Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
350 | 7g | 2g | 15g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
10g | 2g | 40g | 0.6g |
Why I Love Mexican Chicken in Mango Sauce
One can’t help but appreciate the undeniably vibrant and delightful flavor of the Chicken in Mango Sauce. This delightful dish, inspired by my love for Tex-Mex cuisine, evokes a nostalgia that transports me right back to Texas, bringing forth rich, traditional flavors with a contemporary twist. This Mexican recipe, as tantalizing as it is, truly captures the soul of the region and the essence of its culinary traditions. Let me share with you a few reasons why this dish is a personal favorite.
A Robust Balance of Flavors
One of the most exciting elements that makes the Chicken in Mango Sauce exceptional is the robust balance of flavors. The tender chicken bathed in tangy mango sauce reveals a fascinating play of taste and texture. Every bite is a delightful experience of the savory, sweet, and subtly spicy notes that come from the ingredients like mango juice, jalapeno, garlic, and the dash of lime. You could encounter dishes similar to this one in some of chef Rick Bayless‘ locale-inspired fare. Indeed, as he often does, this dish focuses on the natural and fresh flavors of the ingredients.
Versatility at its Best
Another reason I adore the Chicken in Mango Sauce recipe is its incredible versatility. While it is hearty enough to stand on its own, it can also be effortlessly paired with a variety of dishes. A simple cilantro-lime rice or a traditional Mexican salad would be ideal companions to this beautiful chicken dish, accentuating the deliciousness of the mango sauce. Or, for a more hearty meal, serving it alongside some freshly baked cornbread would be simply divine, highlighting the Southern flair of the dish.
A Unique Culinary Experience
Lastly, what makes the Chicken in Mango Sauce one of my beloved recipes is the unique culinary experience it offers. It provides an interesting mix of traditional and contemporary gastronomy that is reminiscent of my Texas upbringing. The careful selection of ingredients, their proportion, and the method of cooking all contribute to creating a dish that is wholesome, flavorful, and high in nutritional value. Furthermore, it’s a testament to the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine and its capacity to innovate and delight with every dish.
In the end, the Chicken in Mango Sauce is not just a recipe; it’s a tribute to the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine and a means of sharing my love for vibrant and creative cooking. This recipe is more than a meal; it’s an invitation to explore and appreciate the myriad flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Without a doubt, it’s a culinary adventure that home cooks, food lovers, and gastronomes will enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of mango juice
- 1 large ripe mango, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and minced
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to taste. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through. This should take approximately 6-7 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Step Two
While the chicken is cooking, start preparing the mango sauce. Begin by finely chopping the red bell pepper, onion, and jalapeno, ensuring to remove the seeds from the jalapeno first. Peel and dice the ripe mango and mince the garlic cloves.
Step Three
Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the chopped red bell pepper, onion, jalapeno, garlic, and diced mango. Cook these ingredients over medium heat until they are softened. This will take approximately 10 minutes.
Step Four
After the vegetables and mango have softened, pour in the cup of mango juice. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the liquids reduce slightly. This will concentrate the flavors.
Step Five
Finally, stir the juice of one lime and chopped fresh cilantro into the pan for added flavor and freshness. Place the cooked chicken back in the pan and spoon some of the mango sauce over each piece. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step Six
Once the chicken has had some time in the sauce, remove the pan from heat. Your Chicken in Mango Sauce is now ready to serve. Enjoy this delicious dish on its own or served over steamed rice for a complete meal.