15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken and Mango Salad

15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken and Mango Salad is a quick and refreshing dish that perfectly combines the sweetness of mango with the savory flavors of teriyaki chicken. This easy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes and features juicy chicken simmered in a flavorful teriyaki glaze, paired with fresh, crunchy vegetables and vibrant mango. It’s a healthy, light, and satisfying meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • For the chicken:

    • 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into small pieces

    • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

    • Juice of 1 medium orange

    • 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce

    • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • For the salad:

    • 6 cups lettuce (use a blend of kale, broccolini, radicchio, red cabbage, and carrots, or your preferred mix)

    • 1 large fresh mango, peeled and diced

    • ¼ cup red onion, diced

    • 1 tablespoon red bell pepper, diced

    • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely minced

Directions

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until nearly done, about 4 minutes. Flip intermittently to ensure even cooking.

  2. Add the Sauce:
    Add the juice from the orange, teriyaki sauce, and black pepper to the pan. Stir to combine and allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

  3. Assemble the Salad:
    To a large platter or bowl, add the lettuce, mango, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and cooked chicken. Drizzle all the pan juices over the platter to serve as the dressing.

  4. Serve:
    Toss everything together and serve immediately.

Nutrients

For one serving (based on 4 servings), here’s an approximate breakdown:

  • Calories: 426 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 31g

  • Protein: 47g

  • Fat: 12g

    • Saturated Fat: 3g

  • Cholesterol: 120mg

  • Sodium: 666mg

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sugar: 25g

Why 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken and Mango Salad is So Popular

This dish’s popularity comes from its incredible balance of flavors, vibrant colors, and ease of preparation. The tender chicken breast, seared and coated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce, adds a rich savory base that’s complemented by the fresh, crunchy vegetables and the juicy sweetness of mango. The sweetness from the fruit balances out the richness of the teriyaki sauce, making each bite a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy.

Not only is the salad delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal after a long day or a light dish for a summer gathering, this salad fits the bill. The inclusion of fresh ingredients such as bell peppers, onions, cilantro, and mango adds nutritional value, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a wholesome and satisfying option for both adults and kids.

How to Make 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken and Mango Salad

Making this dish is quick and easy, with only a few simple steps to follow. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to prepare this fresh, flavorful salad:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor to the chicken and complements the teriyaki sauce perfectly. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 4 minutes, flipping intermittently to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly on all sides and develops a golden-brown color. The chicken should be cooked through and tender. You can check for doneness by cutting a piece of chicken in the middle—there should be no pink remaining.

Step 2: Add the Sauce

Once the chicken is nearly done, add the juice from one medium orange, teriyaki sauce, and freshly ground black pepper to the pan. The orange juice adds a subtle citrusy sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Stir the mixture together, coating the chicken evenly with the sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer for 2 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly. This will create a rich, savory glaze that infuses the chicken with flavor. Remove the pan from the heat once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well-coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad ingredients. In a large platter or salad bowl, add a mix of fresh, crunchy lettuce, such as kale, broccolini, radicchio, or red cabbage—whatever blend you prefer. The lettuce will form the base of the salad, providing a crisp, refreshing foundation. Then, add the diced mango, which will provide a burst of sweetness to contrast with the savory chicken. Add the julienned red onion and bell pepper for a touch of crunch and color. Toss in freshly minced cilantro to give the salad a pop of freshness and flavor.

Step 4: Add the Chicken to the Salad

Once the chicken is cooked and coated in the delicious teriyaki sauce, add the chicken and all of the pan juices to the salad. This will act as the dressing for the salad, ensuring that every ingredient is well-coated with the flavorful sauce. Toss everything together gently to combine, making sure that the chicken, vegetables, and mango are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Serve

Once everything is combined, serve the Teriyaki Chicken and Mango Salad immediately. If desired, garnish with sesame seeds for extra crunch and texture. You can also top the salad with extra chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness or drizzle a little chili oil over the top for added spice. The salad can be served on its own or with a side of cooked rice, quinoa, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken and Mango Salad is perfect for a wide variety of occasions. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, as it requires minimal prep and cooking time, and the result is a healthy, flavorful meal. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make this dish a great choice for summer gatherings, family barbecues, or meal prep for the week. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, this salad offers a refreshing change from heavier meals while still being filling and satisfying.

In addition to being a crowd-pleaser, this dish is highly customizable. If you prefer a different type of protein, you can easily substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. You can also add extra vegetables like cucumber, avocado, or edamame for added texture and flavor. The sauce is also adaptable—you can increase the sweetness by adding more orange juice or make it spicier by adding more chili oil or chili flakes.

Conclusion

15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken and Mango Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines savory chicken with sweet mango and crisp vegetables, all coated in a delicious teriyaki glaze. The dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s flavorful, nutritious, and customizable, and it can be served over rice, in lettuce wraps, or on its own for a lighter option.

With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this dish is sure to become a go-to meal in your rotation. The freshness of the mango, the tenderness of the chicken, and the vibrant vegetables all come together to create a dish that is not only satisfying but also nourishing. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken and Mango Salad is sure to be a hit!

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