Tropical Coconut Mango Chicken Recipe: A Sunny Dinner Delight

Creamy coconut mango chicken brings tropical vibes right to your dinner plate.

Bright flavors dance between sweet and savory dimensions.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle in a luscious sauce that hints at beachy destinations.

Mango chunks add unexpected bursts of sunshine through each bite.

Spices weave complexity into this straightforward weeknight masterpiece.

Fresh ingredients make magic happen in less than thirty minutes.

You’ll want seconds of this vibrant, globally inspired dish that feels like a culinary vacation.

Coconut Mango Chicken That Delivers Summer On A Plate

• Conquer Quick Weeknight Meals: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dinner in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy professionals and home cooks craving restaurant-quality flavors.
• Tropical Flavor Explosion: Mango and coconut milk create a creamy, vibrant sauce that elevates bland chicken into a taste adventure, delivering complex Caribbean-inspired notes without complicated techniques.
• Kid and Adult Friendly: The mild heat from jalapeños and balanced sweetness make this dish appealing to all ages, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a delicious, nutritious meal without separate preparations.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences, serve over rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables, making it an excellent choice for flexible meal planning and entertaining diverse guests.

Coconut Mango Chicken Base Ingredients

• Chicken Cutlets: Lean protein that serves as the main star of the dish, best when fresh and trimmed.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce, provides extra chicken flavor.

• Tomatillos, Mango: Provide tangy and sweet base for the sauce, select ripe and firm fruits.
• Coconut Milk: Creamy element that brings richness and tropical undertones to the sauce.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity and balances the richness of the coconut milk.

• Garlic Powder, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Cumin, Coriander: Essential spices that build complex flavor layers, use fresh and high-quality spices.
• Jalapeño: Introduces a mild heat and additional complexity to the sauce.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for garnish that provides a vibrant, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Coconut Mango Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Poultry

Generously coat chicken cutlets with a blend of aromatic seasonings.

Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cumin evenly on both sides of the chicken to create a flavorful base.

Step 2: Create a Golden Sear

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken in the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Transfer the seared chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Fresh garlic
• Vibrant tomatillos
• Spicy jalapeño

Sauté these ingredients for 3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Tropical Sauce

Move the sautéed mixture to a blender.

• Ripe mango
• Creamy coconut milk
• Savory chicken broth
• Ground coriander
• Zesty lime juice

Blend until the sauce transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.

Step 5: Create Gentle Heat

Return the luscious sauce to the skillet.

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing flavors to meld and develop.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Carefully place the golden-seared chicken back into the bubbling sauce.

Cook for 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly heated and completely coated with the tropical sauce.

Step 7: Present with Flair

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the dish.

Serve alongside fluffy rice, nutritious quinoa, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Mango Chicken Balance & Flavor Hints

• Pound chicken cutlets to even thickness before seasoning to ensure uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity based on heat preference; remove seeds for milder sauce or keep them for extra kick.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for richer, creamier sauce that coats chicken beautifully and provides deeper tropical flavor.
• Replace chicken with tofu or fish for vegetarian or seafood variations without compromising the vibrant sauce profile.
• Sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before final cooking.

Mango Chicken That Tastes Tropical Twice

• Store leftover Coconut Mango Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain best flavor and texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Microwave works too, but can make chicken tough.
• Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3 days for optimal taste and safety. Discard if sauce separates or chicken smells off.

Tropical Sides For Mango Chicken

• Tropical Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, fruity white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the coconut and mango flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Herbaceous Side Partner: Create a fresh herb quinoa salad with mint, parsley, and green onions that echoes the bright cilantro garnish and adds light, zesty notes to balance the creamy sauce.
• Cooling Beverage Match: Brew a cucumber-mint mocktail or light ginger beer to provide a refreshing contrast to the dish's spicy jalapeño and warming spices, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Texture-Enhancing Accompaniment: Prepare crispy roasted plantain chips or toasted coconut flakes as a crunchy garnish that adds textural interest and reinforces the tropical flavor profile of the coconut mango chicken.

Coconut Mango Chicken Tweaks

• Spicy Tropical Kick: Replace jalapeño with habanero pepper for a more intense heat level, creating a fiery version of the original recipe.
• Vegetarian Coconut Mango Delight: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using the same seasoning and cooking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Protein Option: Use cauliflower or jackfruit instead of chicken, ensuring the dish remains allergen-friendly and suitable for restricted diets.
• Low-Carb Caribbean Style: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, maintaining the tropical flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• What gives this chicken its unique flavor profile?

The combination of tomatillos, mango, coconut milk, and spices creates a bright, tangy, and creamy sauce that balances sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious meal with lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from coconut milk, and vitamins from mango and tomatillos. The recipe uses minimal oil and focuses on fresh ingredients.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by controlling the amount of jalapeño. Remove seeds for less heat or add more for a spicier kick. You can also substitute with different peppers like serrano or poblano.

• What are tomatillos and where can I find them?

Tomatillos are green, tomato-like fruits with a papery husk, commonly used in Mexican cuisine. You can find them in most grocery stores’ produce section, Latin markets, or specialty food stores.

Coconut Mango Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coconut mango chicken delivers tropical paradise on your plate, blending sweet and savory flavors with island-inspired elegance. Succulent chicken nestles in creamy coconut sauce, promising a delightful escape you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breast, sliced into thin cutlets

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
• 1/2 cup mango, diced
• 1/2 cup tomatillos, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped (optional for heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by generously coating both sides with a blend of aromatic spices, ensuring an even distribution of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cumin.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for searing the seasoned chicken cutlets until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior on each side.
3. Remove the perfectly seared chicken and set aside, maintaining its juicy interior.
4. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, diced tomatillos, and finely chopped jalapeño, allowing them to soften and release their vibrant flavors.
5. Transfer the aromatic vegetable mixture to a blender, combining it with sweet mango chunks, creamy coconut milk, savory chicken broth, ground coriander, and zesty lime juice.
6. Pulse and blend the ingredients until a smooth, velvety sauce emerges, incorporating all the complex flavor profiles.
7. Return the sauce to the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer that allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Carefully nestle the seared chicken back into the bubbling sauce, letting it warm through and become completely enveloped in the tropical-inspired coating.
9. Allow the chicken to cook for several minutes, ensuring it’s thoroughly heated and beautifully glazed with the sauce.
10. Elevate the dish by scattering freshly chopped cilantro over the top, creating a bright, herbal finish.
11. Serve alongside fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or a medley of roasted vegetables to complete this exotic culinary experience.

Notes

• Customize Heat Levels by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or substituting with milder peppers like poblano for those sensitive to spice.
• Create Dairy-Free Version by using coconut milk as a creamy base, ensuring the dish remains inclusive for various dietary needs.
• Enhance Protein Alternatives by swapping chicken with tofu, fish, or shrimp to provide flexibility for different preferences and dietary restrictions.
• Boost Nutrition by incorporating extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini directly into the sauce for added texture and health benefits.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg