Save Juicy grilled chicken wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with vibrant mango salsa makes every bite of these tacos feel like summer. This recipe is a hit for busy weeknights and guaranteed to make your taco night extra special. The fresh taste of ripe mango, the kick from jalapeño, and that smoky, lime-marinated chicken come together in a way that just bursts with flavor.
Ever since a backyard grilling session when I first paired mango salsa with chicken tacos, the combo became a top-requested dish among friends and family. Even picky eaters find a favorite part some love the tangy mango, others the warmth of chili and cumin.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for juicy texture and lean protein
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps spices stick to the chicken look for extra virgin for best flavor
- Chili powder: For smokey heat choose fresh high-quality powder for bold taste
- Ground cumin: Has an earthy warmth that deepens the marinade
- Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smoke go for Spanish-style for authentic flavor
- Garlic powder: Brings mellow savory notes opt for pure garlic powder without additives
- Salt: Balances all flavors use flaky kosher for easy seasoning
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for mild spice
- Lime juice: Brightens and tenderizes chicken pick a lime that feels heavy for lots of juice
- Mango: Ripe and fragrant mango brings sweetness a slightly soft fruit is best
- Red onion: Adds mild sharpness and crunch look for firm and deep purple onions
- Red bell pepper: Sweet and crisp selects ones with glossy skin for freshness
- Jalapeño: For a gentle spicy kick use fresh peppers and remove seeds for less heat
- Cilantro: Adds zing and color use leafy stems and avoid wilting leaves
- Lime juice: Gives salsa extra zip fresh-squeezed is best
- Salt: Binds all the salsa flavors together use fine grain so it dissolves easily
- Corn or flour tortillas: Warmed for soft pliable tacos corn keeps it gluten-free
- Avocado: Sliced for a rich creamy topping pick ripe ones with dark skin and slight yield
- Lime wedges: For serving an extra hit of tang
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl combine olive oil chili powder cumin smoked paprika garlic powder salt black pepper and lime juice. Mix together until an even paste forms then add chicken breasts. Coat thoroughly. Let sit for at least 10 minutes for flavors to soak in a little longer makes chicken even juicier.
- Prepare the Mango Salsa:
- While chicken marinates peel and dice the mango. Finely chop red onion bell pepper jalapeño and cilantro. Place all into a medium bowl. Squeeze in lime juice and sprinkle salt. Toss gently with a spoon so ingredients stay chunky. Flavors meld best if sat for a few minutes.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Use tongs to lay chicken breasts down. Grill for about five to seven minutes on the first side then flip and finish five to seven more minutes until chicken is cooked through and juices are clear. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover to rest for five minutes so juices stay inside.
- Slice the Chicken:
- After resting slice chicken thinly across the grain for tender strips. Slicing thin ensures chicken stays juicy and fits easily into tacos.
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or right on the oven rack for thirty seconds per side until pliable and steaming. Warming keeps them soft and prevents breaking.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Lay out warm tortillas. Fill each with sliced chicken a scoop of mango salsa and avocado slices. Make sure each taco gets a balance of sweet salsa and savory chicken so every bite is perfect.
- Serve:
- Place lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of brightness right before eating. Serve immediately so each taco stays warm and fresh.
Save The mango here always reminds me of sun-soaked afternoons when I would pick fruit from our neighbor's tree the bright flavor has a way of turning dinner into a celebration. The lime brine in the chicken is a trick I learned from a Mexican friend and it truly keeps the chicken moist and lively.
Storage Tips
Keep any leftover chicken and salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Chicken lasts up to three days and mango salsa holds its flavor for two. Always reheat chicken gently to prevent drying tacos are best assembled fresh.
Ingredient Substitutions
No mango on hand Try diced pineapple or peaches for a different twist. If cilantro is not your thing use chopped parsley. Swap chicken for shrimp or lightly grilled fish for quick summer seafood tacos.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with fluffy cilantro rice or crispy roasted potatoes for a heartier meal. Pair alongside black beans. These tacos match well with chilled drinks like lime agua fresca or tart lemonade. For a party layout offer a mix of salsas and tortilla types so everyone customizes their own.
Cultural and Seasonal Context
Mango salsa chicken tacos take inspiration from Mexican street fare blending grilled protein with seasonal fruits. In peak summer use the ripest local mangoes for extra juiciness. This recipe is popular for Cinco de Mayo gatherings or anytime you crave fresh vibrant flavors.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap mango for grilled peach slices in late summer In winter use roasted squash and pomegranate seeds for a twist Add fresh corn kernels when available for texture and natural sweetness
Save Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the joyous summer feeling these tacos bring to your table. One bite will convince everyone they are worth repeating again and again.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinate and grill quickly, resulting in juicy, flavorful slices ideal for tacos.
- → Can mango salsa be made ahead?
Yes, mango salsa can be prepared a few hours ahead. Refrigerate until ready to use for peak freshness.
- → How do I make it spicier?
Add jalapeño seeds or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade for extra heat in both the chicken and salsa.
- → Are corn or flour tortillas better?
Corn tortillas offer a gluten-free option and classic flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and mild. Choose your favorite.
- → What sides complement this dish?
Serve with black beans, fresh green salad, or rice. Crisp beverages like Sauvignon Blanc enhance flavors.
- → Can avocado be omitted?
Yes, avocado is optional and can be left out for those with sensitivities or substituted with another topping.