Tumbado Chicken with Mango Salsa
Tender grilled chicken breasts topped with a vibrant mango and avocado salsa, served with cilantro-lime rice. This easy, modern dish embodies the relaxed spirit of corridos tumbados. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 40 minutes blends tablespoons olive oil, tablespoon lime juice, minced garlic 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 4 boneless, skinless, about 1.5 pounds chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup, diced mango
- 1/4 cup, diced red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup, diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup, diced avocado
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and toss to coat; marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Brush with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup diced mango, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Toss gently to mix and set aside.
- Step 4: Bring 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 cup white rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until fluffy. Fluff with a fork.
- Step 5: Slice the chicken and serve over rice with mango salsa, topped with 1/4 cup diced avocado.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tumbado Chicken with Mango Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tumbado Chicken with Mango Salsa?
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 Tumbado 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 Tumbado 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 Tumbado Chicken with Mango Salsa?
Mexican mexican 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
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many mexican recipes and this is hands down the best.