Spicy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying, these Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw are a flavor explosion in every bite. Tender shredded chicken is tossed in a vibrant mango-chili glaze, then piled high with a crunchy, refreshing slaw that balances the heat. This recipe is a global flavor adventure you’ll want to take again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
These tacos are a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will transport your taste buds to a lively street food market. The mango-chili chicken is the star, with its bold, zesty marinade that infuses the meat with incredible depth of flavor. The cooling cilantro lime slaw provides a refreshing contrast, making each bite a delightful flavor experience. Plus, this recipe is easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or casual gathering dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos include juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs, a vibrant mango-chili glaze, and a crisp, tangy cilantro lime slaw. Warm tortillas, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco complete the taco perfection.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup – Mango, diced
- 2 tbsp – Chili powder
- 1/4 cup – Lime juice
- 2 cups – Shredded cabbage
Ingredient Substitutions
- Mango: Pineapple or peach (sweet and tangy flavor)
- Cabbage: Red or green cabbage, kale, or Brussels sprouts (dietary swap)
How to Make Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Begin by marinating the chicken in the mango-chili glaze, allowing the flavors to meld. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the cilantro lime slaw by shredding the cabbage, chopping the cilantro, and mixing the dressing ingredients. Once the chicken has marinated, sear it in a hot skillet until cooked through and caramelized on the outside. Shred the chicken and toss it back into the remaining glaze to coat it evenly. Warm the tortillas, then layer the spicy mango chicken, cilantro lime slaw, diced avocado, and crumbled cotija cheese. Serve immediately, allowing your guests to customize their tacos to their liking.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by marinating the chicken in the mango-chili glaze, allowing the flavors to meld. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the cilantro lime slaw by shredding the cabbage, chopping the cilantro, and mixing the dressing ingredients.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once the chicken has marinated, sear it in a hot skillet until cooked through and caramelized on the outside. Shred the chicken and toss it back into the remaining glaze to coat it evenly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Warm the tortillas, then layer the spicy mango chicken, cilantro lime slaw, diced avocado, and crumbled cotija cheese. Serve immediately, allowing your guests to customize their tacos to their liking.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Heartier Meal: Serve over cilantro-lime rice or quinoa
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for roasted sweet potatoes or black beans
- More Toppings: Diced pineapple, radish slices, or pickled onions
- Make it Your Own: Experiment and have fun with the recipe!
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Classic Mexican side dishes like black beans, Mexican rice, or elote (grilled corn).
Storage: Leftover chicken and slaw can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Make-Ahead: Marinate the chicken and make the slaw dressing up to 2 days ahead, then assemble and serve when ready.
Nutrition Information
These Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos are a nutritious and balanced meal, providing a good source of protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and plenty of fiber and vitamins from the fresh produce.
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t like mango?
If you’re not a fan of mango, you can easily substitute pineapple or peach in the chicken marinade for a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the tacos are best assembled and served right away, you can prepare the components in advance. Marinate the chicken and make the slaw dressing up to 2 days ahead, then assemble and serve when ready to enjoy.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice in this dish can be adjusted to your personal preference. Start with a smaller amount of chili powder or hot sauce in the chicken marinade, then add more if you want to amp up the heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free tortillas or serve the spicy mango chicken and slaw in lettuce cups or over a bed of greens for a delicious and dietary-friendly meal.
What can I serve with these tacos?
These Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos pair wonderfully with classic Mexican side dishes like black beans, Mexican rice, or elote (grilled corn). You can also add a fresh fruit salsa or creamy avocado dip for extra flavor and texture.
Try These Next
- Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos With Cilantro Lime Crema
- Korean Bbq Beef Tacos With Spicy Slaw
- Spicy Korean Beef Tacos With Avocado Slaw
Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Grilling or Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos are bursting with flavor! Juicy chicken is marinated in a spicy mango sauce and topped with a refreshing cilantro lime slaw for the perfect street food experience.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced
– 1 ripe mango, pureed
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 2 cups cabbage, shredded
– 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
1. 1. In a bowl, mix the pureed mango, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. 2. Marinate the diced chicken in the mango mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3. In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, mayonnaise, honey, and lime juice to make the slaw. Mix well and set aside.
4. 4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
5. 5. Warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
6. 6. Assemble tacos by placing the cooked chicken in the tortillas and topping with cilantro lime slaw.
7. 7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra kick, add sliced jalapeños on top or serve with your favorite hot sauce.
These tacos can also be made with shrimp or tofu for a different twist!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: tacos, chicken, mango, spicy, cilantro, slaw