If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and promises a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a hint of spice, you absolutely must try this Mango Chutney Chicken Recipe. It’s a joyful celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a mouthwatering meal that feels both exotic and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite, thanks to its luscious sauce and tender, juicy chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mango Chutney Chicken Recipe keeps it straightforward with ingredients that you likely have on hand, yet each one plays a vital role in building layers of deliciousness. From the succulent chicken breasts to the sweet and tangy mango chutney, every element adds to the perfect harmony of taste and texture.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean, tender protein that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken to golden perfection and adding richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simply enhances the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup mango chutney: This sweet and tangy condiment is the heart of the recipe, giving it that unique tropical twist.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water): Adds moisture and helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (optional): Brings a bright acidity that balances the sweetness and adds freshness.
- 1 tsp ground ginger: Introduces warm spice notes that complement the mango beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric (optional): Adds subtle earthiness and a gorgeous golden hue to the sauce.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a gentle kick of heat that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Adds a burst of color and an herby brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Mango Chutney Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on both sides. This simple seasoning is key to enhancing the natural flavor of the chicken and ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. This step creates that irresistible golden crust while sealing in the juices. When cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Make the Mango Chutney Sauce
Using the same skillet with all those flavorful browned bits, stir in the mango chutney, chicken broth, lime juice if you’re using it, ground ginger, turmeric, and red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring occasionally, which thickens the sauce and lets the spices meld.
Step 4: Combine Chicken With the Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the luscious mango chutney sauce over the chicken, and let everything simmer together for another 3 to 4 minutes. This simmering allows the chicken to soak up those incredible flavors and stay juicy.
How to Serve Mango Chutney Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Always finish with freshly chopped cilantro sprinkled generously on top. It adds a burst of herby brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet and spicy sauce, making each serving look as vibrant as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Mango Chutney Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up all the sauce. You could also serve it alongside roasted or steamed vegetables for a wholesome, colorful meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of quinoa or couscous, or even stuffed into warm pita bread with a drizzle of yogurt sauce for an Indian-inspired wrap. The bright mango chutney sauce makes presentation feel elegant yet approachable every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Mango Chutney Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts and sauce separately or together in freezer-safe containers or bags. Keep them frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the Mango Chutney Chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and prevent the sauce from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully for this Mango Chutney Chicken Recipe and tend to stay juicier and more tender due to their higher fat content.
Is store-bought mango chutney okay to use?
Yes, store-bought mango chutney is perfect here and keeps the recipe super simple. If you enjoy cooking, homemade chutney can add a lovely personalized touch, but either way works beautifully.
How spicy is this Mango Chutney Chicken Recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a mild to moderate heat, depending on your preference. Feel free to adjust the amount or omit them for a milder dish that still bursts with flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but just double-check your store-bought mango chutney to ensure it does not contain any gluten additives if you are sensitive.
What wine pairs with Mango Chutney Chicken?
A crisp, slightly sweet white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer complements the sweet and spicy notes wonderfully, making for an elegant pairing.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Chutney Chicken Recipe is such a delightful way to add a tropical flair to your weeknight dinners or special occasions. The perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors wrapped around tender chicken is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become a treasured staple in your kitchen. So go on—grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Mango Chutney Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Description
This Mango Chutney Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a tangy, sweet-spicy mango chutney sauce. It’s a quick and easy skillet recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, combining tropical fruit flavors with warming spices for a delightful meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mango chutney (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (optional)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet, cooking each side for 6-7 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Mango Chutney Sauce: In the same skillet, combine mango chutney, chicken broth (or water), lime juice if using, ground ginger, turmeric, and red pepper flakes. Stir to mix, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the mango chutney sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer for another 3-4 minutes in the sauce to absorb the flavors fully.
- Serve: Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot alongside rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh side salad.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with water for a lighter sauce.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the mango chutney you use does not contain gluten ingredients.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Pair this dish with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
