Irresistible Chicken Tacos with Mango and Jicama: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
Tired of the same old taco routine? Prepare to elevate your dinner game with these vibrant Chicken Tacos featuring a fresh Mango and Jicama Salsa. They’re incredibly easy, lightning-fast to prepare, and bursting with an explosion of flavors and textures that will make every bite an unforgettable experience. You won’t believe how quickly you can create such a sophisticated and satisfying meal, perfect for any weeknight!
Our home is a hub for Mexican-inspired cuisine! From savory Green Chicken Enchiladas to refreshing Taco Salad, we embrace it all. And when it comes to taco night, any day of the week is fair game, especially when these incredible Chicken Tacos with Mango and Jicama are on the menu. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh, bold flavors that will transform your perception of what a simple taco can be.
These truly rank among my absolute favorite tacos. The secret lies in the harmonious blend of sweet, tangy mango and wonderfully crisp jicama that tops the perfectly seasoned chicken. If you’re new to the delightful crunch of jicama, this recipe offers the perfect introduction. Its subtle sweetness and refreshing texture are simply irresistible, providing a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, Taco Sunday, or any day in between, these tacos are guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Tacos
- Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The sweetness of ripe mango, the refreshing crunch of jicama, the zest of lime, and the savory kick of spiced chicken create a symphony of flavors that will awaken your taste buds.
- Quick and Easy: Designed for busy lives, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a delicious and nutritious weeknight dinner.
- Textural Masterpiece: Experience the satisfying contrast between tender chicken, crisp jicama, juicy mango, and soft tortillas – a truly dynamic culinary experience.
- Fresh and Healthy: Packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, these tacos are not only delicious but also a wholesome meal option.
- Simple Ingredients: Despite their gourmet appeal, these tacos use readily available ingredients, making them accessible to any home cook.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with a taco recipe that’s anything but ordinary. It’s time to savor the vibrant taste of summer, all year round!
Essential Ingredients for Tacos
Crafting these extraordinary chicken tacos involves two main components: the vibrant mango and jicama salad, and the perfectly seasoned chicken filling.
The Refreshing Mango and Jicama Salad
- Jicama: This incredible root vegetable offers a crisp texture similar to an apple, but with a subtly sweet and nutty flavor. It’s essential to peel the outer skin before dicing or julienning the firm white flesh inside. Jicama is the star here, providing an unparalleled crunch and refreshing counterpoint to the richer components of the taco.
- Mango: The mango introduces a burst of tropical sweetness and juicy tenderness. For the best flavor, select a mango that is ripe but still firm. A ripe mango will yield slightly to gentle pressure and emit a fragrant aroma near the stem.
- Red Onion: A small amount of finely sliced red onion adds a mild, pungent kick without overpowering the delicate flavors of the fruit and jicama. Its beautiful purple hue also adds a pop of color to the salad.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Absolutely crucial for brightening the entire salad. Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a zesty, tangy flavor that beautifully balances the sweetness of the mango and the earthy notes of the jicama. Avoid bottled lime juice for this recipe, as fresh makes a significant difference.
- Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh, herbaceous aroma and flavor that is characteristic of many Mexican dishes. If you are not a fan of cilantro, feel free to omit it. For those who adore it, don’t hesitate to add a little extra!
- Sugar: A tiny pinch of sugar is used to enhance and balance the natural sweetness of the mango and other flavors. This is optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your preference for sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are vital for bringing out the best in all the ingredients. Always season to taste, adjusting as needed after combining the salad.
The Savory Chicken Taco Filling
- Cooking Oil: Use a high-quality oil like olive oil or avocado oil for cooking the chicken and vegetables. These oils impart a pleasant flavor and handle medium-high heat well. Vegetable or canola oil can also be used as alternatives.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean and versatile choice, easily cut into bite-sized chunks or thin strips. For a richer flavor and even more tender texture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also be a fantastic option.
- Chili Powder & Cumin: These two spices are the backbone of the chicken’s flavor profile, providing a warm, earthy, and mildly smoky depth. For those who enjoy a little extra heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the seasoning mix.
- Bell Pepper & Onion: Sliced bell peppers (red or any color you prefer) and the remaining red onion add a wonderful sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to the chicken filling. They should be cooked just until crisp-tender to retain their texture and freshness.
- Tortillas: While flour tortillas offer a soft, pliable wrap for these tacos, corn tortillas can certainly be used for a more traditional, gluten-free option. If opting for corn tortillas, you might find that you can make more than 8 tacos due to their smaller size. Warm them gently before serving to enhance their flavor and flexibility.
- Greens: A bed of mixed greens or shredded romaine lettuce provides a fresh, cool, and crisp base inside your tortilla, adding another layer of texture and freshness to each taco.
How to Prepare These Delicious Chicken Tacos
Creating these vibrant tacos is straightforward and follows a logical flow, ensuring maximum flavor and efficiency.
