Enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal with this recipe for Grilled Chicken Thighs with Mango-Ancho Sauce. The juicy and tender chicken thighs are marinated in a blend of spices, then grilled to perfection. The homemade mango-ancho sauce adds a sweet and smoky kick to the dish, complementing the chicken beautifully. Serve it with a side of rice or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or any casual gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small ancho chili, seeded and chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place them on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the mango-ancho sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the diced mango, red onion, cilantro, ancho chili, lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Once the chicken thighs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the grilled chicken thighs with the mango-ancho sauce on the side. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro, if desired.
- Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Ancho chili is a dried poblano pepper that adds a rich, smoky flavor to the sauce.
Marinating the chicken thighs helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors of the spices.
Grilling the chicken thighs with the skin on helps to keep them moist and flavorful.
Mango is a tropical fruit that adds a natural sweetness to the sauce, balancing out the smoky heat from the ancho chili.