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Transform your dinner into a tropical paradise with this Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa recipe. It brings the vibrant flavors of summer right to your plate.

Imagine juicy chicken glazed with zesty lemon and fresh ginger, topped with a colorful mix of sweet pineapple and mango salsa. Each bite is a delightful combination of:

Bright citrus notes from fresh lemon
Warm, spicy hints of ginger
Sweet tropical fruits
A subtle kick of heat

This dish isn’t just delicious – it’s also great for meal prep. Make a larger batch and enjoy these tropical flavors throughout your week. The chicken stays moist, and the salsa maintains its fresh crunch for several days when stored properly.

Whether you’re busy on weeknights or hosting guests on weekends, this recipe is perfect for both occasions. It’s healthy and flavorful, making it suitable for summer evenings while still being satisfying enough to become your new favorite dish all year round.

Lemon Ginger Chicken Recipe

Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa

Let’s dive into creating the star of this dish – a perfectly glazed chicken bursting with citrus and ginger notes. This recipe is not just limited to chicken, you can explore more dinner recipes that can elevate your culinary skills.

Ingredients for the Glaze:

2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
Zest of 2 lemons
3 tablespoons honey
¼ cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken:

4 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown
Mix glaze ingredients in a bowl
Pour glaze over chicken and cook for additional 2-3 minutes per side
Baste chicken frequently with the glaze as it thickens

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Prefer dark meat? Swap in chicken thighs for juicier results, similar to those found in an easy roasted cranberry chicken recipe. Heat lovers can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the glaze. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Pro tip: Make extra glaze to drizzle over your finished dish – it’s that good!

Pineapple Mango Salsa

Let’s create a vibrant salsa that brings a burst of tropical flavors to our lemon ginger chicken. This fresh and zesty combination adds the perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes to every bite.

Salsa Ingredients:

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
1 ripe mango, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
Salt to taste

Preparation Steps:

Dice the pineapple into small, uniform cubes. For tips on how to cut a pineapple effectively, check out this guide.
Finely chop the red onion and cilantro. Remember that cilantro not only adds flavor but also has some impressive health benefits.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Drizzle with fresh lime juice. If you’re looking for more ways to use up fresh limes, consider these 5 tasty suggestions.
Gently toss until well combined.
Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

The natural sweetness of the fresh fruits creates a bright contrast against the savory lemon ginger chicken. Each spoonful of salsa adds a refreshing crunch and juicy burst that elevates the entire dish. The red onion provides a subtle bite while the lime juice ties all the flavors together.

Pro tip: Make the salsa while your chicken is cooking – this allows the flavors to develop and marry together perfectly by the time you’re ready to serve.

Coconut Rice Base

The perfect foundation for our Lemon Ginger Chicken lies in a bed of aromatic coconut rice. This creamy, fragrant base adds an irresistible tropical dimension to every bite.

Basic Ingredients:

2 cups jasmine or basmati rice
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 kaffir lime leaf (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Rinse rice until water runs clear
Combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a pot
Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat
Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes
Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork

The magic happens when coconut milk transforms plain rice into a luxurious, creamy delight. Each grain absorbs the rich, tropical essence, creating the ideal canvas for our zesty chicken and vibrant salsa. The subtle sweetness of coconut complements both the tangy lemon-ginger sauce and the fresh fruit salsa, bringing harmony to every element of the dish.

Pro tip: Add a kaffir lime leaf during cooking for an authentic Southeast Asian aroma.

Spicy Mayo Drizzle

Let’s take things up a notch with a creamy, spicy drizzle that adds the perfect finishing touch to your tropical dish.

Ingredients for Spicy Mayo:

1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise
2-3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Pinch of salt

Quick Prep Steps:

Mix mayonnaise and Sriracha in a small bowl
Add lime juice and sesame oil
Whisk until smooth and creamy
Transfer to a squeeze bottle or piping bag

For a more detailed recipe, you can check out this spicy mayo recipe.

Pro Tip: Create beautiful plating designs by drizzling the spicy mayo in a zigzag pattern across your dish. Start from the outer edges and work your way toward the center. The bright orange sauce creates an eye-catching contrast against the golden chicken and colorful salsa.

You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less Sriracha. The lime juice cuts through the richness of the mayo while adding a zesty brightness that complements the tropical flavors of the dish.