- Prepare the Mango and Jicama Salad: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the julienne-cut jicama, diced mango, 1/4 cup of the sliced red onion, fresh lime juice, finely chopped cilantro, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and a dash of black pepper. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Allow this flavorful salad to rest while you prepare the chicken filling. This resting time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more cohesive and impactful taste.
- Cook the Seasoned Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, sprinkle your bite-sized chicken pieces or strips evenly with the chili powder and ground cumin. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned on the outside but not yet cooked through entirely. This initial browning step adds depth of flavor. Remove the partially cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Introduce the sliced red bell pepper and the remaining sliced red onion to the hot pan. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become crisp-tender. You want them to retain a slight bite, adding a pleasant texture to the tacos. Season the sautéed vegetables with the remaining salt.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the skillet with the crisp-tender vegetables. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the juices run clear. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Assemble Your Tacos: Gently warm your flour or corn tortillas according to package directions. You can warm them in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven. To assemble each taco, lay a warm tortilla flat. Place about 2 tablespoons of mixed salad greens down the center. Follow with approximately 1/3 cup of the flavorful chicken and vegetable mixture. Finally, generously top with 2 tablespoons of the refreshing mango and jicama salad. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful medley of flavors and textures!
Tips for Taco Success & Creative Variations
- Make Ahead Magic: The mango and jicama salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deepen even further. The chicken and vegetable mixture can also be cooked ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
- Adjust the Heat: For those who love a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning. You can also drizzle a dash of your favorite hot sauce over the assembled tacos. If you prefer milder flavors, stick to the recommended spices.
- Protein Alternatives: While chicken is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other proteins. Shrimp, pork, or even plant-based options like seasoned black beans or grilled halloumi cheese would be delicious.
- Add More Freshness: Consider adding slices of creamy avocado, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness and tang.
- Serving Suggestions: These tacos are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a side of cilantro lime rice, black beans, or a simple green salad.
- Jicama Prep Tip: When peeling jicama, use a sharp vegetable peeler or a small paring knife to remove the tough outer skin. It can be a bit tricky, but worth the effort for that amazing crunch.
Why Jicama is Your New Favorite Ingredient
Jicama, pronounced “hee-ka-ma,” is a versatile root vegetable native to Mexico and Central America that deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire. Often called the “Mexican potato,” its crisp, watery texture and subtly sweet, nutty flavor are unlike anything else. It’s often compared to a less sweet apple or a water chestnut, making it a perfect addition to salads, slaws, and, of course, these tacos.
Beyond its delightful taste and texture, jicama is also a nutritional powerhouse. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with Vitamin C, an essential antioxidant. It also contains prebiotics, which support gut health. Incorporating jicama into your diet is a fantastic way to add crunch and nutrients without heavy calories. Its ability to stay crisp even when dressed makes it ideal for salsas and salads where other vegetables might quickly wilt.
Explore More Delicious Taco Creations
If you’ve loved these chicken tacos, you’re in for a treat! Discover other fantastic taco recipes that will keep your taco nights exciting and flavorful:
- Baja Fish Tacos
- Crispy Black Bean Tacos
- Flavorful Fried Fish Tacos
- Unique Cheeseburger Tacos
- Hearty Potato Tacos with Sausage
Chicken Tacos with Mango and Jicama
Deborah Harroun
15 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
4 servings
Main Dish
Mexican
Pin
No more boring tacos! These Chicken Tacos with Mango and Jicama are easy, fast, and full of flavor. There are so many flavors and textures, you won’t believe that this is an easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup julienne-cut peeled jicama
- 1/2 cup diced mango
- 1 1/4 cup sliced red onion, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- Dash of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks or thin strips
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup sliced red bell pepper
- 8 (6-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 cup mixed salad greens
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the jicama, mango, 1/4 cup of the sliced red onion, lime juice, cilantro, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper. Let it sit until the tacos are ready, letting the flavors combine.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sprinkle the chicken with the chili powder and cumin. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until the chicken is browned and almost cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove to a plate.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the pepper and the remaining onion. Cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender, 3-5 minutes. Season with the remaining salt, then return the chicken to the skillet and continue to cook until the chicken is cooked through, another 3-5 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas. To serve, place about 2 tablespoons of the greens down the center of each tortilla. Top with 1/3 cup of the chicken, then 2 tablespoons of the mango and jicama salad.
Recipe Notes:
Slightly adapted from Cooking Light March 2009.
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Serving:
2 tacos
Calories:
471 kcal
(24%)
Carbohydrates:
52 g
(17%)
Protein:
30 g
(60%)
Fat:
17 g
(26%)
Saturated Fat:
4 g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat:
7 g
Trans Fat:
0 g
Cholesterol:
55 mg
(18%)
Sodium:
797 mg
(35%)
Fiber:
5 g
(21%)
Sugar:
8 g
(9%)
easy chicken taco, mango jicama, Mexican chicken tacos, weeknight dinner
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