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Easy Mango Salsa Chicken 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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