Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa

Introduction

As a fan of vibrant, tropical flavors, this Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa has quickly become one of my favorite dishes to prepare. The combination of juicy chicken coated in a lemon-ginger glaze, served over creamy coconut rice, and topped with a refreshing pineapple mango salsa is absolutely irresistible. Every bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy, making it a hit at the dinner table. My family absolutely loved it, and I couldn’t believe how easy it was to prepare! The coconut rice adds a creamy base that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken, and the salsa brings a fresh, fruity crunch that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something impressive for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Ginger Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Coconut Rice:

• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Pineapple Mango Salsa:

• 1/2 cup diced pineapple
• 1/2 cup diced mango
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Spicy Mayo:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tsp lime juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Coconut Rice:
   Rinse the jasmine or basmati rice thoroughly under cold water. In a saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and infused with the coconut flavor. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
2. Make the Lemon Ginger Glaze:
   In a small bowl, combine the grated ginger, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and soy sauce. Mix well and set the glaze aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Pour the lemon ginger glaze over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and coats the chicken.
4. Prepare the Pineapple Mango Salsa:
   In a bowl, combine the diced pineapple, mango, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to mix.
5. Make the Spicy Mayo:
   In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less sriracha according to your preference.
6. Assemble the Bowl:
   To serve, start with a base of coconut rice. Top with the lemon ginger chicken and spoon on the fresh pineapple mango salsa. Drizzle with the spicy mayo and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

This dish can be served in a variety of ways to suit different preferences or occasions. Here are some great options:

• As a Main Dish: Serve as a standalone meal, where the creamy coconut rice and vibrant toppings are the stars.
• With a Side Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the rich flavors of the chicken and salsa.
• For a Family Dinner: Serve family-style, with a large bowl of rice and the chicken and salsa mixture in separate serving dishes, so everyone can customize their bowl.
• For a Dinner Party: This dish is perfect for a dinner party. The vibrant colors and tropical flavors will surely impress your guests.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple and mango add a natural sweetness and texture to the salsa. If using canned, make sure they are well-drained.
2. Grill the Chicken: For an added smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet. Just be sure to keep an eye on the glaze so it doesn’t burn.
3. Adjust the Spice: The sriracha in the spicy mayo adds heat, but you can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less, or even substituting it with a milder chili paste.
4. Make It Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure that your soy sauce is gluten-free if needed.
5. Meal Prep-Friendly: The components of this dish can be prepped ahead of time. Make the salsa and glaze, cook the rice, and store them separately until ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

• Grilled Pineapple Mango Salsa: For an extra smoky flavor, grill the pineapple and mango before dicing and mixing them for the salsa.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute the coconut rice with cauliflower rice to reduce the carbohydrate content.
• Add Avocado: Add creamy avocado slices to the salsa for extra richness.
• Spicy Chicken: Marinate the chicken in the ginger and lemon mixture overnight for an even more intense flavor. You can also add a little chili paste for an added kick.
• Vegan Version: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, and prepare it the same way. For a fully plant-based dish, use vegan mayo for the spicy mayo.

Serving Suggestions

• With Rice Paper Rolls: Serve the chicken and salsa as a filling for rice paper rolls for a fun, handheld meal.
• As Part of a Tropical Feast: This dish pairs perfectly with other tropical-inspired dishes like grilled shrimp skewers or a mango avocado salad.
• With Lime Tortillas: Wrap the lemon ginger chicken, salsa, and rice in lime-infused tortillas for a twist on a burrito or taco.

Freezing and Storage

• To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken, rice, and salsa can be stored separately to keep the flavors fresh.
• To Freeze: Freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and rice and serve with fresh salsa.
• To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet. When reheating the chicken, add a little water or broth to keep it moist.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken, rice, and salsa ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and assemble the bowl when ready to serve.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice? Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time may be longer.
3. How can I make the spicy mayo without sriracha? You can substitute sriracha with any hot sauce, or use chili paste or fresh chopped chilies for a different flavor profile.
4. Can I use frozen fruit for the salsa? While fresh fruit is ideal, you can use frozen pineapple and mango as long as you thaw and drain them well.
5. Can I make this dish without coconut milk? Yes, you can use regular milk or broth as a substitute for coconut milk, but the flavor will be different.
6. What other veggies can I add to the salsa? You can add bell peppers, cucumbers, or even jalapeños for an added crunch or spice.
7. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it? Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will add a smoky flavor to the dish.
8. Can I use other protein sources? Yes, you can use shrimp, tofu, or tempeh as an alternative to chicken.
9. Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, the dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free.
10. How spicy is this dish? The dish has a mild heat from the spicy mayo, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking by controlling the amount of sriracha.

Conclusion

Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa is the perfect blend

of fresh, zesty, and tropical flavors. The chicken is juicy and full of flavor, the coconut rice provides a creamy base, and the pineapple mango salsa adds the perfect refreshing crunch. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or an impressive dinner party, this dish is sure to delight your guests and leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Print