Hello, I’m Julio Ortiz, a proud Dominican-American with an insatiable passion for food. As a kid, I spent countless hours helping my grandmother cook up traditional dishes like sancocho and mofongo. So when I stumbled upon the Trader Joe’s Zesty Mango Salsa Chicken recipe, I knew I had to try it out. The Caribbean-inspired marinade, with its blend of sweet and spicy flavors, immediately transported me back to my roots. I’ve since made this recipe numerous times and can’t wait to share my take on it with you today.
Julio is a creative soul with a passion for music and food. He was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, where he developed a deep appreciation for Caribbean flavors and spices. Julio is currently living in New York City, where he works as a graphic designer and spends his free time experimenting in the kitchen.
Julio Ortiz currently resides in the United States and grew up in Dominican Republic.
The Trader Joe’s Zesty Mango Salsa Chicken recipe is an adaptation of the classic Caribbean-style jerk chicken. Jamaican cuisine is known for its bold, spicy flavors, and the origins of jerk chicken can be traced back to the Maroons, a group of escaped slaves who fled to the hills to evade British colonizers. Today, jerk chicken is a beloved dish across the Caribbean, and each island has its own take on it. The key to getting the perfect jerk chicken lies in the marinade, which typically includes a blend of fiery Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and brown sugar.
Today, May 16, the Trader Joe’s Zesty Mango Salsa Chicken recipe is more relevant than ever. As we inch closer to summer, we’re all craving bright, refreshing flavors that will transport us to a tropical paradise. And what better way to channel that vibe than through food? The Zesty Mango Salsa Chicken recipe is the perfect example of how you can infuse your cooking with sunshine and flavor. Its easy preparation and adaptable nature make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy summer afternoons. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just looking for a quick, flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
What you need
Get ready for a burst of Caribbean flavors in this Trader Joe’s Zesty Mango Salsa Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken breasts are doused in a tangy and tropical marinade made with sweet mango salsa, garlic, cumin, lime juice, and spices. The result is a zesty and aromatic dish with just the right amount of heat to warm up your taste buds. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky char and crispy texture that makes it irresistible. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and only takes a few minutes to prepare a delectable meal that’s perfect for a summer day. The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the mango salsa, and you can serve it alongside a side of your choice. So fire up the grill, grab some tongs, and let’s get cookin’!
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are marinated in a blend of mango salsa and spices before being grilled to juicy perfection. You can use chicken thighs instead if you prefer or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Trader Joe’s Zesty Mango Salsa – This salsa is the key ingredient that gives this dish its tropical twist. It’s a blend of juicy mangoes, red peppers, onions, jalapenos, and spices that can add plenty of flavor to any dish. If you can’t find it, you can make your own mango salsa or use a similar store-bought substitute.
- Garlic – Garlic adds a pungent, savory note to the marinade that complements the sweetness of the mango salsa. You can use garlic powder instead if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand.
- Lime juice – Lime juice adds a bright, acidic note that balances the sweetness of the mango salsa and helps to tenderize the chicken. You can use lemon juice instead if you prefer.
- Ground cumin – Cumin adds a warm, earthy note that enhances the flavor of the chicken and complements the sweetness of the mango salsa. You can use chili powder or paprika instead if you want to add a different type of heat.
- Salt – Salt helps to enhance the flavors of the marinade and ensures that the chicken is properly seasoned. You can use any type of salt you prefer or omit it if you want to reduce your sodium intake.
- Black pepper – Black pepper adds a hint of warmth and spiciness to the marinade that complements the sweetness of the mango salsa. You can use white pepper instead if you prefer a milder taste or omit it if you don’t like pepper.
Utensils:
- Grill pan or grill – You can use an indoor or outdoor grill or a grill pan on the stove to cook the chicken. If you don’t have either of these, you can use a regular pan or skillet instead, but the chicken may not be as crispy or charred.
- Mixing bowl – You’ll need a mixing bowl to prepare the marinade and coat the chicken.
- Measuring spoons – You’ll need measuring spoons to measure out the spices and lime juice for the marinade.
- Tongs – You’ll need tongs to flip the chicken on the grill or in the pan and avoid piercing it and letting the juices escape.
- Knife and cutting board – You’ll need a knife and cutting board to mince the garlic, chop the mango salsa if needed, and slice the chicken for serving.
Trader Joe’s Zesty Mango Salsa
Mango salsa is one of my favorite add-ons to any dish! It’s always refreshing and adds a very summery vibe to most meals. This particular product from Trader Joe’s is a delicious blend of vibrant flavors that add a tropical twist to the chicken dish. Mango is known for its many health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting healthy digestion. Jalapenos contain capsaicin, a compound that gives them their spicy kick and may help reduce inflammation and boost metabolism. So not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also good for you! If you’re not a fan of heat, feel free to use a milder salsa in place of the zesty mango salsa.
Garlic
Garlic is a staple ingredient in most of my recipes. It adds flavor, depth, and aroma to any dish. It’s also known for its many health benefits, including its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic is also high in antioxidants and can help reduce cholesterol levels. In this recipe, the garlic complements the sweetness of the mango salsa and adds a pungent, savory note to the marinade. However, garlic can be overpowering if you use too much, so make sure to mince it finely and measure it precisely to avoid overwhelming the other flavors. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but fresh garlic will give you the best flavor and texture.
What to serve it with?
Personally, I love serving Trader Joe’s Zesty Mango Salsa Chicken with a side of tostones. Tostones are twice-fried green plantains, a staple in Dominican cuisine. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, starchy interior that pairs perfectly with the spicy-sweet flavors of the chicken marinade. To make tostones, simply cut green plantains into rounds, fry them until golden brown, then flatten them with a tostonera (a wooden press) and fry them again. The end result is a crispy and delicious side dish that perfectly complements the juicy chicken.
Summary
And there you have it, folks – my take on the Trader Joe’s Zesty Mango Salsa Chicken recipe. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the explosion of flavors as much as I do. Don’t forget to let me know in the comments below – what’s your favorite way to serve this dish? Do you have any other Caribbean-inspired recipes that you love? As always, happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Trader Joe's Zesty Mango Salsa Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Grill pan or grill
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken breasts
- 1 cup Trader Joe's Zesty Mango Salsa
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade - In a mixing bowl, combine the mango salsa, minced garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. - Make sure to measure the ingredients precisely as instructed to ensure that the marinade is well-balanced and not too spicy or too sweet. If you want to add more heat, you can add more jalapenos or chili powder to taste. If you want a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of jalapenos or omit them entirely.
- Marinate the chicken - Add the chicken to the bowl with the marinade, making sure it is well-coated with the mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours. - The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Make sure the chicken is coated evenly with the marinade to ensure that it cooks evenly as well.
- Grill the chicken - Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use tongs to flip the chicken and take care not to pierce it or let the juices escape. - Make sure the grill is well-oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can also cook the chicken in a skillet or regular pan if you don't have a grill, but it may not be as crispy or charred. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to avoid under or overcooking it.
- Rest and serve - Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it. Serve the chicken with additional mango salsa on top and a side of your choice. - Letting the chicken rest allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become juicier. You can serve the chicken with rice, quinoa, or a salad for a complete and balanced meal. Enjoy!
