Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
The Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a vibrant and mouthwatering dish that brings together the sweet juiciness of ripe mangoes with tender chicken and crisp bell peppers. This colorful stir fry bursts with flavor thanks to a perfect balance of savory soy sauce and natural honey, all enhanced by the zing of fresh ginger and garlic. It’s quick to make, delightfully fresh, and perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a tropical twist on classic stir fry. Trust me, once you try this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, it will become one of your go-to meals for a fuss-free yet impressive dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From succulent chicken pieces to the bright pops of mango and crunchy bell peppers, these essentials come together to make a dish that’s not just tasty but also visually stunning.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Mangoes: Ripe and juicy, peeled and diced to add natural sweetness and a tropical flair.
- Red and green bell peppers: Sliced thin for a nice crunch and vibrant colors.
- Onion: Sliced to add sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Minced, bringing a warm, aromatic punch.
- Ginger: Fresh and grated, giving a zesty, slightly spicy kick.
- Soy sauce: Three tablespoons divided for marinade and sauce to provide umami and saltiness.
- Honey: Two tablespoons to complement the mango’s sweetness with a smooth finish.
- Cornstarch: One tablespoon to thicken the sauce just right.
- Vegetable oil: Two tablespoons for stir-frying, ensuring everything cooks evenly without sticking.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, essential seasoning for balance.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped, for garnish adding a bright herbal note.
- Cooked rice or noodles: To serve alongside, soaking up the delicious sauce.
How to Make Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Start by washing the chicken breasts, then pat them dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Marinate the chicken with one tablespoon of soy sauce, along with salt and pepper, and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This simple marinade enhances the chicken’s flavor and ensures each bite is juicy and tasty.
Step 2: Slice the Vegetables and Prep Aromatics
While the chicken marinates, slice the red and green bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger. These ingredients are key to building the dish’s aroma and layering the stir fry with that signature fresh, slightly spicy kick you crave.
Step 3: Make the Stir Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the remaining two tablespoons of soy sauce with honey and cornstarch. This mixture will transform into a glossy, flavorful sauce that thickens just right to coat every piece of chicken and vegetable, marrying the savory and sweet components beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a skillet or wok. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step ensures the chicken gets a lovely sear for added flavor.
Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables and Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining one tablespoon of oil if needed. Toss in the sliced onions, bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables become tender but still retain a crisp bite, releasing their fragrant aromatics into the pan.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Mangoes, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables. Add the diced mango and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together carefully, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every delicious component. The mango gently softens, blending its sweet tang perfectly into the savory mixture.
How to Serve Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top just before serving. The cilantro adds a bright, herbal freshness that complements the sweetness of the mango and the savoriness of the soy sauce beautifully. It makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy noodles, which soak up the luscious sauce and provide a comforting base. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed bok choy to add more greens and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your stir fry in a hollowed-out bell pepper or inside crispy tortilla bowls for a party-ready presentation. You can also top it with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts to introduce extra texture and nutty flavor to the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish maintains great flavor and texture when chilled, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, portion the stir fry into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to a month. Keep in mind the mango’s texture may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor remains delightful whenever you reheat it.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Microwave reheating is fine too, but to keep that fresh stir fry texture, warming it slowly on the stovetop is ideal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango for this stir fry?
Yes, frozen mango works well if fresh mango is out of season. Just thaw it completely and drain any excess juice before adding it to the stir fry to avoid a watery sauce.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a soy-free option, coconut aminos are a fantastic substitute that still provide a savory umami punch without the soy or gluten.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is mild and sweet by nature, but you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili if you like a little heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and follow the same cooking steps for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I pick the best mangoes for this recipe?
Look for mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch with a sweet aroma. Avoid those with too many dark spots or overly mushy areas for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a stir fry that combines juicy sweetness with savory depth and a hint of spice, the Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is absolutely for you. It’s simple to make, full of fresh ingredients, and offers a delightful twist on traditional stir fries that’s sure to impress anyone at your table. Give it a go – your taste buds will thank you!
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Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Mango Chicken Stir Fry combining tender chicken, fresh mangoes, and colorful bell peppers in a sweet and savory sauce. This quick and easy stir fry is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Fruits
- 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
Others
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken breasts, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Slice vegetables: Slice the red and green bell peppers and onion into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Prepare aromatics: Mince the garlic cloves and grate the ginger, which will add fragrance and depth to 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 coat the stir fry ingredients.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Stir-fry vegetables and aromatics: In the same skillet, add the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and fragrant.
- Combine chicken and vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the vegetables.
- Add mango and sauce: Add the diced mango and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use ripe mangoes for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Adjust the honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet stir fry.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with other neutral oils like canola or peanut oil.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Cooked rice or noodles serve as a great base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
