Easy Mango Salsa Chicken Recipe
This Easy Mango Salsa Chicken recipe combines juicy oven-baked chicken breasts with a fresh, vibrant mango salsa bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner, the tropical salsa adds a zesty, sweet, and spicy kick to tender, perfectly seasoned chicken.
- Author: Tara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
- 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. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a sturdy pan, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch to ensure even cooking. Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix together 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.
- Bake the Chicken: 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 an extra crispy exterior, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prepare the Mango Salsa: While the chicken is baking, combine diced mangoes, red bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, and sea salt in a mixing bowl. Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste if desired.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the baked chicken breasts on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the vibrant mango salsa generously over the chicken. Optionally, serve the chicken and salsa separately so guests can customize their portions. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro or lime wedges for added freshness.
Notes
- For extra heat, keep the jalapeño seeds.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
- The mango salsa can be made in advance and refrigerated to enhance flavors.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for crispier chicken.
- Serve with rice or leafy greens for a complete meal.
Keywords: mango salsa chicken, baked chicken breasts, easy chicken recipe, fresh salsa, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe