Easy Mango Salsa Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Mango Salsa Chicken recipe combines juicy, seasoned chicken breasts with a bright, fresh mango salsa. It’s a colorful and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a tasty, healthy meal ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 ripe mangoes, diced (approximately 3 cups)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for added heat)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (for the salsa)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a sturdy pan, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch for even cooking.
2. Step 2: Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides. In a small bowl, combine sea salt, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cracked black pepper, and dried oregano. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken, coating thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Transfer the seasoned chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake for 17 to 22 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. For a crispier exterior, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid overcooking.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
5. Step 5: While the chicken is baking, prepare the mango salsa. In a mixing bowl, combine diced mangoes, red bell pepper, minced jalapeño (if using), finely chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and sea salt. Toss gently until well mixed. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
6. Step 6: Arrange the baked chicken breasts on a serving platter or on individual plates. Spoon the mango salsa generously over the chicken. Optionally, serve the salsa on the side for guests to customize their portions. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For added spice, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result but adjust baking time accordingly.
• Prep the salsa ahead of time and refrigerate to let the flavors meld before serving.
• Serve with rice, quinoa, or warm tortillas to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and salsa separate to maintain the fresh texture of the salsa. Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or microwave before serving. The salsa is best served cold or at room temperature and should be consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and proper seasoning absorption. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the chicken and mango salsa can be prepared in advance and stored separately. This makes it a convenient option for quick, healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Easy Mango Salsa Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 745 reviews

This Easy Mango Salsa Chicken recipe features juicy, oven-baked chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and topped with a vibrant, fresh mango salsa. Perfectly balanced with sweet, savory, and mildly spicy notes, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, refreshing meal.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Mango Salsa

• 2 ripe mangoes, diced (approximately 3 cups)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for added heat)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (for the salsa)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch using a meat mallet or the bottom of a sturdy pan, ensuring even cooking. Brush both sides of the breasts with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix sea salt, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and oregano, then sprinkle the seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken.
2. Bake the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured by a meat thermometer. For a crispier exterior, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent overcooking. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Prepare the Mango Salsa: While the chicken bakes, combine diced mangoes, red bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), red onion, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and sea salt in a bowl. Toss gently until all ingredients are well mixed. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as desired.
4. Assemble and Serve: Arrange the baked chicken breasts on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon a generous amount of the fresh mango salsa over each chicken breast. Optionally, serve the salsa on the side for guests to customize. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro or lime wedges to brighten the presentation and flavor.

Notes

• For consistent cooking, pounding the chicken to an even thickness is essential.
• If you prefer milder salsa, omit the jalapeño or reduce the amount.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
• This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a light salad for a complete meal.
• Leftover salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; avoid making it too far in advance to maintain freshness of the mango and cilantro.

Keywords: Mango Salsa Chicken, baked chicken breast, fresh mango salsa, easy chicken recipes, healthy chicken dinner