Cilantro Lime Mango Chicken (AIP & Paleo)

Introduction

Looking for a way to jazz up your weeknight dinners without introducing grains, dairy, or nightshades? This Cilantro Lime Mango Chicken is infused with vibrant tropical flavors while being fully compliant with both AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) and Paleo diets. The bright notes of lime and cilantro pair beautifully with the juicy chicken and naturally sweet mango, making this dish a delicious escape you can prepare any night of the week.

Deliciously Unique Cilantro Lime Mango Chicken

What makes this chicken recipe a real standout is the natural balance between tart lime and ripe, sweet mango, accented by fragrant fresh cilantro. It’s a flavor-packed main course that doesn’t rely on processed ingredients or spices that may irritate sensitive eaters. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from eggs, nuts, and seed-based spices—perfect for those focused on clean, flavorful eating.

Preparing the Perfect Cilantro Lime Mango Marinade

The marinade is at the heart of this recipe: tangy lime juice, diced mangoes, a hint of garlic, and fresh cilantro create a vibrant flavor base. The chicken gets coated in this mixture and marinated for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to permeate deeply. Mango acts as a natural tenderizer, keeping the chicken moist and juicy. For the best results, use ripe but firm mangoes and plenty of fresh lime juice.

Assembling Your Cilantro Lime Mango Chicken

After marinating, the chicken is either grilled or baked until perfectly cooked and lightly caramelized. The reserved marinade is briefly simmered to create a luscious, spoonable sauce. Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s topped with the thickened mango-lime sauce and a fresh sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a meal as visually striking as it is tasty.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Cilantro Lime Mango Chicken

This dish pairs well with simple AIP-friendly sides like cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini, or a fresh green salad. The tangy-sweet mango sauce enhances everything it touches, so be generous when serving. Consider a wedge of lime or a few slices of fresh mango on each plate for extra flair and freshness.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous servings. Each portion contains lean protein, healthy carbohydrates from mango, and is low in saturated fat. It’s packed with immune-friendly nutrients and fits seamlessly into AIP, Paleo, and clean eating meal plans.

Cilantro Lime Mango Chicken (Recap)

This AIP and Paleo-friendly chicken dish is proof that bold, exciting flavors don’t require complicated ingredients. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for those following special diets, and delightfully simple to prepare for weekday meals or special gatherings.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and streamlined meal planning.

Instructions

1. In a blender or food processor, combine diced mango, lime juice, oil, garlic (if using), half of the chopped cilantro, sea salt, and ginger (if using). Blend until mostly smooth.
2. Pat chicken pieces dry and place in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour 3/4 of the mango marinade over the chicken, reserving the rest. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
3. Preheat grill to medium-high or oven to 400°F. If baking, line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess. Grill 6–7 minutes per side (or bake 20–25 minutes), until fully cooked and juices run clear.
5. Meanwhile, place reserved marinade in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes to thicken and ensure safety.
6. Transfer cooked chicken to a serving platter. Spoon the thickened mango sauce over each piece. Sprinkle with remaining chopped cilantro and lime zest, if desired. Serve hot!

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a meal prep superstar—double the batch for easy grab-and-heat lunches or freeze extra portions for busy nights. Save and schedule this recipe in your CookifyAI meal planner to seamlessly organize your weekly meals and enjoy smart, consolidated shopping lists.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates ingredient totals across all planned recipes
– Organizes your shopping list by store aisle
– Minimizes unnecessary purchases and food waste
– Helps you stick to your AIP or Paleo diet with less effort

Pro tip: Pair this recipe with other AIP-friendly dishes in your weekly meal plan. Schedule now to see how ingredients like fresh herbs or limes can be used across multiple meals, saving money and reducing waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30–120 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (including marinating time)