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Healthy Whole30 Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe with Easy Mango Salsa

Whole30 Grilled Chicken Thighs - featured image

A quick, healthy, and Whole30-friendly grilled chicken thigh recipe paired with a fresh, tangy mango salsa that’s perfect for summer gatherings and weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons / 30 ml)
  • 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (about 40 g)
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (about 10 g)
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons / 30 ml)
  • Salt to taste (start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Whisk until well mixed.
  2. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. While the chicken marinates, dice the mango into small cubes, chop the red onion finely, mince the jalapeño, and chop the cilantro.
  4. In a small bowl, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and set aside.
  5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 204°C). Brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot grill. Grill for 6-7 minutes without moving to get crispy skin and grill marks.
  7. Flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  9. Serve chicken topped generously with mango salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

Notes

If you don’t have a grill, roast chicken thighs in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes. For crispier skin, finish under broiler for 2-3 minutes watching carefully. Pat chicken dry before grilling to help skin crisp. Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes but no longer than 2 hours to avoid mushy texture. Adjust jalapeño amount for desired heat level. Salsa flavors deepen after a day; add fresh lime juice before serving to brighten.

Nutrition

Keywords: Whole30, grilled chicken, mango salsa, healthy, summer recipe, paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free