Mango Salsa Chicken

$- Chicken and Salsa Components - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 large ripe mango, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (adjust for spice preference) - 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped - 2 tablespoons lime juice - Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional Ingredients for Variation - You can add diced avocado for creaminess. - Pineapple can replace mango for a sweeter taste. - Try different herbs like parsley or mint for a fresh twist. Gathering these ingredients sets you up for success. Each part brings its own flavor, making the dish pop! The mango and lime juice add brightness, while the spices enhance the chicken's taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven before baking. Next, season the chicken breasts. Use olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper on both sides. This adds flavor and helps the spices stick. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist while it cooks. Cumin gives it a warm flavor that pairs well with mango salsa. To get a perfect sear, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in juices and gives the chicken a nice texture. Don’t rush this part! A good sear makes all the difference in flavor. While the chicken sears, you can make the mango salsa. You need these ingredients: - 1 large ripe mango, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (adjust for spice preference) - 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped - 2 tablespoons lime juice In a bowl, mix all these ingredients well. Make sure to combine them evenly to get the best flavor. Set the salsa aside. The fresh ingredients will brighten up the dish. After searing, pour the mango salsa over the chicken in the skillet. This adds a burst of flavor. Now, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Serve the chicken hot, topped generously with mango salsa. For presentation, you can add lime wedges and fresh cilantro. Great sides include rice or a simple salad. These pair well and make the meal complete. - Avoiding Dry Chicken Start with fresh, high-quality chicken. Season it well with olive oil and spices. Searing adds a nice crust. Don't overcook it. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. - Utilizing Thermometer for Accuracy A meat thermometer is your best friend. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. This helps you know when it's done. You avoid guesswork and keep the chicken juicy. - Adjusting Spice Levels Spice is all about balance. If you like heat, add more jalapeño. For mild salsa, use less or skip it. Taste as you go to find your perfect level. - Adding Sweetness or Acidity The mango brings sweetness, but you can add more. A bit of honey or sugar can lift flavors. You can also add more lime juice for acidity. This brightens the salsa. - Proper Storage Techniques Store any leftover chicken and salsa in airtight containers. Keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about three days. Make sure to separate them to keep the chicken moist. - Reheating Recommendations To reheat, place chicken in the oven at 350°F. Heat until warmed through. You can use the microwave for quick reheating. Just be careful not to dry it out. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Mangoes: Select mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma to ensure the best flavor for your salsa. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder salsa, remove all seeds from the jalapeño. For an extra kick, leave some seeds in or add more jalapeño. Let It Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices, making it tender and flavorful. Serve with Tortilla Chips: This mango salsa is also delicious as a dip with tortilla chips, perfect for a party or as an appetizer! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Salmon or tofu work well with mango salsa. - Using Salmon: Salmon has rich taste and pairs nicely with the sweet mango. Just adjust cooking time since salmon cooks faster than chicken. Bake it for about 15-20 minutes at 375°F. - Using Tofu: For a plant-based option, tofu absorbs flavors well. Use firm tofu, press it, and season it like chicken. Sear it for 3-4 minutes on each side before adding salsa. Feel free to get creative with the salsa. You can add other fruits and vegetables to mix things up. - Adding Other Fruits: Consider adding diced pineapple or kiwi for a tropical twist. These fruits add sweetness and a fun texture. - Incorporating Additional Vegetables: Try adding corn or diced cucumber. Both add crunch and freshness to your salsa. You can also change how you cook the chicken. Grilling and slow cooking are great options. - Grilling Options: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken. Preheat your grill to medium-high and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Top with salsa after grilling. - Slow Cooker Instructions: If you prefer slow cooking, season the chicken and place it in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours with the salsa added halfway through. This method keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Recommended Side Dishes Mango Salsa Chicken pairs well with many sides. Try these options: - Rice: White or brown rice adds a nice base. - Quinoa: This grain is healthy and filling. - Veggies: Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots work great. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch. Suggested Beverage Pairings Choose drinks that enhance the dish's flavors. Here are some ideas: - Iced tea: Sweetened or unsweetened is refreshing. - Lemonade: The tanginess balances the sweet salsa. - White wine: A dry Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish well. Understanding Internal Temperatures To ensure chicken is safe to eat, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. This is the best way to avoid undercooked chicken. Visual Cues for Done Chicken Look for these signs to confirm chicken is done: - Color: The meat should be white, not pink. - Juices: If juices run clear, the chicken is ready. - Texture: The meat should feel firm, not soft. Best Practices for Salsa Storage You can make mango salsa ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness. This will help the flavors blend nicely. Timing for Flavor Development For the best taste, make the salsa a few hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to mix. Just remember to stir it again before serving! - Total Prep Time: 15 minutes - Total Cook Time: 25 minutes - Number of Servings: 4 - Caloric Breakdown: Approximately 300 calories per serving - Key Nutritional Values: - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 20g - Fats: 12g - Fiber: 3g - Integration of a Printable Recipe Option: You can easily print this recipe for your kitchen. - Visual Recipe Cards and Tracking Features: Use images of each step to guide you. This way, you can track your progress and enjoy a fun cooking experience. In this blog post, we explored delicious mango salsa chicken from ingredients to serving ideas. You learned how to perfectly prepare and sear chicken and mix a vibrant salsa. I shared tips to keep your chicken juicy and how to customize the dish with protein alternatives. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative! Whether serving this dish for a family meal or a gathering, it's sure to impress. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and cooking methods for tasty results every time.$

A flavorful chicken dish topped with fresh mango salsa.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 large ripe mango, diced
1 piece red bell pepper, diced
0.5 small red onion, finely chopped
1 piece jalapeño, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper on both sides.
Sear the Chicken: In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Prepare Mango Salsa: While the chicken is searing, combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
Bake the Chicken: Once the chicken is seared, pour the mango salsa over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken hot, topped generously with the mango salsa.

Notes

Adjust the jalapeño for desired spice level.

Keyword chicken, healthy, mango, salsa