Description
Mango Salsa Chicken is a bright and flavorful dinner featuring juicy seasoned chicken topped with a fresh mango salsa made from ripe mangoes, avocado, lime, cilantro, and red onion. This easy and healthy recipe is packed with tropical flavors and perfect as a protein-rich summer meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Mango Salsa:
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- ¼ small red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Marinate the chicken: Let the chicken marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the salsa. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Make the mango salsa: In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and salt. Gently toss to mix all ingredients thoroughly without mashing the avocado.
- Heat the cooking surface: Preheat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill or skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink inside.
- Rest and slice: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Then slice into strips or serve whole.
- Serve: Spoon the fresh mango salsa generously over the cooked chicken and serve immediately for a tropical and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm mangoes so the salsa holds its texture and doesn’t become mushy.
- Add diced pineapple or cucumber for an extra layer of freshness and crunch in the salsa.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your preferred spice level, omit if you prefer no heat.
- Pair the dish with rice, quinoa, black beans, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Keep the salsa refrigerated and add avocado shortly before serving to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Lunch, Summer Recipes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Tex-Mex
