Chicken in Coconut Mango Verde Sauce
- Preparing Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Served Person: 6
- 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
A Busy Mom's Tropical Escape: Chicken in Coconut Mango Verde Sauce
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the house afloat, finding time for elaborate meals feels like a luxury. But that doesn't mean we should sacrifice delicious, healthy food! This Chicken in Coconut Mango Verde Sauce recipe is my go-to when I need a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. It's ready in under 30 minutes, requires minimal cleanup, and is bursting with vibrant, tropical flavors that transport you to a sunny getaway, even if just for dinner.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The sauce is a magical blend of creamy coconut milk, tangy salsa verde, sweet mango, and a hint of spice from the jalapeño. I love using pre-chopped ingredients to save time, but feel free to chop your own if you prefer. The chicken cooks quickly, ensuring a tender and juicy result. I often double the recipe and have leftovers for lunch the next day – a real lifesaver on those busy workdays! Serving it with fluffy rice completes the meal perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying plate.
Beyond the Recipe: A Taste of Paradise
This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about creating moments of peace in the midst of chaos. The vibrant colors and tropical flavors evoke a sense of calm and escape. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a relaxing beach vacation, a much-needed mental break from the daily grind. It's about nourishing not just your body but your soul, a small act of self-care that fits seamlessly into even the busiest schedule.
Adapting to Your Needs
The great thing about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference. Want it milder? Reduce the jalapeño or skip the sriracha altogether. Prefer a sweeter sauce? Add a little more brown sugar. The beauty of cooking is the freedom to experiment and make it your own. I often add a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end for an extra burst of citrusy flavor. The possibilities are endless!
More Than Just Dinner: A Family Affair
Cooking this dish is more than just preparing a meal; it's about creating memories. Sometimes, my kids help me chop the vegetables, a small task that teaches them about food preparation and encourages family bonding. The process of creating something delicious together is a rewarding experience in itself. It’s a way to connect, share laughter, and create lasting memories around a simple, yet extraordinary, dinner table.
Beyond the Kitchen: A Recipe for Life
This Chicken in Coconut Mango Verde Sauce recipe is a metaphor for life itself: a delicious blend of sweet and spicy, simple yet satisfying, and always adaptable to changing circumstances. Just like life, it requires a bit of planning and preparation, but the result is always worth the effort. So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to escape with this vibrant dish. Let the aroma fill your kitchen, and savor the taste of paradise, even in the midst of your busy life.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with fluffy white rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad adds a refreshing touch. Don't forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for added color and flavor!
Conclusion
This Chicken in Coconut Mango Verde Sauce recipe is more than just a quick and easy dinner; it's a gateway to a tropical escape, a family bonding experience, and a small act of self-care. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there's always time for delicious, healthy food that nourishes both body and soul.
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.
