Fiesta Chicken with Fresh Mango Salsa

Recipe Introduction

Ever found yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to whip up for dinner? Well, let me introduce you to my absolute go-to: chicken salsa .

It's a total flavour bomb that's quick enough for even the busiest weeknight. Honestly, this recipe has saved me more times than I can count!

A Taste of Sunshine: Fiesta Chicken

This chicken salsa recipe isn't just food; it's an experience. Think sunshine, vibrant colours, and a taste of the tropics.

This isn't your typical beige midweek meal, is it? This vibrant dish features juicy, pan seared chicken breast topped with a homemade mango salsa.

A Little Bit of Background

While I can’t claim to have invented mango salsa chicken , this recipe is definitely inspired by years of eating some amazing meals, and is ready in around 40 minutes.

Serves 4 hungry people, perfect for a family dinner. The cultural significance? It’s pure sunshine on a plate, perfect if you need to imagine you are in Mexico while eating delicious weeknight chicken recipes .

Why This Chicken Salsa Rocks

One of the best things about this easy chicken dinner is it's packed with goodness. We're talking lean protein from the chicken and a mega dose of vitamins from the fresh mango salsa .

Plus, it's so vibrant and flavourful, you'll forget you're eating something healthy! Serve this when you want a meal that feels special but doesn't take hours in the kitchen.

What makes it truly special? The combination of spicy chicken salsa with the sweet fruit. The great thing about salsa is it is really customisable, so you can make chicken with fruit salsa and other ingredients such as chicken and black bean salsa .

Ready to gather the ingredients? Let's dive in.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Right, so before we dive headfirst into creating this glorious chicken salsa recipe , let's get all our bits and bobs together, shall we? There’s nothing worse than realising you’re missing a key ingredient halfway through been there, done that, got the T-shirt!.

This easy chicken dinner will be a total breeze if you've got everything prepped and ready.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show

• Chicken Breasts: You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each). Now, for the quality, you want them to be nice and plump, with a good colour not too pale. If you can, get free range. It makes a difference.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ).
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ).
• Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ).
• Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ).
• Mango Salsa Time!
  • Mango: 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced. It needs to be yielding but not mushy. You want that sweet, juicy flavour for your fresh mango salsa .
  • Red Onion: 1/2 finely diced.
  • Red Bell Pepper: 1/2 finely diced.
  • Jalapeño (Optional): 1 seeded and minced. If you're not a fan of heat, leave it out. But a little kick makes it a spicy chicken salsa !
  • Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup ( 15g ), chopped.
  • Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). Freshly squeezed is the way to go. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ).

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs Away!

This chicken salsa is all about that balance of sweet, savoury, and a touch of spice. The chili powder and cumin are a classic combo for a reason! It just works.

For a bit of extra oomph, try a pinch of smoked paprika in the chicken seasoning. It adds a lovely depth of flavour.

If you don't have cilantro, parsley is a decent substitute, but honestly, cilantro brings a brightness you can't beat.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Silly!

• A decent skillet or frying pan: Big enough to fit all the chicken breasts without overcrowding.
• Cutting board & Chef's knife: For chopping all those lovely veggies for the mango salsa chicken .
• Mixing bowl: For the fresh mango salsa , obviously!
• Meat mallet (Optional): If your chicken breasts are a bit on the thick side, give them a bash to even them out. It helps them cook evenly. You could use a rolling pin if you don't have a mallet.

And that's it. You're all set to create some amazing grilled chicken salsa (or pan-seared, depending on the weather!). Enjoy your weeknight chicken recipes ! It's so colourful, it is almost like you are creating a chicken with fruit salsa , honestly.

Let's Get This Chicken Salsa Party Started!

Right, listen up, my lovely lot! Are you ready for an easy chicken dinner that tastes like sunshine and good times? I'm talking about Fiesta Chicken with Fresh Mango Salsa .

Seriously, this chicken salsa recipe is a game changer. If you are looking for tasty weeknight chicken recipes this ones for you, honestly.

I remember one time, I tried a similar recipe, but the chicken was dry as a bone. Not this one, though!

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, get your mise en place sorted. That basically means having all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you even think about turning on the hob.

