Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Mango Salsa
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant, spicy mango salsa for a fresh and flavorful meal. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs olive oil, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup diced ripe mango
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: While the chicken cooks, combine 1 cup diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño pepper, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Mix gently until well combined.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes, then serve topped with the spicy mango salsa.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Mango Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Pan-Seared Chicken 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken 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 with Spicy Mango Salsa 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 Spicy Mango Salsa?
Caribbean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at my family dinner! The mango salsa added the perfect sweet and spicy kick.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe! I'll make it again. Just took a bit longer than expected to get the chicken seared just right.
- ★★★★☆
The chicken was perfect, but the salsa was a bit too spicy for my taste. Still, it was a great dish.