Mango Habanero Chicken Skewers Recipe
Mango Habanero Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful dish combining juicy chicken pieces marinated in a sweet and spicy mixture of ripe mango and fiery habanero peppers. Grilled to perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro, these skewers offer a tropical twist perfect for outdoor gatherings, game days, or a unique weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating time of 30 minutes)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean / Tropical Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 2–3 habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into chunks
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, chopped habanero peppers, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a balanced sweet and spicy marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade. Toss the pieces to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1–2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes and mango chunks alternately onto the soaked skewers, leaving a slight gap between pieces to ensure even cooking and airflow during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 450°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and to create attractive sear marks on the skewers.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10–12 minutes total, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and develops a slight char for that smoky flavor.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot alongside rice, salad, or flatbread for a complete, sweet and spicy tropical meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of habanero peppers based on your preferred spice level; habaneros are very hot.
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time permits.
- You can substitute honey with brown sugar or maple syrup based on available ingredients.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results or breasts for leaner meat.
- Wear gloves when handling habanero peppers to avoid irritation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 skewers)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: mango habanero chicken, grilled chicken skewers, spicy chicken recipe, tropical chicken skewers, sweet and spicy chicken, summer grilling recipe
Find it online: https://maicook.com/mango-habanero-chicken-skewers-recipe/