Dice your mango, red onion, red bell pepper and jalapeño. Chop that cilantro. In a separate small bowl, mix together your spices for the chicken: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Chicken Time: Sear It Like You Mean It

1. If your chicken breasts are a bit on the chunky side, bash 'em with a meat mallet until they're about 1/2 inch thick. This will make sure they cook evenly.
2. Rub that spice mix all over your chicken. Get it in every nook and cranny!
3. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat .
4. Pop the chicken in and sear for 5- 7 minutes per side . You're aiming for a lovely golden brown colour and an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . A meat thermometer is your best mate here.
5. Once it's cooked through, take the chicken out of the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes . This is crucial, don't skip it!

Top Tips for Epic Chicken Salsa

Want to take your mango salsa chicken to the next level? The trick is to use fresh mango salsa . Honestly, that fresh zing makes all the difference! If you want to make a spicy chicken salsa , leave some seeds from the jalapeño, or add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to your chicken spices.

The sweetness of the mango with the spice is just fantastic. One time, I tried using frozen mango and it just wasn't the same! A common mistake is overcrowding the pan when searing the chicken.

Give the chicken space, because too much chicken will bring down the temperature and make your chicken not brown properly, and you want that colour, you know? Don't like mango, you can substitute with pineapple instead for a tangier flavour that matches lovely with chicken.

For a variation, use diced avocado to create a creamy chicken and black bean salsa .

Recipe Notes for the Best Chicken Salsa

Right, let’s talk about making this chicken salsa recipe your own! Honestly, cooking should be fun, not stressful. So, ditch the pressure and get creative! Here's a little more on how to make the best easy chicken dinner .

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, picture this: your mango salsa chicken looks amazing on the plate! For a casual vibe, pile it high on a bed of fluffy rice.

Feeling fancy? Arrange the sliced pan seared chicken breast artfully, with a vibrant dollop of the fresh mango salsa alongside.

A sprinkle of extra cilantro and a lime wedge? Chef's kiss! This goes great with black beans and corn as well.

As for drinks, a cold beer, a fizzy limeade, or even a crisp white wine would be perfect.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This chicken and black bean salsa recipe keeps well. Just pop the chicken and salsa into separate airtight containers and bung them in the fridge.

They'll be good for about three days.

Freezing? You can freeze the chicken on its own, but the salsa is best enjoyed fresh. Reheating the chicken? A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle warm-up in a pan will do the trick.

Just make sure it's piping hot!

Variations: Remix Your Chicken with Fruit Salsa

Fancy a change? How about a spicy chicken salsa version? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or use a hotter jalapeño in the salsa. Boom, instant heat!

For a seasonal twist, swap the mango for peaches or nectarines in the summer. During the colder months, pears or apples work a treat.

These can be made in to great weeknight chicken recipes .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, so this grilled chicken salsa is not just delicious, it’s pretty good for you too! You're getting a good dose of protein from the chicken, vitamins from the fruit and veggies, and healthy fats from the olive oil.

Basically, it’s a win-win.

So there you have it, folks! This is more than just a recipe; it’s a starting point. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Honestly, if you were to tweak a version with pineapple instead of mango and then give it a try. Happy cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chicken salsa ahead of time? Will it still taste as good?

Absolutely! The mango salsa actually benefits from sitting for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld. You can prep the salsa up to a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to add the lime juice closer to serving time to prevent the fruit from browning.

The chicken is best cooked fresh, but you can always season it in advance to save time.

What's the best way to store leftover chicken salsa and for how long?

Store leftover chicken separately from the salsa in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will be good for up to 3-4 days, while the salsa is best consumed within 1-2 days, as the mango can become a bit soft.

Just a heads up, the salsa might release some liquid as it sits you can drain it off before serving, like a good cuppa before you add the milk!

I'm not a huge fan of mango. What else can I use in the salsa for this chicken salsa recipe?

No worries, there are plenty of alternatives! Diced pineapple works brilliantly for a tangier twist. You could also try peaches or even a combination of bell peppers and corn for a more savory salsa. Feel free to experiment cooking should be a laugh, not a chore!

Help! My chicken is always dry. Any tips for keeping it moist when making chicken salsa?

Ah, the eternal struggle! First, make sure you're not overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer 165°F (74°C) is your magic number. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook evenly too, preventing some parts from drying out before others are done.

Also, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking, covered loosely with foil, to allow the juices to redistribute. Sort of like letting a good cup of tea steep!

Is this chicken salsa recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

You bet! This recipe is packed with lean protein from the chicken and loads of vitamins and antioxidants from the mango, peppers, and cilantro. It’s also relatively low in fat, especially if you use a light hand with the olive oil.

You can bulk it up with brown rice and beans for a really nutritious and filling meal, making it a pretty good shout for a healthy dinner.