If you’re looking for a dish that brings together sweet, savory, and vibrant freshness all in one pan, this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute gem to have in your repertoire. The tender chicken pieces marry beautifully with juicy mango chunks and crisp bell peppers, while a luscious honey-soy sauce ties everything together with just the right amount of tang and sweetness. It’s a colorful feast that feels both comforting and exotic, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is simpler than you might think, and each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s layers of flavor and texture. From the juicy mangoes that bring a tropical surprise, to the zing of fresh ginger and the crunch of bell peppers, every element shines through beautifully when combined just right.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choosing tender chicken ensures juicy bites that soak up all the sauce.
- 2 ripe mangoes: Properly ripe mangoes provide the perfect sweetness and a soft, fruity texture.
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds crunch and a slightly sweet flavor that complements the mango.
- 1 green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly peppery contrast to the mix.
- 1 medium onion: Sliced onion adds subtle sweetness and depth when stir-fried.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced garlic gives a pungent kick enhancing the overall aroma.
- 1-inch piece ginger: Freshly grated ginger injects warmth and zest into the dish.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: This salty, savory element balances the mango’s sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Honey elevates the natural sugars, creating a beautifully sticky glaze.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it that luscious cling to the chicken and veggies.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For cooking, providing a neutral base to sauté the ingredients without overpowering flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance and round out the dish.
- Fresh cilantro: A bright garnish that adds a fresh herbal note on top.
- Cooked rice or noodles: Ideal bases to soak up the delicious sauce you’ll create.
How to Make Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by washing the chicken breasts and patting them dry—this little step helps the chicken brown beautifully. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, which allows for a quick, even cook. Next, marinate the chicken with a tablespoon of soy sauce, salt, and pepper. This brief marination not only seasons the chicken but also gives it a hint of umami that forms the foundation for your stir fry.
Step 2: Slice and Dice Your Veggies and Fruit
While the chicken marinates, slice your red and green bell peppers along with the onion into strips. This shape ensures they cook evenly and retain a slight crunch, which adds a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken. Peel and dice the ripe mangoes into chunks—these will add juicy bursts of sweetness later, so keep them ready. Also, mince the garlic and grate the ginger; these aromatics will infuse your dish with a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together two tablespoons soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. The honey adds natural sweetness that complements the mango perfectly, while the cornstarch will thicken the sauce into a glossy finish that clings to every bite. Setting this aside makes it easy to add at the right moment.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the marinated chicken and cook it until golden brown, about five to seven minutes. Cooking the chicken until nicely seared locks in moisture and flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside – this lets you focus on the vegetables next without overcooking the meat.
Step 5: Stir-Fry Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the sliced onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir fry them for three to four minutes, just until they start to soften but still maintain their crunch. This stage creates the beautiful foundation of veggies layered with fragrance and texture.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the veggies. Then add the diced mango chunks and pour your prepared sauce over everything. Stir thoroughly and cook for an additional two to three minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all ingredients with that irresistible sheen and flavor. This final step melds all the layers into a harmonious, mouthwatering dish ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro sprinkled over the finished stir fry adds a pop of green and a fresh herbal note that balances the sweet and savory flavors perfectly. A squeeze of lime juice can be a fantastic option too if you enjoy a touch of acidity to brighten the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe shines when served over fluffy white or jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce wonderfully. Alternatively, you can serve it alongside your favorite noodles, such as rice noodles or even soba, for a fun twist that’s equally satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful and eye-catching presentation, serve the stir fry inside hollowed-out mango halves. This not only looks stunning but also enhances the fruity aspect of the dish. You can also pile the stir fry onto crisp lettuce leaves for a light, hand-held option that’s perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps the flavors develop even further, making your next meal just as delicious if not better!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for the best texture, it’s advisable to freeze only the chicken and sauce separately from the fresh mango and vegetables. The fresh fruit and crisp peppers don’t freeze well and will lose their texture. Thaw the chicken in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at medium power to prevent overcooking the chicken. If needed, add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce and revive its glossy texture. Add fresh mango or herbs after reheating to bring back brightness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango for this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
While fresh mango is best for texture and flavor, frozen mango can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the sauce consistency.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
A regular or light soy sauce works well, but if you want a less salty version, go for low-sodium soy sauce. It allows you to control the seasoning better without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable oil and soy sauce as usual. The mango and veggie combination will still shine brilliantly.
How spicy is this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
This recipe isn’t spicy by default, focusing more on sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. However, you can easily add chili flakes or fresh sliced chili to add a kick if you enjoy heat.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and prepare the sauce in advance, as well as marinate the chicken a few hours ahead. Just keep everything covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe enough when you want a dish that’s bursting with bright flavors and textures without hours of work. It’s perfect for busy nights yet impressive enough to share with family or friends. Give it a try and watch how this delicious stir fry becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant Mango Chicken Stir Fry combines tender, marinated chicken with sweet ripe mangoes and crisp bell peppers, all coated in a flavorful honey-soy sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a quick and colorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cooking Fat
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided, for cooking)
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken breasts, then cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Slice vegetables: Slice the red and green bell peppers and onion into thin strips.
- Prepare aromatics: Mince the garlic cloves and grate the ginger to use later in the stir fry.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch until smooth. This sauce will thicken and glaze the stir fry.
- Cook chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Stir-fry the sliced onions, red and green bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger for 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften but remain crisp.
- Combine chicken and vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the vegetables.
- Add mango and sauce: Gently fold in the diced mango, then pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Continue cooking while stirring for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables well.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe mangoes that are sweet and soft.
- The cornstarch in the sauce helps achieve a glossy, thick texture.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier results.
- Adjust the amount of honey based on your desired sweetness level.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and vibrant colors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
