Pastelón de Pollo con Salsa de Mango y Cilantro
A layered casserole of tender chicken, creamy plantains, and a vibrant mango-cilantro sauce that offers a refreshing contrast to the savory layers. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 65 minutes blends Chicken breast, Olive oil, Yellow onion 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 400 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes) Chicken breast
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 cup (finely chopped) Yellow onion
- 3 cloves (minced) Garlic
- 1/2 cup (diced) Tomato
- 1/4 cup (chopped, divided) Cilantro
- 1/2 cup (finely chopped) Green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth
- 2 medium (peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds) Plantains
- 1 cup (diced) Mango
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- pinch Salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1 lb chicken breast cubes with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened; add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1/2 cup diced tomato, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1/2 cup chicken broth to the skillet; stir and simmer for 5 minutes, then add cooked chicken back to the skillet and cook for 5 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup diced mango, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt; mix well to form the sauce.
- Step 6: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Step 7: Spread half of the chicken mixture in the bottom of the dish, then layer with 1/2 of the plantain slices (pressing gently), followed by the remaining chicken mixture, and top with the remaining plantain slices.
- Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes until plantains are tender and top is golden brown.
- Step 9: Let rest for 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve with the mango cilantro sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pastelón de Pollo con Salsa de Mango y Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pastelón de Pollo con Salsa de Mango y Cilantro?
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 Pastelón de Pollo con Salsa de Mango y Cilantro?
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 Pastelón de Pollo con Salsa de Mango y Cilantro for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Pastelón de Pollo con Salsa de Mango y Cilantro?
Puerto Rican one pot 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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.








