This one pan Mango Salsa Chicken is sure to be your new favorite zero-fuss dinner! Fast and flavorful, this dish also includes butter beans so it’s filling and hearty.
Packed with savory protein, you can have this chicken on the table in 15 minutes. Vibrant and feel-good, I guarantee this recipe will become a favorite in your rotation!.
Mango salsa chicken is a bright, fresh dish that is full of flavor. The sweet and tangy mango salsa pairs perfectly with the juicy, tender chicken. However, a protein alone does not make a complete meal. Having a delicious side dish can take your mango salsa chicken to the next level.
The right sides will complement and balance out the tropical flavors of the chicken. They add color, texture, and nutrients to round out the plate. I’ve compiled a list of 15 of my favorite sides to serve with mango salsa chicken. From rice and beans to salads and slaws, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a classic companion for dishes with Latin flair. The rice soaks up the zesty lime and cilantro, giving it a burst of flavor. The citrusy brightness pairs perfectly with the sweet mango salsa chicken. The cilantro also helps cut through the richness of the dish. This easy rice recipe can be made ahead of time leaving you with one less thing to worry about on busy nights.
Black Beans
Hearty black beans are a satisfying plant-based protein to serve alongside mango salsa chicken. Their earthy flavor balances out the sweetness of the mango Black beans are high in fiber, keeping you feeling full and providing lasting energy. Season them with cumin, garlic, and lime juice for a pop of flavor They can be served warm or chilled, making them a versatile side dish for any time of year.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilling vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and asparagus adds delicious smoky notes The char from the grill complements the backyard barbecue vibe of the mango salsa chicken Grilled veggies are low calorie and packed with nutrients. Toss them in a little olive oil and your favorite herbs and spices. I love using a southwest spice blend. Grilled veggies are easy to make in batches and enjoy throughout the week.
Corn Salad
A corn salad is the perfect summer side dish, with its sweet corn, peppers, and tangy vinaigrette. It pairs nicely with the tropical flavors of mango salsa chicken. Make it more hearty by adding black beans or diced avocado. The crunch of the veggies and corn is a nice contrast to the tender juicy chicken. For an extra pop of color, use a mix of yellow and red peppers.
Mixed Green Salad
A fresh mixed greens salad is always a good idea. It makes a meal look better, gives it color, and helps balance out a heavy meal. Lettuce, arugula, kale, and spinach should all be mixed together. Then top it with your favorite veggies and dressing. To go with the mango salsa, I love to put it with a citrusy vinaigrette. For extra crunch, add some sliced almonds or sunflower seeds.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a good for you whole grain that works great as a salad base. It gives the mango salsa chicken a good nutritional balance because it has more protein than most grains. When cooked, quinoa keeps its shape, so it won’t get mushy in the salad. Add bell pepper, olives, edamame, feta, or any other ingredients that you like to your quinoa salad to make it your own. You can eat it all week if you make a big batch.
Avocado Slices
Buttery avocado slices are never a bad idea. Along with the mango salsa chicken, the creaminess is a nice contrast. Avocados are full of fiber and healthy fats that will keep you full. They also give your plate a pop of green color. To keep the avocado from turning brown, squeeze some lime juice on it. A simple way to finish off your tropical meal is with sliced avocado.
Tortilla Chips
Crunchy tortilla chips offer a fun accompaniment to mango salsa chicken. Scoop up bites of chicken and salsa for a tasty, handheld experience. The saltiness plays off the sweetness of the mango. Tortilla chips also provide a nice textural contrast to the tenderness of the chicken. For variety, use a mix of yellow and blue corn chips.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are a crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs nicely with the mango chicken. Their natural sweetness complements the tropical flavors. Baking the sweet potatoes caramelizes them and enhances their flavor. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices like cinnamon or chili powder before roasting. The richness of the sweet potatoes balances out the juiciness of the chicken.
Pineapple Coleslaw
For a fun play on the tropical flavors, try a pineapple coleslaw. The sweet pineapple and tangy dressing match the mango salsa. To make it, combine shredded cabbage and carrots with pineapple tidbits. The crispy slaw and juicy fruit offer a pleasing crunch and pop of sweetness. The acidity of the dressing also cuts through the richness of the meal.
Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a delicious pairing for tropical entrees like mango salsa chicken. The subtle sweet coconut flavor complements the mango beautifully. Coconut milk makes the rice ultra creamy and fragrant. For best results, use coconut milk (not cream of coconut). Season it with a pinch of salt and lime zest. The rice soaks up the coconut flavor as it cooks, creating an aromatic and luxurious side dish.
