1. Prepare the Chicken Bites

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and remains tender. If you’re using chicken thighs, follow the same procedure by cutting them into bite-sized chunks.

Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed across the chicken. For an added boost of flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a bit of fresh lime juice for 15-20 minutes before cooking.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan and let it heat up. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the mango salsa.

3. Make the Mango Salsa

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the mango salsa. Start by peeling and dicing the ripe mango. The mango should be firm but slightly soft to the touch, which will provide a nice balance of sweetness without being mushy.

Next, dice the red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeños. If you want less heat, you can remove the seeds from the jalapeños or reduce the amount used. Then, chop the fresh cilantro and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, bell pepper, onion, jalapeños, and cilantro. Add the fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything gently to combine, making sure the ingredients are evenly coated with the lime juice. The mango salsa should be vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy.

4. Assemble the Mango Salsa Chicken Bites

Once the chicken has cooled slightly, arrange the cooked chicken pieces on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon a generous amount of the mango salsa over each piece of chicken. The salsa should be heaping, so each bite is loaded with fresh, zesty flavor.

You can garnish the chicken bites with extra cilantro or a wedge of lime for added freshness and visual appeal. These little bites are perfect for eating with your hands, and the refreshing salsa makes every bite feel like a burst of flavor.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Mango Salsa Chicken Bites immediately while the chicken is warm and tender. They can be served on their own as an appetizer, or paired with side dishes like rice, a green salad, or tortilla chips.

These bites also make a great addition to a summer barbecue or a casual dinner gathering. The combination of juicy chicken and vibrant mango salsa will have everyone coming back for more.