Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Mango Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs paired with a fresh, high-elevation-inspired mango salsa that brings heat and sweetness in every bite. This caribbean-inspired high protein (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, smoked paprika 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 7-8 minutes without moving until skin is golden brown and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken thighs and reduce heat to medium. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove from pan and let rest.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the mango salsa by combining 1 diced ripe mango, 1 finely chopped jalapeño (seeded for less heat), 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp honey in a bowl. Mix gently until combined.
  5. Step 5: Serve the chicken thighs topped generously with the spicy mango salsa for a bright and flavorful contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Mango Salsa high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, 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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