chicken is chilling, combine diced watermelon, mango, finely chopped red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, fresh lime juice, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Toss everything gently so you keep the salsa’s bright colors and textures intact. Sometimes, I like to make this salsa a day ahead because the flavors meld beautifully overnight, though it’s perfectly fresh made, too.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

To serve, plate your grilled chicken breasts and spoon over generous helpings of that juicy mango watermelon salsa. You’ll find that the sweetness and slight spice from the salsa is the perfect partner to the smoky char on the chicken. It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying.

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Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe

Don’t Skip the Resting: Resting the chicken after grilling keeps it juicy—cutting into it too soon makes all those flavorful juices run out.
Pat the Chicken Dry Before Grilling: This helps get that beautiful caramelized sear instead of steaming the chicken on the grill.
Use a Meat Thermometer: It takes the guesswork out of cooking times and ensures perfectly cooked, tender chicken every time.
Balance Salsa Flavors: Adjust lime juice and sugar in the salsa last to get the perfect sweet-tart balance that complements the chicken perfectly.

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 fruit salsa, summer chicken recipes, healthy grilled chicken ideas, fruity chicken dishes

Garnishes

I love finishing the dish with an extra sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a couple of thin lime wedges on the side. Sometimes I also add a few finely sliced green onions for an extra pop of color and mild oniony crunch—it just lifts the whole plate.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this recipe are grilled corn on the cob and a light quinoa salad with cucumber and fresh herbs. The smoky sweetness of the corn matches the chicken beautifully, while the quinoa salad keeps the meal feeling light and balanced. Roasted sweet potatoes are also a great hearty option.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the chicken sliced into strips on a large platter with the salsa spooned generously over the top. Add some edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. Another fun idea is serving the grilled chicken and salsa over a bed of arugula or mixed greens for a vibrant, colorful salad plate that’s sure to impress at summer gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken stays great for up to 3 days, and keeping the salsa separate prevents it from making the chicken soggy. The salsa might lose a little crispness but the flavor stays fantastic.

Freezing

I’ve frozen grilled chicken before with good results, but since the salsa is fresh fruit, I don’t recommend freezing it. Just freeze the plain grilled chicken in portioned airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months, and make fresh salsa when you thaw it.

Reheating

To keep the chicken juicy, I reheat leftovers gently in a low oven (around 300°F) covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. Microwaving is quicker but can dry out the chicken. Always reheat salsa separately and add it fresh after warming the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier and more forgiving on the grill, so they’ll stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time to about 6-7 minutes per side and use a thermometer to check for doneness.
How far ahead can I make the mango watermelon salsa?

The salsa can be made a day ahead and kept chilled in the fridge. The flavors get even better after sitting, but be aware the texture might soften slightly as the fruit releases juice.
What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can cook the chicken in a grill pan or regular skillet over medium-high heat. Just be sure to get a nice sear and cook it through, then spoon the fresh salsa on top.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! If you’re worried about the jalapeño, you can reduce or leave it out from the salsa. The sweetness of the mango and watermelon make it appealing to little ones too.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe is one that I keep coming back to every summer because it’s just so darn good and perfect for those long sunny days. It’s light, flavorful, and really brings out the best in fresh seasonal fruit. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s a crowd-pleaser that always earns compliments around my table. Give it a try and let me know how it becomes your go-to summer dinner!