Description
This Mango Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender chicken breast with sweet ripe mango, bell peppers, and a blend of spices to create a deliciously vibrant and flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, it showcases a balance of savory and fruity elements served over fluffy cooked rice and garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 ripe mango, diced
Pantry and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, cooking them until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the pan and cook until it is browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes, ensuring it starts to develop flavor and color.
- Add vegetables and spices: Stir in the sliced bell pepper, diced mango, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika, mixing well to evenly coat the chicken and vegetables with spices.
- Finish cooking: Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through, with no pink remaining inside and the bell peppers tender-crisp, about 5-7 more minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the mango chicken mixture over 2 cups of cooked rice to form a complete and hearty meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top to add a fresh and vibrant finish to the dish before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe mango for the best sweetness and flavor contrast with the spices.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Cook the rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save preparation time.
- Substitute chicken breast with boneless thighs for a juicier texture if preferred.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
