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mango salsa chicken

Tropical Mango Salsa Topped Chicken

Joy Brooks
A vibrant fusion of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that transforms ordinary chicken breast into a tropical culinary experience with perfectly balanced fresh mango salsa.
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Servings: 4 servings
Course: Stuffed & Marinated
Cuisine: Tropical
Calories: 320 kcal
Prep Time : 25 minutes
Cook Time : 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 6-8 oz each
  • 2 tablespoons high smoke-point oil avocado or grapeseed preferred
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt divided between chicken and salsa
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 ripe mangoes firm but yielding
  • 1/2 red onion finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 1-2 jalapeños seeds removed and minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice approximately 1-2 limes
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for salsa

Method
 

  1. Remove chicken breasts from refrigeration 20-30 minutes before cooking. Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Combine 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin, then season chicken breasts evenly on both sides.
  2. Position oven rack in middle position and preheat to 375°F. Heat oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until approximately 400°F surface temperature.
  3. Add oil to the hot skillet. When oil shimmers, place chicken breasts presentation-side down. Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deep golden brown crust forms.
  4. Flip chicken breasts, then immediately transfer skillet to preheated oven. Bake until internal temperature reaches 163°F at thickest point, approximately 8-12 minutes.
  5. Remove skillet from oven. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5-7 minutes.
  6. While chicken rests, prepare mango salsa. Dice mangoes into ¼-inch cubes. Combine with red onion, bell pepper, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and remaining salt and pepper in a non-reactive bowl.
  7. Place rested chicken breasts on serving plates. Top generously with prepared mango salsa. Serve immediately.

Note

  • For optimal texture, choose mangoes that are ripe but still firm.
  • Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness for even cooking.
  • Prepare salsa just before serving for best texture and flavor development.
  • For extra flavor, char some of the bell pepper before adding to the salsa.
  • Store chicken and salsa separately if not consuming immediately.