Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa

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

Tender chicken marinated in citrus and herbs, served with a bright, sweet-spiced mango salsa. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Coat chicken breasts evenly and marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Step 3: Dice mango, red onion, and red bell pepper into 1/4-inch cubes. Combine with 1/4 cup cilantro, 1/2 cup lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
  4. Step 4: Slice chicken and top generously with mango salsa. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Cilantro-Lime Chicken 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 Cilantro-Lime Chicken 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 Cilantro-Lime Chicken 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 Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Mango Salsa?

Mexican chicken 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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