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, for grill; 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 vibrant, juicy, and downright refreshing dish to fire up this summer, you’re in the right place. The Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe is one of those gems I keep coming back to when I want something light but packed with flavor. Imagine tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, topped with a salsa that’s sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy—all in one mouthwatering bite. Trust me, your taste buds are going to thank you for this one!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Flavorful: The salsa perfectly balances sweetness from mango and watermelon with a subtle kick from jalapeño.
Simple to Make: Just a quick marinade and a few minutes on the grill—great for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Healthy & Nourishing: Lean chicken breast combined with fresh fruit keeps this dish light but satisfying.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this recipe every time, and I bet yours will too.

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, easy fruit salsa recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe really comes from combining simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. When you shop, look for ripe mangoes and watermelon that smell sweet, and fresh herbs that still have their bright green color.

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, easy fruit salsa recipe

Fresh oregano: Adds a fragrant herbal note that’s a beautiful twist on classic grilled chicken seasonings.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps keep the chicken juicy and imparts a gentle richness to the marinade.
Chili powder: Brings warmth and depth to the chicken without overpowering its natural flavor.
Ground cumin: Offers a subtle earthy aroma that pairs wonderfully with the fresh salsa.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors in both chicken and salsa.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives a punch of savory flavor in every bite.
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts: Easy to grill and keeps the meal lean and healthy.
Cooking spray: Prevents sticking on your grill for perfect grill marks.
Watermelon (cubed): The juicy base of your salsa, refreshing with a subtle natural sweetness.
Mango (peeled and cubed): Adds tropical sweetness and a vibrant color contrast.
Red onion (finely chopped): Gives a mild bite and crunch to balance the sweet fruit.
Fresh cilantro: Brings fresh, zesty grassy notes that brighten the salsa.
Jalapeño pepper (seeded and chopped): Just enough heat to awaken your taste buds without overwhelming the fruit.
Fresh lime juice: Adds a zesty tang that lifts all flavors beautifully.
Sugar: A tiny touch to enhance the natural sweetness in the salsa.

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 flexible this recipe is—you can play with the salsa or marinade to suit your mood or what’s in season. Don’t be shy to try some of your own twists! Here are a few ideas based on what I’ve tried and loved.

Add Avocado: I sometimes dice avocado into the salsa for a creamy texture that balances the spicy jalapeño.
Swap Chicken for Fish: Grilled mahi-mahi or shrimp also pairs wonderfully with this salsa, giving you a lighter seafood option.
Make it Vegan: Grilled tofu marinated with the same spices works well, just make sure to press the tofu before grilling.
Extra Heat: If you like spice, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne powder to the marinade.

How to Make Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing fresh oregano, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and minced garlic in a ziplock bag. I like using a bag because it lets you really massage the marinade into the chicken evenly without a mess. Toss in your chicken breasts, seal the bag, and squish everything around until each piece is coated. Pop it in the fridge for anywhere between 30 minutes to 4 hours. I’ve learned that the longer it marinates (without going over 4 hours), the more the flavors soak in, but even 30 minutes makes a big difference.

Step 2: Get Your Grill Ready

Preheat your grill to high heat — you want those beautiful grill marks and a nice sear. To prevent sticking, either spray the grill rack with cooking spray or lightly brush it with oil. I usually choose the oil brush method; it feels a little more natural and less wasteful, but either works well. Make sure your grill grates are clean, too—that’s key to keeping the chicken from tearing.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on one side. Flip and start checking around 3 minutes on the second side—you’re aiming for an internal temperature between 160°F and 165°F. This is when my digital meat thermometer becomes my best friend to avoid overcooking. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes, loosely covered in foil; this helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat juicy.

Step 4: Mix Up the Mango Watermelon Salsa

While the chicken is resting—or even a day ahead—I toss together the watermelon, mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, sugar, and salt in a bowl. I love how the colors pop and the flavors balance out: sweet, spicy, tart, and fresh all at once. Pro tip: letting it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate your grilled chicken breasts and generously spoon the fruity salsa over the top. I like to add an extra sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that pretty green pop. You’ll find the combo perfect for warm days or whenever you need a meal that feels celebratory but doesn’t weigh you down.

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Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe

Marinate Patience: Don’t rush the marinating step—those hours really elevate the flavor, I promise it’s worth the wait.
Use a Meat Thermometer: I learned the hard way that guessing chicken doneness can lead to dry meat; a thermometer guarantees juicy results every time.
Salsa Prep Ahead: Making the salsa a day in advance lets the flavors mingle and can save you valuable kitchen time on grilling day.
Rest the Chicken: I used to serve the chicken fresh off the grill but letting it rest keeps all those juices locked in—game changer!

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, easy fruit salsa recipe

Garnishes

I like to top the finished dish with a few extra sprigs of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime on the side. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for extra crunch and flavor contrast. Feel free to add thin slices of avocado or a light drizzle of crema if you want a creamy twist to balance out the bright salsa.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this grilled chicken are simple but fresh: a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, grilled corn on the cob, or even a quinoa salad tossed with herbs and a light dressing. You can’t go wrong with anything fresh and light to complement that juicy fruit salsa.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I love plating the chicken sliced thinly on a big platter with the salsa spooned artistically over top and extra lime wedges on the side. Another fun way is to stuff the salsa inside lettuce wraps with diced grilled chicken for bite-sized appetizers. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and feels fancy without a lot of fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I place any leftover grilled chicken and salsa in separate airtight containers. Keeping the salsa chilled separately helps maintain its fresh texture, while the chicken stays juicy. Stored this way, leftovers last safely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

Freezing grilled chicken from this recipe works fine if you want to save for later, but I don’t recommend freezing the salsa—it gets watery and mushy. I usually freeze the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags to prevent clumping. It freezes well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 300°F wrapped loosely in foil, which keeps it moist. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to dry chicken out quickly. Add fresh salsa on top just before eating for the best juicy, fresh explosion of flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just keep in mind they might need a couple of extra minutes to cook through and may have a different cooking temperature. Adjust your grilling time accordingly and check for doneness with a thermometer.
How spicy is the mango watermelon salsa?

The salsa has a gentle kick from the jalapeño, balanced by the sweetness of the mango and watermelon. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce or remove the jalapeño seeds, or omit it altogether. On the flip side, if you love spice, add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
Can I prepare the salsa in advance?

Yes! In fact, making the salsa a few hours or even a day ahead helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving.
What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill, no problem! You can cook the chicken on a grill pan or in a hot cast-iron skillet on the stove. Just make sure it’s preheated well to get a nice sear and cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until done.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something fresh, vibrant, and effortless. It’s the kind of dish that feels like summer on a plate and always brings smiles around the table. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do—send me a note if you try it, because once you taste that salsa with juicy grilled chicken, I suspect you’ll be hooked too!