Variations and Customizations

Make this recipe your own with these delicious protein swaps:

Alternative Proteins:

Shrimp: Pan-sear for 2-3 minutes per side until pink
Tofu: Press firm tofu, cut into cubes, and crisp in the pan
Salmon: Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes for perfect flakiness

Grain Options:

Quinoa: A protein-rich alternative that cooks in 15-20 minutes
Brown Rice: Nutty flavor that adds extra fiber and nutrients
Cauliflower Rice: Low-carb option ready in under 10 minutes

Sauce Adaptations:

Adjust the ginger-to-lemon ratio to match your taste
Add red pepper flakes for extra heat
Substitute maple syrup for honey to make it vegan-friendly

The lemon-ginger sauce works beautifully with any protein choice, while different grains can transform the dish’s texture and nutritional profile. Each variation maintains the tropical essence while offering new flavor dimensions to explore.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

This vibrant dish packs a powerful nutritional punch with its balanced combination of lean protein, fresh fruits, and healthy fats. The chicken breast serves as an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle maintenance and repair.

Key Nutritional Benefits:

Lean chicken breast: 26g protein per serving, low in saturated fat
Fresh mango: Rich in vitamins A, C, and antioxidants
Pineapple: Contains bromelain for digestion and immune support
Ginger: Anti-inflammatory properties and digestive aid
Coconut milk: Healthy fats for sustained energy
Fresh citrus: Vitamin C boost for immune function

The combination of protein and fiber-rich fruits helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, while the healthy fats from coconut milk and spicy mayo provide satiety. With approximately 450 calories per serving, this dish offers a nutrient-dense meal option that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Moreover, the health benefits associated with these ingredients extend beyond basic nutrition, potentially contributing to overall wellness.

Conclusion

This Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa brings a burst of tropical flavors right to your kitchen. The combination of zesty lemon, warming ginger, and sweet-tangy salsa creates an unforgettable dining experience that’ll transport you to a beachside paradise.

Ready to expand your tropical recipe collection? Try these delicious variations:

Caribbean Jerk Chicken with Grilled Pineapple
Coconut-Crusted Chicken with Passion Fruit Sauce
Thai-Style Mango Chicken Stir-Fry
Citrus-Glazed Chicken with Papaya Salsa

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – you can adjust the spice levels, swap proteins, or experiment with different tropical fruits in your salsa. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a summer gathering, this dish promises to impress.

Remember to save those extra salsa ingredients for future recipes – they’re perfect for adding a tropical twist to your next culinary creation. Your kitchen adventures with tropical flavors are just beginning, and this Lemon Ginger Chicken recipe is your perfect starting point.

Give this recipe a try and discover how easy it is to bring paradise to your plate!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the main ingredients in the Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa recipe?

The main ingredients include fresh ginger, lemon zest, honey, soy sauce for the lemon ginger glaze; pineapple, mango, red onion, and lime juice for the pineapple mango salsa; jasmine or basmati rice cooked with coconut milk for the coconut rice base; and a spicy mayo drizzle made from mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice.

How do I prepare the lemon ginger glaze for the chicken?

To prepare the lemon ginger glaze, combine fresh grated ginger, lemon zest, honey, and soy sauce. Sear the chicken until golden brown and then coat it with this flavorful glaze to infuse sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Can I customize the protein or spice level in this recipe?

Yes! The recipe is highly customizable. You can substitute chicken with alternative proteins such as shrimp, tofu, or salmon. Additionally, adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of sriracha in the spicy mayo drizzle or adding more fresh ginger to suit your taste.

What makes the pineapple mango salsa a perfect complement to the chicken?

The pineapple mango salsa provides a bright and fruity contrast to the savory lemon ginger chicken. Made with fresh pineapple, mango, red onion, and lime juice, it adds a refreshing tropical flavor that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy elements in the dish.

How is the coconut rice prepared to enhance this tropical meal?

The coconut rice is prepared by cooking jasmine or basmati rice with a mixture of coconut milk and water. This process infuses rich coconut flavor into the rice, enhancing the tropical essence of the Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa dish.

Is this Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa recipe healthy?

Absolutely! This meal offers nutritional benefits including high protein content from lean chicken or alternative proteins, fresh fruits rich in vitamins from pineapple and mango salsa, and healthy fats from coconut milk used in the rice. It’s an excellent option for a balanced and flavorful healthy meal.