Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos

Name: Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp salt; 8 small corn tortillas; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese; Lime wedges for serving

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 10 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos are a delightful fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, perfect for any taco night. These vibrant tacos bring together juicy chicken, fresh mango salsa, and a kick of jalapeno, making them irresistibly refreshing and satisfying.

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Ingredients for Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos

The star of this dish is the chicken breast, which is lean and takes on flavors beautifully when seasoned and cooked. The mangoes add a juicy sweetness, balancing the heat from the jalapeno. A sprinkle of chili powder and smoked paprika gives the chicken a smoky, spicy depth. The red onion and cilantro in the salsa bring a fresh crunch and aromatic lift. Garlic powder and salt enhance the overall flavor, while lime juice adds zesty brightness. To finish, cotija cheese offers a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet and spicy elements.

Tips & Tricks

For more heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in the salsa or add a sprinkle of cayenne to the chicken.
Use ripe mangoes for the best sweetness — they should give slightly when pressed.
If you prefer a creamier texture, add a slice of avocado to each taco.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos pair wonderfully with a side of black beans or a simple corn salad. A cold, refreshing drink like a mango margarita or iced tea complements these flavors beautifully, enhancing the tropical vibes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein?: Absolutely! Shrimp or tofu would work well as substitutes for chicken.
Is there a non-spicy alternative to jalapeno?: You can use bell peppers for a milder flavor without the heat.
How can I store leftovers?: Store the chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken before serving.

Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos Recipe Walkthrough

Start by marinating the chicken. In a medium bowl, toss the diced chicken breast with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Let it sit while you prepare the salsa.

For the mango salsa, combine the diced mangoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and lime juice in a bowl. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the lime juice coats everything evenly. Taste and adjust, maybe a bit more lime juice or a pinch of salt if needed.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate.

In the same skillet, warm the corn tortillas for about a minute on each side to make them pliable and bring out their flavor. Now, it's time to assemble the tacos.

On each tortilla, layer some chicken, a generous spoonful of mango salsa, a sprinkle of shredded lettuce, and a handful of cotija cheese. Serve them immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
The combination of sweet mango and spicy jalapeno creates an exciting flavor profile.
Healthy and fresh, packed with lean protein and vibrant produce.
Customizable to your heat preference, so you can dial up or down the spice.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced

2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

2 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp salt

8 small corn tortillas

1 cup shredded lettuce

1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Lime wedges for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine diced chicken breast, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix well.

2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until fully cooked, about 10 minutes.

3. In another bowl, mix diced mangoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and lime juice to make the salsa.

4. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for about 1 minute on each side.

5. Assemble the tacos by placing chicken on each tortilla, topping with mango salsa, lettuce, and cotija cheese.

6. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

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