Grilled chicken with black bean mango salsa is a delightful and vibrant dish that combines the smoky flavors of grilled chicken with the refreshing and slightly sweet taste of mango salsa. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a healthy weeknight dinner. The combination of juicy chicken and the zesty salsa will leave your taste buds dancing.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to pick up a few items you don't typically have in your pantry. Fresh cilantro, jalapeno, and mango are essential for the salsa and might not always be on hand. Ensure you grab these fresh ingredients from the supermarket to make the dish truly stand out.
Ingredients For Grilled Chicken With Black Bean Mango Salsa
Chicken breasts: The main protein, which will be grilled to perfection.
Salt: Used to season the chicken.
Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a sharp, fresh pepper flavor to the chicken.
Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor.
Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy spice to the chicken marinade.
Dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter and aromatic flavor.
Lime: Used for the marinade and salsa, adding a zesty citrus flavor.
Red onion: Adds crunch and a slightly sweet, pungent flavor to the salsa.
Olive oil: Used in the salsa to add richness and help blend flavors.
Black beans: Adds protein and a hearty texture to the salsa.
Mango: Provides sweetness and a refreshing flavor to the salsa.
Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herbal note to the salsa.
Jalapeno: Adds a spicy kick to the salsa.
One reader, Griffie Wasserman says:
The grilled chicken with black bean mango salsa is a delightful dish. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and juicy, while the salsa adds a refreshing burst of flavor. It's a vibrant and healthy meal that's sure to impress!
Key Techniques for Grilling Chicken and Making Salsa
How to mince garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves into small pieces using a knife. How to dice red onion: Cut the red onion into small, even cubes. How to juice a lime: Cut the lime in half and squeeze out the juice using a juicer or by hand. How to chop cilantro: Finely chop the fresh cilantro leaves. How to dice a mango: Peel the mango, cut the flesh away from the pit, and dice it into small cubes. How to handle a jalapeno: Wear gloves, cut the jalapeno in half, remove the seeds and membrane, and finely chop it. How to grill chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, place the chicken on the grill, and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until the center is cooked through. How to slice chicken on the bias: Cut the chicken breasts at a slight angle to create thin, even slices.
How To Make Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Mango Salsa
This grilled chicken is paired with black beans, cumin, and other spices and topped with fresh mango salsa recipe. A great dish to serve in fancy dinners!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2chicken breasts,16 oz, boneless, skinless, trimmed, sliced in half lengthwise
- salt and fresh cracked pepper,to taste
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 1tspcumin
- ½tspdried oregano
- 1lime,juiced
For Black Bean Mango Salsa:
- ¼cupred onion,chopped
- 3tbsplime juice
- 1tbspolive oil
- salt,to taste
- 1cupblack beans,rinsed and drained
- 1mango,ripe, peeled and diced
- ¼cupfresh cilantro,minced
- 1jalapeno,chopped, keep seeds if you want it spicy
Instructions
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Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in a large non-reactive bowl with remaining ingredients, toss well to coat and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
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In a medium bowl, combine the red onion, lime juice, olive oil and season with salt, to taste.
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Mix well then combine with the remaining ingredients; refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Heat the grill or a grill pan to medium high, discard the chicken marinade and grill the chicken breasts about 3 minutes on each side, or until the center is cooked through.
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Transfer to a cutting board and slice the chicken on the bias.
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Serve the sliced chicken topped with mango black bean salsa.
Nutrition
- Calories: 416.09kcal
- Fat: 12.66g
- Saturated Fat: 3.07g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.05g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.47g
- Carbohydrates: 48.34g
- Fiber: 10.03g
- Sugar: 13.60g
- Protein: 29.96g
- Cholesterol: 55.68mg
- Sodium: 626.44mg
- Calcium: 103.91mg
- Potassium: 1141.71mg
- Iron: 3.91mg
- Vitamin A: 72.73µg
- Vitamin C: 44.82mg
Pro Tip for Grilling Juicy, Flavorful Chicken
When grilling chicken, ensure the grill or grill pan is preheated to medium high heat to achieve those perfect grill marks and a juicy interior. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F at the thickest part.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dish
Marinate in advance: Prepare the chicken marinade the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Pre-chop ingredients: Dice the red onion, mango, and jalapeno ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned black beans instead of cooking them from scratch to cut down on prep time.
Batch cook: Grill extra chicken breasts and store them for quick meals throughout the week.
Efficient cleanup: Line your grill pan with foil for a quicker cleanup after grilling.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Mango Salsa Recipe
chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based alternative that can absorb flavors well when marinated.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami.
fresh cracked pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and can enhance the overall flavor profile.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that complements the dish.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander has a similar earthy flavor and can be used as a direct replacement.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Thyme has a slightly different but complementary herbal flavor.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor.
red onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a milder flavor and a bit of color.
lime juice - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice adds a sweet and tangy flavor that can balance the salsa.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor.
black beans - Substitute with kidney beans: Kidney beans have a similar texture and can be used interchangeably.
mango - Substitute with pineapple: Pineapple provides a similar sweetness and tropical flavor.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace cilantro.
jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers provide a similar level of heat and flavor.
Best Way to Present Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Mango Salsa
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the chicken breasts thinly on the bias to create elegant, bite-sized pieces that are easy to enjoy.
