Mango Chipotle Chicken Thighs

Mango Chipotle Chicken Thighs is a vibrant and flavor packed dish that combines the sweet, tropical essence of ripe mangoes with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers. Chicken thighs, known for their juiciness and rich flavor, are marinated and cooked to perfection, ensuring a succulent texture and a deep infusion of the fruity and spicy elements of the dish.

The highlight of this creation is the bold contrast between the sweetness of the mango and the smoky spiciness of the chipotle. This unique pairing results in a sauce that is both vibrant and nuanced, making it an excellent companion for various dishes, from grilled meats to tacos and salads.

Fresh mango, with its sweet, and slightly tangy flavor, brings a burst of tropical freshness to the sauce. The natural sugars help balance the heat from the chipotle peppers, and its smooth texture when pureed contributes to a velvety, luxurious feel in the mouth.

Dried chipotle peppers, on the other hand, are smoked and dried jalapeño peppers. They introduce a warm, smoky heat and a depth of flavor that is both robust and earthy. The drying process concentrates their flavor, making them a potent ingredient that should be used judiciously to avoid overwhelming the dish.

As the chicken cooks, it absorbs the myriad of flavors, resulting in a dish that is incredibly aromatic, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. The vibrant orange hue of the mango, speckled with the deep red of the chipotle and the golden-brown sear of the chicken, makes this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Served over a bed of culantro lime rice and garnished with a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco, Mango Chipotle Chicken Thighs is a wonderful journey through contrasting flavors and textures, promising a memorable dining experience.

Mango Chipotle Chicken Thighs

5 from 1 vote

Course: EditorialCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Total time

55

minutes

Mango Chipotle Chicken Thighs is a vibrant and flavor packed dish that combines the sweet, tropical essence of ripe mangoes with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds 1 1/2 chicken thighs

• 2 ripe 2 mangoes

• 4 dried 4 chipotle peppers, rehydrated and chopped

• 3 cloves 3 garlic

• 2 small 2 yellow onions, quartered

• 1 1 lime, juiced

• 2 tablespoons 2 honey

• 2 tablespoons 2 extra virgin olive oil

• 1 cup 1 chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon 1 cilantro, freshly chopped

• 1 cup 1 queso fresco cheese, crumbled

Equipment

• Cast iron skilletBuy now
• Chef’s knifeBuy now
• BlenderBuy now
• TongsBuy now
• Mixing bowlBuy now

Directions

• Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Sear Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
  Add chicken thighs and sear for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Make Mango Chipotle Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine mango, chopped chipotle peppers, garlic, honey, lime juice, chicken broth, and cilantro. Blend until smooth.
• Bake: Add quartered onions to the skillet with the seared chicken. Pour the mango chipotle sauce over the chicken thighs and onions in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
• Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven.
  Garnish with crumbled queso fresco cheese and freshly chopped cilantro.

Notes

• You can choose to reserve 1 cup of the mango chipotle sauce and reduce it on a stovetop while the chicken cooks.