Cumin-Spiced Chicken with Mango Salsa

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

Marinated in cumin and lime, served with a fresh mango salsa for a sweet-spicy contrast. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes blends chicken breasts, ground cumin, lime 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pound chicken breasts to 1-inch thickness, then season with 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook for 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 1/2 cup diced mango, 1/4 cup diced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp lime juice and toss gently.
  4. Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly. Serve with mango salsa spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Spiced Chicken with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Cumin-Spiced 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 Cumin-Spiced 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 Cumin-Spiced 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.

Is Cumin-Spiced Chicken with Mango Salsa gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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