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Blackened Chicken and Mango Rice Bowls Easy Homemade Recipe with Cilantro Lime Flair

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A quick and flavorful meal featuring smoky blackened chicken paired with sweet mango and zesty cilantro lime rice, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 cup jasmine or long grain white rice (190 g)
  • 1 medium ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15 g)
  • Juice of 1 large lime
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, thinly sliced red or green onions, crumbled feta or cotija cheese, extra lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice blend evenly over both sides of each chicken piece. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  3. Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and salt to taste. Set aside.
  4. Heat olive or avocado oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side until blackened crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping too often. Remove from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. While chicken cooks, dice mango and prepare any optional toppings.
  6. Divide cilantro lime rice into bowls. Top with sliced blackened chicken, diced mango, and desired toppings. Serve with extra lime wedges.

Notes

Use boneless thighs for juicier chicken or breasts for leaner meat. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Rinse rice well to avoid clumping. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. For a low-carb version, substitute rice with cauliflower rice. Mango can be replaced with pineapple or grilled peaches if out of season.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened chicken, mango rice bowl, cilantro lime rice, quick dinner, summer meal, spicy chicken, easy recipe

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/blackened-chicken-and-mango-rice-bowls-easy-homemade-recipe-with-cilantro-lime-flair/