Pan-Seared Chicken with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Lime Drizzle

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a fresh mango salsa and a zesty cilantro lime drizzle, perfect for a bright and flavorful meal. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends (6 oz each) chicken breasts, salt, black pepper 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 380 calories and feeds 2, 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: 12 min Serves 2 Latin American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove and rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1 diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp lime juice and 1 tsp honey into the mango mixture until well combined, adjusting sweetness or acidity to taste.
  5. Step 5: Slice the rested chicken breasts and top with the mango salsa, then drizzle with extra lime juice and garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Lime Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Lime Drizzle?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Lime Drizzle?

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 with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Lime Drizzle for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Mango Salsa and Cilantro Lime Drizzle?

Latin American 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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