Cilantro Lime Mango Chicken (AIP & Paleo)

Cilantro Lime Mango Chicken (AIP & Paleo) is that weeknight hero I reach for when dinner needs to feel bright and special without a pile of dishes. If you’ve ever stared into your fridge at 5 p.m. wondering how to make chicken exciting, this one’s for you. It’s juicy, zesty, a touch sweet, and totally friendly for both AIP and Paleo folks. The mango softens and caramelizes just enough, and the lime wakes everything up. Pair it with a simple side and dinner practically makes itself. 

Tips and Tricks on Making this AIP & Paleo Summer Chicken Recipe

Here’s the thing about Cilantro Lime Mango Chicken (AIP & Paleo): the flavor is huge, but the process is simple. You don’t need fancy tools or specialty ingredients. You just need a good marinade, fresh mango, lots of lime, and enough time for the chicken to soak up all that goodness.

Use chicken thighs if you like extra juiciness. Breasts work great too, just don’t overcook them. I aim for an internal temp of 165°F and pull them off the heat right when they get there. The mango cubes should be ripe but not mushy. If it’s too soft, it will disappear into the pan. If it’s too firm, it won’t sweeten up. That sweet spot makes all the difference.

Marinating is your secret weapon. Even 30 minutes helps, though two hours is dreamy. A little coconut aminos adds depth without soy, and a splash of olive oil keeps the chicken tender. Be generous with the lime zest and juice. It’s the backbone of the marinade.

Cilantro can be polarizing, so chop it finely and save some for serving. It gives that fresh pop right at the end. If cilantro tastes soapy to you, you can use flat leaf parsley for your portion at the table and keep the rest of the dish classic.

If I’m feeling laid back, I’ll pan sear on medium heat. If I want some grill marks and smoky notes, I fire up the grill. Baking is great when I need hands off cooking. All three methods work with this marinade, which is why it’s become a weekly regular for us.

Make ahead and storage

Marinate the chicken the night before and keep it in a sealed bag or container. Cooked leftovers last up to 3 days in the fridge. They’re great sliced over greens or tucked into lettuce cups for a quick lunch. If you love easy chicken dinners, you might also enjoy my reliable slow cooker go to, this cozy crockpot rotisserie chicken.

My kids asked for seconds and then fought over the leftover mango in the pan. That’s when I knew this one was a keeper.

How to make Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken

Even though I’m talking about Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken here, I always fold in the mango to make it that full Cilantro Lime Mango Chicken (AIP & Paleo) experience. The steps are easy and the payoff is big.

What you need

• 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced into 1 inch chunks
• 1 large lime, zested and juiced
• 1 small handful fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Sea salt to taste

Step by step

Whisk the lime zest and juice, coconut aminos, oil, garlic, and salt. Stir in half the chopped cilantro. Add the chicken and coat well. Marinate at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Pan method: Heat a large skillet over medium. Drizzle a little oil, add the chicken, and sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through. Toss in the mango for the last 3 to 4 minutes so it warms and lightly caramelizes. Add the remaining cilantro off the heat.

Grill method: Preheat to medium high. Lightly oil the grates. Grill chicken 5 to 6 minutes per side. Skewer the mango and grill for a minute or two to mark it, then toss it over the cooked chicken with cilantro.

Bake method: Arrange chicken on a parchment lined sheet pan. Bake at 400°F for 18 to 22 minutes, adding the mango for the final 5 to 7 minutes. Rest the chicken 5 minutes before slicing.

Pro tip for extra saucy: Pour the leftover marinade into a small pan, bring to a brief boil, then simmer 3 to 4 minutes to reduce. Spoon it over the chicken just before serving. For another super easy sheet pan vibe, check out this sunny twist, Hawaiian chicken with pineapple and peppers.

Recipe Variations for Cilantro Lime Chicken

There are so many ways to riff on this dish and keep it AIP and Paleo friendly. The mango lime base is versatile, and you can nudge it sweet, savory, or smoky depending on mood.

Swaps for AIP and flavor twists

Swap mango with ripe peaches or pineapple if that’s what you have. If you want it more savory, add thinly sliced green onions during the last minute of cooking. Coconut aminos provide rich umami without soy, so keep that in. If you tolerate a touch of heat later in your reintroduction phase, a sprinkle of ground ginger can add warmth without nightshades.

Make it meal prep friendly by cooking a big batch and slicing for bowls. Add shredded cabbage, cucumber ribbons, and extra cilantro for crunch. Roll the leftovers into lettuce cups or pile onto cauliflower rice for a fresh lunch. If you love handheld meals, you’ll also like these Paleo chicken lettuce wraps.

If you want to keep the dish name exact, the full flavor really shines when you call it Cilantro Lime Mango Chicken (AIP & Paleo) and serve it with something green and citrusy on the side. It just sings.

Health Benefits of Ingredients in Cilantro Lime Chicken

I love when simple food also checks the nutrient box. In this recipe, each ingredient brings something good to the table.

Chicken gives you lean protein for steady energy and muscle support. Mango delivers vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. Lime juice is refreshing and brings extra vitamin C. Cilantro can be supportive for digestion and adds fresh herbal compounds. Olive oil or avocado oil provides healthy fats that help you absorb fat soluble vitamins and keep you satisfied.

Coconut aminos adds a balanced savory note without gluten, soy, or refined sugar. Garlic is delicious and fits well within AIP and Paleo guidelines. Everything here is free of grains and dairy, and we skip seed based spices to keep it AIP friendly. The result is a balanced plate that feels light but satisfying.

If you’re building a rotation of better for you chicken recipes, having a few easy options helps on busy evenings. When I need something fast and fuss free, I’ll often default to quick favorites like 30 minute Instant Pot BBQ pulled chicken. It’s nice to have choices depending on your schedule.

Serving Suggestions for Cilantro Lime Chicken

Once the chicken comes off the heat, you’ve got a world of pairing options. Keep it simple and fresh so the citrus and mango can shine.

• Serve over warm cauliflower rice with lime zest and a little chopped cilantro.
• Tuck into crisp lettuce cups with sliced cucumbers and avocado.
• Make a quick salad with mixed greens, chicken slices, mango chunks, and a splash of lime.
• Roast a tray of asparagus or zucchini while the chicken cooks and serve everything family style.
• Add a side of mashed sweet potato for a cozy, balanced plate.
• Chop leftovers and toss into a quick soup or broth for next day lunch. If you’re into cozy bowls, you might enjoy this easy Instant Pot chicken noodle soup on chilly nights.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen mango? Yes. Thaw and drain well before cooking so it does not water down the pan. Pat dry and add during the last few minutes.

What if I only have chicken breasts? Totally fine. Pound to even thickness so they cook evenly and do not dry out. Watch the temp and rest before slicing.

How long should I marinate? At least 30 minutes, though 2 hours is ideal. You can go up to 8 hours if you like to prep in the morning.

Can I bake the mango with the chicken the whole time? I recommend adding mango partway through so it softens and caramelizes without turning jammy.

Is this freezer friendly? Freeze the uncooked chicken in the marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then cook and add mango fresh.

Let’s wrap it up with a fresh squeeze of lime

There you have it. Cilantro Lime Mango Chicken (AIP & Paleo) is bright, easy, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a small win on a busy day and still earns compliments at the table. If you want to keep the citrusy vibe going, pair it with ideas from recipes like Cilantro Lime Riced Cauliflower and Chicken in this helpful guide from Sonora in Bold, or explore another summery spin like this Grilled Mango Chicken for outdoor nights. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep this one in the rotation.