Citrus Chicken

My citrus chicken with mango-pineapple salsa tastes like a little trip to the tropics! Bright flavors of lemon, lime, and orange mingle with warming spices, while a fresh mango-pineapple salsa adds a sweet finish to this grilled chicken dish that truly wakes up the tastebuds.

A chicken recipe with fresh, tropical notes

In the colder months, I often crave something light and refreshing to balance out the hearty soups and stick-to-the-ribs stews of the season.

When I'm in the mood for bright citrus flavors and a touch of the tropics, this citrus chicken topped with mango-pineapple salsa hits all the right notes.

Chicken breasts marinate in warming Caribbean spices—nutmeg, ginger, and
allspice—along with bright citrus: fresh lemon, lime, and orange zest and
juice—talk about vibrant and delicious!

When your tastebuds crave a burst of citrus flavor, this tropical chicken dish delivers!

My recipe for citrus chicken

I always keep skinless, boneless chicken breasts in my freezer for quick and easy meals. When I want to jazz them up with sweet-savory, aromatic flavors, this Caribbean-inspired citrus chicken is my go-to dish.

Chicken breasts are perfect for marinating, and this blend of orange, lemon, and lime delivers bright citrus flavor. Using both the zest and juice not only maximizes flavor but helps tenderize the meat.

For those Caribbean-inspired notes, I sprinkle in ginger, allspice, and nutmeg. While this might seem like an unexpected pairing with citrus, these spices create a perfect sweet-savory balance.

The grilled chicken is delicious on its own, but a fresh salsa adds bright color and zesty flavor. I combine diced mango and pineapple with a touch of jalapeño and orange zest for a perfect finishing touch.

Here's a sneak peek at how I make my citrus chicken recipe: (or just jump to the full recipe...)

1. I start by marinating my chicken breasts in the citrus and spices for at least 30 minutes, even overnight if I'm prepping ahead (the longer, the more flavor!).
2. While the chicken marinates, I prep my sweet and kicky mango-pineapple salsa and pop it in the fridge to keep it chilled.
3. Once the chicken has marinated, I use my grill pan to cook the chicken for a few minutes on each side, until it's cooked through but still nice and juicy.
4. To serve, I spoon the mango-pineapple salsa over each chicken breast and add some cilantro and citrus slices for garnish.

Recipe

Citrus Chicken

by Ingrid Beer

Print Recipe

This citrus chicken with fresh mango-pineapple salsa is a vibrant, Caribbean-inspired meal brimming with spices and fresh flavors!

Category: Entree
Cuisine: American

Yield: Serves 4

Nutrition Info: 332 calories (per serving, with about ¼ cup of relish)

Prep Time: 30 minutes (does not include marination time)
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 42 minutes

Citrus Chicken Ingredients:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
• Zest of 1 lime
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of ½ lime
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Juice of ½ orange
• Salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
• ⅛ teaspoon allspice
• Cilantro leaves or sprigs
• Sliced lime, lemon and orange, for garnish

Mango-Pineapple Salsa Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango, diced finely
• ¼ of a pineapple, finely diced (about a heaping ½ cup)
• ½ jalapeno, seeded and cored, and finely minced
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Preparation:

1. Begin by gathering and prepping all of your citrus chicken ingredients according to the ingredient list above, and have everything ready and organized for use.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl and drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil. Next, add all remaining ingredients through the allspice, and toss well to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more flavor.
3. While the chicken marinates, gather and prep your mango-pineapple salsa ingredients according to the list above, having everything ready before you begin.
4. To make the mango-pineapple salsa, combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss gently to mix. Chill until ready to serve.
5. Once the chicken has marinated, heat a grill pan (or outdoor grill) to medium/medium-high heat. Drizzle with a touch of oil, then grill the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. To serve, top each citrus chicken breast with a generous spoonful of mango-pineapple salsa, a few sprigs of cilantro, and citrus slices. Enjoy on its own, or serve with rice or quinoa.

Tips & Tidbits for my citrus chicken recipe:

• Skinless and boneless chicken breasts: These chicken breasts are perfect for this quick and easy recipe, as they readily absorb the sweet-spiced marinade and grill up quickly on either a grill pan or outdoor grill. Feel free to substitute skinless and boneless chicken thighs, or even skin-on, bone-in thighs (which you can roast instead of grill).
• A trio of fresh citrus: I really love how sweet orange and tangy lemon and lime work together in this marinade, each bringing its own special note of citrus flavor. Be sure to use both the zest and juice to get all that wonderful citrus essence into your chicken!
• A sweet mango-pineapple salsa to add a fresh pop of flavor: I love how this simple four-ingredient salsa brightens up the chicken with its sweet tropical taste and gentle kick from the jalapeño. Feel free to skip the jalapeño and use sweet bell peppers instead, or add a sprinkle of red or green onion for a different twist.
• What to serve with citrus chicken: I love making this dish a little heartier by serving it over rice (basmati or brown) or quinoa—so healthy and delicious!

Craving more mouthwatering chicken recipes? Check out my recipe for Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs, Salsa Verde Chicken with Beans, Skillet Chicken with Rustic Tomato Sauce, Lemon Chicken Skewers, Spicy Orange Chicken Wings, or my Lemon Chicken Bowl with Pesto recipe!

Cook's Note: This recipe was originally published in 2014, and has been updated with even more love!