Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your senses straight to the vibrant Caribbean coastline! This Orange Mango Habanero Chicken is not just a recipe; it's a symphony of sweet, tangy, and fiery flavors that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gastronomic experience. Imagine tender chicken thighs kissed by a tropical marinade that combines the bright zest of orange, the luscious sweetness of mango, and the electrifying heat of habanero pepper - this dish is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 mango, diced
- 1 habanero pepper, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining fresh orange juice, diced mango, minced habanero pepper, honey, and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients together until well blended.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence. Season both sides of chicken with salt.
- Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion).
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the liquid for basting.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil.
- Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear other side for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, basting with reserved marinade every 5 minutes.
- Check internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh mango chunks or chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot with rice or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Habanero Handling: Always wear gloves when chopping habanero peppers to prevent skin irritation. Adjust the amount of pepper based on your heat tolerance.
- Marinating Magic: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for the full 2 hours if time permits. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor becomes.
- Crispy Skin Secret: Pat the chicken completely dry before searing to achieve that irresistible golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C) - no dry chicken here!
- Flavor Boosters: For an extra layer of complexity, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime just before serving.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the marinade a day in advance to save time on cooking day.
- Accompaniment Suggestions: Serve with coconut rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or a fresh tropical salad to complement the chicken's bold flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 140mg
