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 extravirgin 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 light, refreshing dinner that bursts with summer flavors, you’re going to love this Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels both special and so easy to pull together—perfect for weeknight grilling or impressing friends at your next backyard BBQ. The juicy grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the sweet, tangy salsa made from fresh mango and watermelon, and believe me, it becomes an instant family favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: The salsa’s mix of mango and watermelon adds a juicy sweetness that perfectly complements the smoky grilled chicken.
Simple and Quick: With minimal prep and under 10 minutes of grilling, you can have a stunning meal on the table fast.
Versatile: You can easily customize the salsa heat level or swap chicken breasts for thighs depending on your taste.
Perfect for Warm Weather: This dish feels light, vibrant, and is ideal for summer cookouts or any time you want a tropical twist at dinner.

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, mango watermelon salsa, summer chicken dishes, healthy grilled chicken recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here lies in simple, fresh ingredients working together — juicy watermelon, sweet mango, and the just-right amount of heat from jalapeño—all balanced by a tangy lime dressing. When shopping, make sure to pick ripe, fragrant mangoes and firm watermelon to get the best salsa texture.

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, mango watermelon salsa, summer chicken dishes, healthy grilled chicken recipes

Fresh oregano: Adds a herbal aroma that elevates the grilled chicken marinade.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and infuses subtle richness.
Chili powder: Brings a gentle smoky heat that complements the sweetness of the salsa.
Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and depth to the chicken’s flavor.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the salsa.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for a sharp, savory kick in the marinade.
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for the marinade and grill marks — but thighs work great too.
Cooking spray: To prevent sticking on your grill (or you can use a brush of oil).
Watermelon: Cubed and refreshing, it adds a juicy burst to the salsa.
Mango: Peeled and cubed; choose ripe but firm mango for the best texture.
Red onion: Finely chopped for a slight crunch and a bit of sharpness.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped to bring brightness and herbal notes to the salsa.
Jalapeño pepper: Finely chopped and seeded to control the heat level just how you like it.
Fresh lime juice: Adds acidity and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Sugar: Just a touch to round out the flavors 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 that this Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe is so adaptable. Sometimes I’ll tweak it to suit whatever produce I have or the preferred spice level of my guests. Feel free to get creative—there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

Swap chicken for shrimp or fish: I once tried this with grilled shrimp and it was just as delicious, offering a lighter seafood twist.
Make it spicy: Leaving the jalapeño seeds in gives a nice kick, and you can add a dash of hot sauce if you want extra heat.
Use different fruit: When mangoes aren’t in season, I sometimes substitute peaches or pineapple for a fresh flavor.
Go gluten-free or paleo: This recipe is naturally free from gluten and works great for those diets.

How to Make Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Put fresh oregano, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and minced garlic into a resealable bag and squish everything around to combine. Then add your chicken breasts and make sure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. I usually let mine rest in the fridge for at least an hour, but if you have the time, 4 hours is even better to deepen that flavor. Quick tip: marinating longer doesn’t always mean better, as too much acid can start to toughen the meat—you want luscious, tender chicken here.

Step 2: Get That Grill Sizzling

Preheat your grill to high heat and give the grates a good spray or oil brush to prevent sticking—this always saves me a headache. Grill the chicken breasts about 5 minutes per side, but start checking for doneness around 3 minutes on the second side. The internal temperature should read 160-165°F; I swear by a meat thermometer for perfect results. Remove the chicken once done and let it rest, covered with foil, for at least 5-10 minutes—this resting step helps the juices redistribute, so every bite is juicy.

Step 3: Whip Up the Mango Watermelon Salsa

While the chicken’s resting, toss together watermelon cubes, mango, finely chopped red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This salsa is fantastic fresh but also tastes even better if it sits for a little while to let those flavors meld. I sometimes make this a day ahead, keeping it refrigerated, which makes dinner prep on the day of a breeze.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Slice or serve your rested grilled chicken breasts whole, topped generously with the colorful mango watermelon salsa. The contrast of warm, smoky chicken and cool, sweet salsa is just unbeatable!

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Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe

Marinate Ahead: I find marinating the chicken overnight really amps up the flavor without changing texture.
Use a Meat Thermometer: It takes the guesswork out of grilling and helps avoid overcooked chicken, which dries out fast.
Seed the Jalapeño: Removing seeds controls heat; keep some if you want a gentle spicy kick, but no seeds means milder salsa.
Rest the Chicken: Don’t skip this step—it locks in juices and makes the chicken super tender and delicious.

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, mango watermelon salsa, summer chicken dishes, healthy grilled chicken recipes

Garnishes

I usually top the salsa with a little extra chopped cilantro or thin slices of fresh jalapeño if I want a pop of color and heat. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the chicken just before serving also brightens the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This grilled chicken and salsa combo pairs perfectly with simple sides like cilantro-lime rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad. On hot days, I love serving it with a cold quinoa salad tossed with cucumbers and mint—refreshing and filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve served this on a big platter with the chicken sliced and salsa piled on top, surrounded by colorful tortilla chips for scooping. It also works great over a bed of arugula or served in warm corn tortillas for a fresh summer taco vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken keeps well for up to 3 days, and the salsa stays fresh for 1-2 days—best enjoyed quickly because fresh fruit can start to break down.

Freezing

I generally don’t freeze the salsa since the texture changes, but the marinated raw chicken freezes beautifully before grilling. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and grill as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming the chicken in a skillet over low heat to keep it moist, or briefly in the microwave covered to retain juiciness. I always serve the salsa cold and fresh, never reheated, to keep that bright, fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or regular skillet on the stovetop. Just heat the pan over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and cook the chicken breasts about 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. It won’t have those classic grill marks, but the flavor and texture will still be delightful.
Is the mango watermelon salsa spicy?

The salsa’s heat depends on how much jalapeño you add and whether you include the seeds. If you prefer mild salsa, just remove all the seeds or reduce the jalapeño amount. For a spicier kick, leave the seeds and add extra jalapeño or even a dash of cayenne.
Can I prepare the mango watermelon salsa ahead of time?

Yes! The salsa tastes fantastic when made a few hours ahead or even the day before. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving to freshen it up.
What is the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast; chicken is safe and juicy at 160-165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center to check that there’s no pink and the juices run clear.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken with Mango Watermelon Salsa Recipe is truly one of my favorite summer meals—it’s colorful, healthy, and bursting with fresh flavors that make every bite exciting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, it’s an easy-to-love recipe that always gets rave reviews. Give it a try soon, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for it all season long!