When you’re craving something bright, zesty, and packed with bold flavor, Mango Chili Lime Chicken Bowls are your answer. This colorful, nutrient-rich dish is the perfect balance of sweet mango, spicy chili, and tangy lime, layered over fluffy rice and juicy grilled chicken. It’s sunshine in a bowl—and exactly what your taste buds deserve.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, planning a vibrant dinner, or just trying to spice up your usual rotation, this bowl has it all: juicy chicken, fresh toppings, and a homemade chili lime dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold & Bright – Chili, lime, and mango create the perfect flavor combo.
Protein-Packed – Juicy grilled chicken adds satisfying substance.
Balanced Meal – Carbs, protein, healthy fats, and fresh produce—all in one bowl.
Customizable – Swap out rice, add avocado, or make it vegetarian.
Great for Meal Prep – Keeps well and tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chili Lime Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
- ½ cup black beans (rinsed & drained)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ avocado, sliced (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Optional Chili Lime Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Pinch of salt
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Grill pan or skillet
- Cutting board & knife
- Citrus juicer
- Tongs or spatula
- Serving bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lime juice & zest, garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden, charred, and cooked through. Let it rest, then slice.
Step 3: Make the Dressing (Optional)
Whisk together olive oil, honey, lime juice, chili powder, and salt until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
In each bowl, start with a base of rice. Top with sliced chili lime chicken, diced mango, red cabbage, corn, beans, and avocado. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with cilantro.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm!
Tips for Perfect Bowls
- Use ripe mango – It should be sweet and juicy but still hold its shape.
- Add crunch – Top with crushed tortilla chips or roasted pepitas for texture.
- Spice it up – Add a few jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it vegetarian – Swap chicken for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas.
Serving Suggestions
As a Dinner Bowl – Serve warm with a sparkling lime soda or chilled white wine.
Meal Prep Friendly – Store in containers and add dressing fresh each day.
In Tacos – Use the same ingredients in tortillas for mango chili chicken tacos.
Add Creaminess – A dollop of Greek yogurt or crema balances the spice beautifully.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Store components separately for best freshness. Keep in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat chicken and rice in the microwave or a skillet. Top with cold ingredients afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen mango?
Yes! Just thaw it first and drain any excess liquid.
Is this spicy?
It has a mild kick from the chili. Adjust chili powder or add hot sauce to taste.
Can I grill the chicken outside?
Absolutely! Outdoor grilling adds great flavor—just make sure your chicken hits 165°F internally.
Can I use quinoa or cauliflower rice?
Yes to both! Customize the base however you’d like.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Latin-Inspired
Mango Chili Lime Chicken Bowls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
When you’re craving something bright, zesty, and packed with bold flavor, Mango Chili Lime Chicken Bowls are your answer. This colorful, nutrient-rich dish is the perfect balance of sweet mango, spicy chili, and tangy lime, layered over fluffy rice and juicy grilled chicken. It’s sunshine in a bowl—and exactly what your taste buds deserve.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, planning a vibrant dinner, or just trying to spice up your usual rotation, this bowl has it all: juicy chicken, fresh toppings, and a homemade chili lime dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
Want more flavor-packed meals like this? Subscribe now and get fresh, delicious recipes straight to your inbox!
Ingredients
For the Chili Lime Chicken:
-
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
Juice of 2 limes
-
Zest of 1 lime
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tsp chili powder
-
½ tsp smoked paprika
-
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Bowls:
-
2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
-
1 ripe mango, diced
-
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
-
½ cup corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
-
½ cup black beans (rinsed & drained)
-
¼ cup chopped cilantro
-
½ avocado, sliced (optional)
-
Lime wedges, for serving
Optional Chili Lime Dressing:
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tbsp honey
-
Juice of 1 lime
-
½ tsp chili powder
-
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lime juice & zest, garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden, charred, and cooked through. Let it rest, then slice.
Step 3: Make the Dressing (Optional)
Whisk together olive oil, honey, lime juice, chili powder, and salt until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
In each bowl, start with a base of rice. Top with sliced chili lime chicken, diced mango, red cabbage, corn, beans, and avocado. Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with cilantro.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm!
Notes
Use ripe mango – It should be sweet and juicy but still hold its shape.
Add crunch – Top with crushed tortilla chips or roasted pepitas for texture.
Spice it up – Add a few jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce.
Make it vegetarian – Swap chicken for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Latin-Inspired
