Save The first time I made these skewers was actually by accident. I had a mango that was going soft and a craving for something grilled, so I threw everything into a blender and hoped for the best. My roommate walked in mid-prep and asked what I was doing, and I honestly didnt have an answer until we took that first bite.
I served these at a backyard dinner last July when the air was thick and mosquitos were out in full force. We ended up eating standing up around the grill because no one wanted to go inside. Something about food on skewers makes people linger longer.
Ingredients
- Ripe mangoes: The sweetness and texture of a perfectly ripe mango makes the marinade sing. Squeeze gently to check for slight give.
- Fresh lime juice and zest: Bottled lime juice lacks the bright punch you need here. Zest first, then juice for the most flavor.
- Chicken breasts: Cutting against the grain into even cubes helps everything cook at the same rate. Pat the pieces dry before marinating.
- Bell peppers and red onion: These provide sweetness and crunch that holds up on the grill. Red onion mellows out beautifully.
- Honey: This helps the marinade cling to the chicken and aids in caramelization on the grill.
- Smoked paprika and cumin: The smoked paprika adds a subtle campfire note while cumin grounds the tropical flavors.
- Fresh cilantro: The bright, citrusy finish cuts through the sweetness and ties everything together.
Instructions
- Blend the marinade:
- Combine the mango, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, honey, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
- Marinate the chicken:
- Set aside 1/4 cup of the marinade for brushing later. Place the chicken cubes in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour in the remaining marinade. Toss to coat thoroughly, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill:
- Heat your grill to medium-high. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes while the chicken marinates.
- Thread the skewers:
- Alternate threading marinated chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and additional mango cubes onto the skewers. Do not pack too tightly, or the heat will not circulate properly.
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Rest and serve:
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Save These skewers have become my go-to when friends come over and I want something that feels special without requiring hours of prep. There is something about food on a stick that just makes people happy.
Grill versus Broiler
If you do not have access to a grill, the broiler works surprisingly well. Position the rack about 6 inches from the heat and keep a close eye on things. The mango can go from golden to burnt quickly under a broiler. I usually broil for about 4 minutes per side.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can blend the marinade and cube the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator. I often thread the skewers in the afternoon and keep them on a baking sheet in the fridge until grill time. This makes evening cooking feel effortless.
Serving Ideas
These skewers pair beautifully with coconut rice, a fresh green salad, or grilled corn on the cob. The sweetness of the mango also complements spicy sides nicely. I have even served them with warm tortillas for a tropical twist on fajitas.
- Soak wooden skewers while you prep everything else
- Preheat the grill before you start threading the skewers
- Have all garnishes ready before you start cooking
Save Grilling season always feels too short. These skewers make every warm evening count.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to marinate the chicken?
Combine mango, lime juice, zest, olive oil, honey, garlic, and spices, then coat chicken cubes thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
- → Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes, shrimp or tofu can be substituted and marinated similarly for delicious alternatives on the skewers.
- → How should wooden skewers be prepared?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning during grilling.
- → What sides pair well with these skewers?
Coconut rice or a fresh green salad complement the tropical flavors and balance the meal well.
- → How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Grill until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and develops a slight char on the surface, about 10-12 minutes.