Spicy Mango Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a timeless dish, but sometimes it deserves a little shake-up. Enter this Spicy Mango Chicken Salad—a bold departure from the usual with sweet mango chunks, a hint of heat, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. Using tender chicken thighs for extra juiciness, this recipe blends tropical flair with a spicy edge, making it as exciting as it is satisfying. Ready to spice up your salad game? Let’s dive in!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes (for chicken, if not pre-cooked) | Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken thighs, shredded or diced (about 3-4 thighs, boneless or bone-in)
• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds (optional, for crunch)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken (if needed): If starting with raw chicken thighs, season with salt and pepper, then grill, bake (at 400°F for 20-25 minutes), or poach until fully cooked (165°F internal temp). Let cool slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. (Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works too!)
2. Prep the Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced mango, and chopped red onion.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, sriracha, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using) until smooth. Taste and adjust spice level or seasoning as desired.
4. Mix It Up: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Add chopped cilantro and toasted almonds (if using). Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
5. Season and Chill: Add salt and pepper to taste. For best flavour, cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to let the flavours meld (optional but recommended).
6. Serve: Enjoy as is, scoop onto lettuce wraps, pile into a pita, or serve with crackers for a zesty twist on a classic.

Tips

• Mango Ripeness: Use a firm but ripe mango for sweetness without mushiness.
• Cool It Down: If it’s too spicy, add a bit more yogurt or a teaspoon of honey.
• Make Ahead: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container—perfect for meal prep!

Conclusion

This Spicy Mango Chicken Salad is a unique combination of sweetness, spice, and creaminess. The juicy mango brings a tropical vibe, while the sriracha and paprika add just enough fire to keep things interesting. It’s a refreshing departure from the ordinary, proving chicken salad can be anything but boring. Whip it up for a quick lunch or a party platter, and watch it steal the show. One bite, and you’ll never look at chicken salad the same way again!