Why You’ll Love Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Habanero SalsaRecipe
These tacos are a delicious mix of spice, sweetness, and comfort. The blackened chicken brings smoky Cajun heat while the mango habanero salsa adds a tropical kick that brightens every bite. They’re easy to assemble, versatile with toppings, and great for meal prep or entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 recipe Cajun Blackened Chicken
4 flour tortillas
1/2 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
1/2 cup mango habanero salsa
Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Directions
Make the Cajun Blackened Chicken according to your preferred recipe.
Wrap the flour tortillas in a moist paper towel and heat in the microwave until warm and pliable.
Divide the cooked blackened chicken evenly among the tortillas.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over each taco and microwave briefly until the cheese melts.
Top each taco with mango habanero salsa.
Add optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro to taste.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Make it gluten‑free: Use corn tortillas instead of flour.
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Fresh salsa: Use homemade mango habanero salsa for a fresher, fruitier topping.
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Add veggies: Add shredded lettuce or cabbage for crunch.
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Extra heat: Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for spice lovers.
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Cheese swap: Try cotija or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat the chicken in the microwave or a skillet until warm, then assemble fresh tacos to avoid soggy tortillas. Mango habanero salsa is best served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
How do I blacken the chicken?
Blackening chicken involves coating it in Cajun seasoning and cooking it in a hot skillet or grill until a slightly charred crust forms.
Can I use store‑bought salsa?
Yes — store‑bought mango habanero salsa works great and cuts down on prep time.
What kind of tortillas should I use?
Flour tortillas are used here, but corn tortillas are a great option and make the tacos gluten‑free.
Can I make the salsa from scratch?
Absolutely — homemade mango habanero salsa adds fresh flavor and can be adjusted for sweetness or heat.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a bit of heat from the habanero salsa, but you can control spice by choosing milder salsa or omitting hot peppers.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy when cooked.
What toppings go well with these tacos?
Sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, lime wedges, and shredded lettuce all complement these tacos nicely.
Can this be meal‑prepped?
Yes — cook and store components separately, then assemble when ready to eat.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the chicken separately before adding fresh salsa and toppings to warm tortillas.
Can I grill the chicken?
Yes — grilling adds great flavor and works perfectly for blackened chicken tacos.
Conclusion
These Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Habanero Salsa are a flavorful, crowd‑pleasing meal that blends spicy, sweet, and savory elements for an unforgettable taco experience. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe delivers bold taste with minimal effort. Enjoy!
Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Habanero Salsa
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These Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Habanero Salsa are a spicy, sweet, and savory fusion dish featuring juicy chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices, served in tortillas with a vibrant mango habanero salsa and creamy avocado.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grill or Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 habanero pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or crema (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and coat evenly with the spice mixture.
- Grill or pan-sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove and let rest before slicing.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the mango habanero salsa: combine diced mango, red onion, habanero, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- Slice the blackened chicken into strips.
- Assemble tacos by placing sliced chicken on tortillas, topping with mango habanero salsa, avocado slices, and sour cream if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust cayenne and habanero to control heat level.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Can substitute mango with pineapple for a twist.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored separately and assembled later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg