Here’s a delightful culinary adventure waiting for you—Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa. Picture this: tender chicken, expertly seasoned and seared to perfection, nestled in soft tortillas, all topped with a vibrant salsa bursting with the sweetness of mango and the creaminess of avocado. It’s like a tropical fiesta in your mouth, and you’ll want to share it with everyone around you—unless you’re feeling a bit selfish (we won’t judge)!
Now, let’s take a moment to travel back to that glorious summer barbecue where I first encountered the joy of taco-making. The sun was shining, laughter filled the air, and there it was: my friend’s secret recipe for blackened chicken tacos. The taste was unforgettable, the spices danced on my tongue, and oh boy, did I want to recreate that magic! If you’re ready for a flavor explosion that’s perfect for any occasion—from casual weeknight dinners to fancy gatherings—then buckle up because we’re diving into these tacos that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Ingredients for Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the stars of our show! Use about 3-4 chicken breasts, adjusting based on your guest list.
- Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps achieve that gorgeous blackened crust while keeping the chicken juicy.
- Blackening Seasoning: You can buy this premade or mix your own with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme for some serious flavor.
- Tortillas: Soft flour or corn tortillas work wonders here; feel free to pick your favorite!
For the Salsa:
- Mango: Choose ripe mangoes that are slightly soft to touch; they provide a sweet burst in every bite.
- Avocado: Go for creamy avocados; they add richness that perfectly complements the salsa’s sweetness.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a nice crunch and slight bite to your salsa.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives that refreshing herbaceous note; don’t skip it unless you really dislike it (we understand).
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Device
First things first—preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to give that chicken a fantastic sear.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While your grill heats up, pat those chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them generously with olive oil followed by your blackening seasoning until every inch is coated like it’s getting ready for its close-up!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken on your hot grill or skillet. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature should hit at least 165°F or about 74°C).
Step 4: Make the Salsa
While waiting for that chicken magic to happen, chop up your mangoes, avocados, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and gently mix everything together—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
Once your chicken is ready, slice it into strips. Grab those soft tortillas and fill them with slices of chicken followed by heaping spoonfuls of your luscious mango avocado salsa.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Transfer these beauties onto plates and garnish with more cilantro if desired. Trust me; they deserve every bit of extra love!
Now you’re all set to indulge in these scrumptious Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa! Get ready for rave reviews from family and friends as they savor each bite!
You Must Know
- This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors, then prepare your mango avocado salsa while it cooks. This way, everything comes together seamlessly, and you won’t be left scrambling at the last minute.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the mango for pineapple if you’re feeling tropical, or add some jalapeños for an extra kick. Experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika to elevate your blackened chicken tacos even further!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain that delicious texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let the chicken rest after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness.
- Use fresh ingredients for the salsa to enhance flavors dramatically.
- Don’t skip marinating; it’s key to developing that rich taste!
I once made these blackened chicken tacos for a family gathering, and they vanished faster than I could say “taco night!” Everyone was raving about that mango avocado salsa, and I felt like a culinary rock star!
FAQs:
What are Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa?
Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa are a delicious and vibrant dish featuring seasoned chicken cooked until crispy and blackened, served in soft tortillas. The tacos are topped with a refreshing mango avocado salsa that adds sweetness and creaminess. This dish is perfect for taco night or any casual gathering, offering a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
How do I make the blackening seasoning for the chicken?
To create the blackening seasoning for your chicken, combine spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this blend generously over the chicken before cooking. The spices will create a flavorful crust when seared in a hot pan, giving your Blackened Chicken Tacos a smoky and spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the cool mango avocado salsa.
Can I use different proteins for my tacos?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can easily substitute it with other proteins like turkey or beef. Simply adjust the cooking times based on the type of meat you choose. For a vegetarian option, consider using grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu to achieve a similarly satisfying texture and flavor profile in your Blackened Tacos.
What can I serve with Blackened Chicken Tacos?
To enhance your meal experience, consider serving Blackened Chicken Tacos with sides such as cilantro lime rice or black beans for added nutrition. You could also include a fresh garden salad or corn on the cob to contribute colors and flavors to your table. These complementary dishes will elevate your dining experience while perfectly pairing with the bold flavors of the tacos.
Conclusion for Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa:
In summary, Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa offer an exciting and flavorful option for any meal. The combination of spicy blackened chicken and sweet salsa creates a delightful contrast that tantalizes the taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy these tacos by adding your favorite toppings and sides to make them even more memorable!

Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa
Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a tropical twist to your dinner table. Tender, spice-rubbed chicken is expertly seared and served in warm tortillas, topped with a refreshing salsa made from ripe mangoes and creamy avocados. This recipe is perfect for taco nights or gatherings, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp blackening seasoning
- 8 soft flour or corn tortillas
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and rub with olive oil and blackening seasoning until fully coated.
- Grill or sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F).
- While chicken cooks, combine mango, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl; mix gently.
- Slice cooked chicken into strips and fill tortillas with the chicken and generous spoonfuls of salsa.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg