Chicken in Coconut Mango Verde Sauce
Try this Chicken in Coconut Mango Verde Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Chicken in Coconut Mango Verde Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts cut into 1/8†slices against the grain*
- 1 red bell pepper sliced then chopped into 2†pieces
- 1 green bell pepper sliced then chopped into 2†pieces
- 1 13.5 oz. can coconut milk (i like chaokoh)
- 1 cup salsa verde (i like herdez in the jar)
- 1 cup roughly chopped mango
- 1 jalapeno, seeded deveined
- 3-5 tablespoons brown sugar**
- sriracha/asian hot chili sauce to taste (optional)
- Carbohydrate 2.87860884160786 g
- Cholesterol 72.5747792 mg
- Fat 11.284160122941 g
- Fiber 0.924122602927515 g
- Protein 24.1363426779649 g
- Saturated Fat 3.13551227209297 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (159g)
- Sodium 74.6927188921098 mg
- Sugar 1.95448623868034 g
- Trans Fat 1.00367916011829 g
- Calories 214 calories
Step-by-step
- Add all of the Coconut Mango Verde Sauce ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat oil over medium high heat in large nonstick skillet until very hot.
- Add chicken and cook just until most pieces are no longer pink then add bell peppers and continue to cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in Coconut Mango Verde Sauce and cook just until chicken is completely cooked and sauce is heated through.
- Taste and add additional brown sugar for sweeter, Sriracha for spicier or lime for tangier.
- Garnish with optional fresh cilantro.
- Serve with rice.
Chicken in Coconut Mango Verde Sauce: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school pick-ups, and trying to squeeze in a workout before collapsing onto the sofa. That's why I crave recipes that are quick, flavorful, and require minimal cleanup. This Chicken in Coconut Mango Verde Sauce fits the bill perfectly.
The vibrant colors alone make this dish a feast for the eyes. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked in a subtly sweet and spicy sauce, is a revelation. I've tweaked this recipe over time, making it my own – a testament to how even simple dishes can be personalized to match your palate. The creamy coconut milk, tangy lime juice, and the surprising burst of mango sweetness are a winning combination. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, a perfect balance for a busy weeknight.
The best part? It's incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the spiciness with more or less jalapeno, or add a different kind of chili pepper for a unique kick. If you're not a fan of mango, you can substitute pineapple or peaches – the tropical flavors will work beautifully with the coconut. I sometimes add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Weeknight Dinners
Weeknight dinners are often a battlefield. There's the pressure of feeding the family something healthy and delicious, while battling fatigue and time constraints. This is where simple, yet flavorful recipes like this one are invaluable. They offer a lifeline in the chaos, allowing you to create a nourishing and satisfying meal without sacrificing precious time or energy. It’s about finding joy in the process, even amidst the whirlwind of daily life.
The beauty of this dish lies not just in its taste, but in its simplicity. It allows for spontaneous adaptation based on your mood and available ingredients. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time, making weeknight cooking even faster and easier. On busy days, I often double the recipe and save half for lunch the next day – a delicious and convenient solution to the lunchbox dilemma.
More than just a meal, this chicken dish is a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness. It's a reminder that even with limited time, we can create something beautiful and delicious. It's about embracing the imperfections, celebrating the small victories, and finding nourishment, both physically and emotionally, in the everyday rituals of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. It’s about reclaiming the joy of cooking, making it an act of self-care and a testament to our ability to nurture ourselves and those around us amidst the daily grind.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeno to control the heat. For milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes before adding.
- Fruit Variations: Experiment with other tropical fruits like pineapple or peaches for a different flavor profile.
- Protein Swap: This sauce works wonderfully with shrimp or tofu as well.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, quinoa, or your favorite side dish.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Chicken in Coconut Mango Verde Sauce isn't just a recipe; it’s a reflection of the balance we strive for in our busy lives – a blend of flavor, convenience, and a touch of personal expression.