Use decoration: Arrange the mango black bean salsa in a neat, circular mound on the plate, ensuring the vibrant colors of the mango, black beans, and cilantro are prominently displayed.
Add height: Place the sliced chicken atop the salsa, slightly fanned out to add visual interest and height to the dish.
Garnish thoughtfully: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh cilantro and thin slices of jalapeno around the plate for a pop of color and a hint of spice.
Use a sauce drizzle: Drizzle a light lime juice and olive oil vinaigrette around the plate to add a touch of acidity and shine.
Clean presentation: Wipe the edges of the plate clean to ensure a pristine presentation, allowing the vibrant ingredients to stand out.
Balance textures: Ensure the grilled chicken has a slight char for a smoky flavor and a crisp texture, contrasting with the fresh, juicy mango and creamy black beans.
Highlight freshness: Serve the dish immediately to maintain the freshness of the salsa and the juiciness of the chicken.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
Grill or grill pan: Used to cook the chicken breasts to give them a nice char and smoky flavor.
Large non-reactive bowl: Used to marinate the chicken with spices and lime juice without reacting to the acidity.
Medium bowl: Used to mix the ingredients for the black bean mango salsa.
Cutting board: Used to slice the grilled chicken breasts after they are cooked.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping garlic, red onion, mango, and cilantro, as well as slicing the chicken.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the cumin, oregano, lime juice, and olive oil accurately.
Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken breasts on the grill or grill pan.
Mixing spoon: Used to combine the ingredients for the salsa and to toss the chicken in the marinade.
Refrigerator: Needed to marinate the chicken and to keep the salsa fresh until serving.
Juicer: Handy for extracting juice from the lime efficiently.
Can opener: Used to open the can of black beans.
Colander: Used to rinse and drain the black beans before adding them to the salsa.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Grilled Chicken and Salsa
Allow the grilled chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
The black bean mango salsa can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time.
To freeze the grilled chicken, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen grilled chicken can be stored for up to 3 months.
It is not recommended to freeze the black bean mango salsa as the texture of the mango and cilantro will change significantly upon thawing. The salsa is best enjoyed fresh.
To reheat the frozen grilled chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. You can reheat the chicken in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If you have leftover grilled chicken and black bean mango salsa, you can repurpose them into a delicious salad, wrap, or quesadilla for a quick and easy meal.
How To Reheat Leftover Grilled Chicken and Salsa
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover grilled chicken on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Loosely cover the chicken with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the grilled chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become rubbery.
If you have a panini press or sandwich maker, you can use it to reheat the grilled chicken. Preheat the press and place the chicken inside. Close the lid and let it heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through. This method will also give the chicken a nice, crispy exterior.
To reheat the black bean mango salsa, simply place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high for 30-60 seconds, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat the salsa in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until it's warmed through.
If you want to get creative, slice the leftover grilled chicken and use it to make a delicious quesadilla. Place the chicken and some shredded cheese between two tortillas, then cook it in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Serve with the reheated black bean mango salsa on the side.
Another option is to make a grilled chicken and black bean mango salsa wrap. Warm up a large tortilla and place the sliced chicken and salsa in the center. Add some fresh lettuce, tomato, and avocado for extra flavor and nutrition. Roll up the wrap and enjoy it as a tasty and satisfying meal.
Interesting Fact About Mango Salsa
A random fact about this recipe is that mango is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function and skin health.
Is Making Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Mango Salsa Cost-Effective?
This grilled chicken with black bean mango salsa recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and readily available, with chicken breasts, black beans, and mango being the primary components. The use of fresh cilantro and jalapeno adds a burst of flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Grilled Chicken Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This grilled chicken with black bean mango salsa recipe is a healthy and flavorful dish. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of garlic, cumin, oregano, and lime juice, which adds depth of flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy fats. Grilling the chicken is a low-fat cooking method that helps retain moisture and nutrients.
The black bean mango salsa is a nutritious accompaniment, packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins. Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, which can help promote feelings of fullness and aid in digestion. Mangoes provide a good dose of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. The addition of fresh cilantro and jalapeno adds vibrant flavors and a kick of heat.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use skinless chicken breasts to reduce the overall fat content of the dish
- Increase the amount of black beans and mango in the salsa to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Add more colorful vegetables to the salsa, such as bell peppers or tomatoes, to increase the variety of vitamins and minerals
- Serve the chicken and salsa over a bed of leafy greens, such as spinach or mixed salad greens, to incorporate more nutrient-dense vegetables into the meal
- Replace the olive oil in the salsa with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to reduce the calorie content without sacrificing flavor
Editor's Opinion on This Grilled Chicken Recipe
This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The grilled chicken, seasoned with garlic, cumin, and oregano, provides a savory base. The black bean mango salsa adds a refreshing contrast with its sweet mango, tangy lime juice, and a hint of heat from the jalapeno. The cilantro and red onion contribute freshness and crunch. Marinating the chicken enhances its flavor, while grilling imparts a smoky char. This dish is vibrant, nutritious, and perfect for a summer meal.
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Why trust this Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Mango Salsa Recipe:
This recipe combines the juicy tenderness of grilled chicken with the vibrant flavors of black bean mango salsa. The lime juice and cilantro add a refreshing zest, while the jalapeno provides a subtle kick. The use of fresh ingredients ensures a healthy and delicious meal. Plus, the marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser. Trust this recipe for its balance of taste and nutrition.
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