Bold Southwest Grilled Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken seasoned with smoky spices served in soft corn tortillas topped with a refreshing mango salsa for vibrant texture and flavor. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 40 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, chili powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to form a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Rub the marinade evenly over 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts and let marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to 400°F. Grill the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through with grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  5. Step 5: While the chicken rests, prepare mango salsa by combining 1 medium diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 small minced jalapeño (if using) in a bowl. Mix gently.
  6. Step 6: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side until pliable.
  7. Step 7: Assemble tacos by placing sliced grilled chicken on each tortilla and topping with generous spoonfuls of mango salsa before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bold Southwest Grilled Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Bold Southwest Grilled Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bold Southwest Grilled Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bold Southwest Grilled Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bold Southwest Grilled Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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