Masa-Crusted Chicken with Mango Salsa
Chicken breasts coated in corn masa and pan-seared, paired with a vibrant mango salsa featuring red onion and cilantro. This Mexican-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 37 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, corn masa flour, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (about 1 lb total) chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup corn masa flour
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup mango
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 2 tbsp cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup corn masa flour, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Dredge 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb total) in the mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, in a bowl, combine 1 cup diced mango, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Mix well and set aside.
- Step 4: Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Step 5: Serve chicken slices topped with mango salsa, drizzling any excess juice from the salsa over the top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Masa-Crusted Chicken with Mango Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Masa-Crusted Chicken with Mango Salsa?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Masa-Crusted 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 Masa-Crusted 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 Masa-Crusted Chicken with Mango Salsa?
Mexican quick meals 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.
