Spicy Mango Mezcal Chicken with Charred Lime Crema

This Spicy Mango Mezcal Chicken with Charred Lime Crema is a bold, smoky, and vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor. I marinate the chicken in a fiery mango-mezcal mixture that adds sweetness, heat, and depth, then grill or sear it until beautifully caramelized. Topped with a tangy, creamy charred lime crema, it’s the kind of meal that feels gourmet but comes together with simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love the way sweet mango and smoky mezcal come together with just the right kick of spice. It’s a flavor-packed marinade that makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy. The charred lime crema adds a cool, citrusy contrast that balances the heat perfectly. Whether I’m grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this dish brings a taste of summer to any plate.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Mango Mezcal Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped

• 2 tablespoons mezcal (or substitute with tequila or orange juice for non-alcoholic)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Charred Lime Crema:

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 lime, halved

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 teaspoon honey

• Salt to taste

For Garnish and Serving:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Extra mango slices

• Warm tortillas, rice, or grilled veggies

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• I blend the mango, mezcal, olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, garlic, cumin, salt, and cayenne (if using) until smooth.

• I pour the marinade over the chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag, making sure it’s well coated.

• I let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Make the Charred Lime Crema:

• I heat a dry skillet over high heat and place the halved lime cut-side down. I char it for 2–3 minutes until the surface is caramelized and dark.

• I mix the sour cream or yogurt with the juice of the charred lime, additional lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. I stir until smooth and chill until ready to serve.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• I heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.

• I remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through and slightly charred.

• I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

4. Serve:

• I plate the chicken over rice, in tortillas, or with grilled vegetables.

• I drizzle with charred lime crema and top with fresh cilantro and mango slices.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour (minimum)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

When I want a fruitier twist, I add pineapple to the marinade along with the mango. I’ve also used shrimp or pork instead of chicken. For a dairy-free version, I use a plant-based yogurt in the crema. And if I’m avoiding alcohol, I simply swap mezcal with orange juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or slice it cold over a salad. The charred lime crema lasts in the fridge for 3–4 days and also makes a great dip for roasted veggies.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mango?

Yes, I thaw it first and drain any excess liquid before blending into the marinade.

What can I use instead of mezcal?

Tequila works great, or for a non-alcoholic version, I use orange juice or a splash of limeade.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Absolutely. I bake it at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness, or until fully cooked.

Is the charred lime crema spicy?

Not at all. It’s creamy and tangy, which helps cool down the spice from the chicken.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, I often marinate the chicken a day ahead and make the crema in advance. When it’s time to cook, everything comes together quickly.

Conclusion

Spicy Mango Mezcal Chicken with Charred Lime Crema is a fiery, flavorful dish that brings a little adventure to my dinner table. It’s the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creamy citrus, and it always impresses—whether I’m cooking for friends or just treating myself to something special.