Mango Avocado Salsa
Why not double down on the mango with a mango avocado salsa? The buttery avocado balances out the sweet juicy mango in this fresh pico de gallo style salsa. Serving it alongside the chicken lets you alternate between the two salsas, adding more dynamic flavor with each bite. Make it as spicy or mild as you prefer, adding jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
Plantains
Fried or baked plantains make for a hearty, savory side. Their subtle sweetness plays off the mango chicken nicely. Drizzle lime juice on baked plantain slices and top with cotija cheese for added flavor. For fried plantains, coat slices in cornmeal before pan-frying until crispy. Sprinkle with salt while hot. Either preparation provides a satisfying crunch and warmth to contrast the cool freshness of the mango salsa.
Cucumber Salad
A cucumber salad offers a refreshing, hydrating side to accompany your meal. Thin slices of cucumbers and red onion are drizzled in a tangy vinaigrette. The crisp crunch and bright acidity complement the juicy sweet chicken and mango salsa perfectly. It adds nutrients and texture to your plate without weighing it down. Chill the cucumbers before preparing the salad for optimum crunch.
Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
This tangy coleslaw goes well with the mango chicken’s bright flavors. To make it, just mix shredded carrots and cabbage with honey, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and garlic. The flavors will blend better if you let it sit for at least 30 minutes. The acidity cuts through the richness of the meal. A bed of coleslaw also makes each bite taste and feel different.
Lime Cilantro Rice
Just like cilantro lime rice complements mango salsa chicken wonderfully, so does its variation with lime. By adding fresh lime juice and zest to the rice with cilantro, you get a citrus kick that enhances the tropical essence of the mango chicken. The tart lime cuts through the rich, juicy flavors while the cilantro provides an herbal freshness. Serve this easy rice warm or chilled.
With so many delicious options, it can be tricky deciding on just one side for your mango salsa chicken. I recommend trying out a few different pairings to discover your favorites. Mix and match based on what you have on hand or what suits the season. Just about any vegetable or grain can work well when seasoned thoughtfully.
These 15 sides offer a nice variety of flavors, colors, and textures to round out a meal featuring mango salsa chicken. From corn salads to coconut rice, you’re sure to find a combination that satisfies your palate. So fire up the grill, whip up a batch of mango salsa, and get ready to feast!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- But if you have chicken leftovers, you can use that. If not, you can bake some chicken breasts and cut them up, or you can buy a rotisserie chicken and cut it up or shred it.
- Make sure to pour off some of the salsa’s liquid so the chicken doesn’t get too wet.
- You don’t have to thaw frozen corn first; you can just add it!
- Frozen chicken works too, but it needs a few more minutes to cook before you add the rest of the ingredients.
Luckily, this recipe calls for cooked chicken so you wont need to worry about that! But generally, an internal temperature of 165 indicates fully cooked chicken.
When making this recipe, a cast iron skillet is always a good choice. But any nonstick pan with high sides will do!
Substitutions and Variations
- There are other beans that can be used instead of butter beans that have a different taste.
- Instead of mango salsa, you could also use pineapple salsa or peach salsa. You could even mix two or more types for a unique flavor.
- To add more vegetables, add spinach and/or kale near the end of cooking and let them wilt.
- Use diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to make it spicier.
Using leftover chicken from another recipe is a great way to give it new life with this mango salsa chicken!.
MANGO SALSA RECIPE EASY
FAQ
What side dishes go with mango salsa chicken?
The best choices for what to serve with salsa chicken include white rice, Mexican rice, black beans, corn tortillas, grilled veggies, tomato and red onion salad, cucumber salad, corn on the cob, spaghetti, stuffed peppers, soured cream, and a garnish of fresh herbs.
What pairs well with mango salsa?
If it contains lime, go with something that has a little tang to it, like rice or pasta salad. If it’s got peppers, try cornbread or a fruit salad. If you’ve got beans in there, try a warm bread. If your mango salsa is spicy, choose a slightly sweet side dish to balance it out.
What pairs well with mango chicken?
What To Serve With Mango ChickenCoconut rice: Creamy and slightly sweet—pairs perfectly with the mango salsa. Cilantro-lime rice or quinoa: Other great base options for this meal. Grilled corn: Adds a nice charred flavor and a bit of crunch.
What would you eat mango salsa with?
Three Ways to use Fresh Mango SalsaPrawn and Mango Tacos. Stuff warm tortillas with grilled prawns, lettuce, cilantro, sour cream or queso fresco and fresh mango salsa and enjoy. Grilled Chicken Breast with Mango Salsa. Quinoa Salad.