This vibrant, one-pot mango chicken is a sweet and savory weeknight dinner dream - tender chicken, fluffy rice, and tropical mango salsa all cooked together for big flavor and easy cleanup.
Some recipes are born from chaos. Like this one. Picture a weeknight, one hungry kid, one lonely chicken breast in the fridge, and a half-eaten container of mango salsa I forgot I bought. Add a little rice, and boom - Mango Chicken was born. One pan, no fuss, and so much flavor. It's one of my easiest family-friendly chicken recipes.
This is one of those dinners that looks like you tried really hard - bright mango, tender chicken, fluffy rice - but it all comes together in one pot with very little brain power. And honestly, that's the best kind of cooking.
This Mango Chicken is...
- Made in one pot (bless it)
- Sweet, savory, and a little tropical
- Great with store-bought OR homemade mango salsa
- A 30-minute dinner win
- A hit with kids and adults alike
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken - Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work beautifully. Slice into strips so they cook quickly and evenly. Swap the chicken for shrimp or firm white fish for a seafood version.
- Rice - Plain white rice cooks right in the broth for extra flavor. Long grain is ideal, but jasmine or basmati also work.
- Mango salsa - Use store-bought if you're short on time, or make my quick homemade version included in the recipe below.
- Chicken broth - Adds flavor and helps the rice cook to fluffy perfection.
- Olive oil, salt & pepper - Basic, but essential.
Variations
- Spicy Mango Chicken: Stir in your favorite hot sauce or use a spicy mango salsa.
- Mango Chicken Bowls: Serve over lettuce or with avocado slices for a tropical rice bowl.
- Creamy Version: Add ¼ cup coconut milk in place of some of the broth.
More Tasty Ideas
If you love this easy mango chicken, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:
- Easy Marinated Baked Chicken
- Ginger Lime Chicken
- 30-Minute Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
- 25 Family Friendly Chicken Recipes
Recipe
One Pot Mango Chicken
Equipment
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 cup white rice uncooked
- 1 cup mango salsa store-bought or homemade, recipe below
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for browning chicken
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh cilantro and lime wedges optional, for garnishes
Homemade Mango Salsa
- 1 mango ripe, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper diced
- 2 tablespoon red onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
- juice of ½ lime
- 1 small jalapeno pepper seeded and minced, optional
- salt to taste
Instructions
For the Salsa
- In a medium bowl, combine mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and set aside.
For the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add olive oil if using. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until lightly browned on all sides (they don't need to be fully cooked yet).
- Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the rice and 1 cup of mango salsa (whether homemade or store-bought). Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Top with a spoonful of extra salsa, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition details are an estimate, per serving.
Karen says
sounds great!
S says
Is this 1 cup UNCOOKED rice or COOKED rice?
Mel says
I love one pot recipes for the work week. This one was really simple and flavorful. I might cheat with grocery store mango salsa next time.