If you are craving a dish that bursts with a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Featuring tender chicken pieces enveloped in a luscious sauce sweetened by fresh mangoes and accented with crisp bell peppers and aromatic garlic and ginger, this recipe is as vibrant in color as it is in taste. It’s a delightful meal that manages to feel both comforting and exciting, proving that stir fry can easily be a star on your dinner table any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a breeze because each one is straightforward but crucial. Every item brings its own magic—whether it’s the juicy sweetness of ripe mangoes, the crisp crunch of bell peppers, or the savory punch from garlic and ginger, all combining to create that irresistible flavor profile you’ll love.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for easy cutting and quick cooking, ensuring tender bites.
- Ripe mangoes: These provide natural sweetness and a creamy texture that balances the savory elements.
- Red and green bell peppers: They add vibrant color and a satisfying crunch to the stir fry.
- Medium onion: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth when stir-fried.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for sharp, fragrant flavor that lifts the entire dish.
- Fresh ginger: Grated to add a zesty warmth and aromatic complexity.
- Soy sauce: Acts both as a marinade and in the sauce, delivering salty umami richness.
- Honey: Introduces a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the mango.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce for that glossy, appetizing finish.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to highlight all other ingredients.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped for an herbal, bright garnish.
- Cooked rice or noodles: The perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Make Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
Start by washing and thoroughly drying the chicken breasts, then cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Marinating the chicken with a splash of soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and pepper for 15 to 20 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and guarantees tenderness with every bite.
Step 2: Slice Your Fresh Vegetables
While the chicken marinates, slice the red and green bell peppers and onion into thin strips. This keeps the veggies crunchy yet tender and colorful after stir-frying, which is essential to create that vivid, appetizing plate we all love.
Step 3: Prepare Aromatics
Next, mince the garlic cloves and grate the fresh ginger. These ingredients are small but mighty; they bring punchy, warming aromatics that are classic to stir fry dishes and elevate the entire meal.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. This sauce mixture will become the glossy, flavorful coat that ties every ingredient together, turning simple chicken and veggies into pure magic.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Cooking the chicken first ensures it gets a beautiful sear and lock in those savory juices.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions, bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry these aromatic veggies for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp and fragrant, capturing that perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Then add the diced mango along with the prepared sauce. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the mango to impart its sweetness, enveloping every bite in delightful flavor.
How to Serve Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding freshly chopped cilantro right before serving not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing, herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and nutty aroma.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines when paired with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles. The rice or noodles soak up the luscious sauce, making every forkful more indulgent. For an extra touch, a side of steamed greens like bok choy or snap peas adds freshness and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual lunch or dinner, serve the stir fry in a large bowl topped with cilantro. If you’re hosting, consider plating the chicken and mango stir fry over fluffy coconut rice and garnishing with edible flowers for a vibrant, tropical vibe that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled promptly preserves the freshness of the vegetables and the sweet mango flavor without sacrificing texture.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture of the bell peppers and mango might soften upon thawing. To freeze, cool the stir fry completely, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the best texture, especially for the bell peppers and mango pieces.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen mango can be used in a pinch. Just thaw it fully and drain any excess water before adding it to the stir fry, so your sauce doesn’t become too watery.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
If cornstarch is not available, you can substitute it with arrowroot powder or flour, but use slightly less to avoid a thick or pasty sauce.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable oil. The sweet and savory sauce works wonderfully with plant-based proteins.
How spicy is this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
This recipe is naturally mild, focusing on sweet and savory flavors. You can add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh sliced chili if you want to spice it up.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! The Mango Chicken Stir Fry holds up well for a couple of days in the fridge, making it a delicious and convenient option for packed meals during the week.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is like giving your weeknight dinners a burst of sunshine with every bite. It’s vibrant, full of personality, and surprisingly simple to make—whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself. Once you experience how easily the ingredients come together to create this flavor-packed dish, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Print
Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Mango Chicken Stir Fry combining tender chicken pieces with sweet ripe mangoes, crisp bell peppers, and a savory honey-soy sauce. This quick and easy stir-fry recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating)
Vegetables & Fruit
- 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
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (total)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cooking Oil & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Serving
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken breasts, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine the chicken 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 the onion. Prepare minced garlic and grated ginger.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch until smooth to create the stir-fry sauce.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon 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 and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil if needed, then stir-fry onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine Chicken and Veggies: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
- Add Mango and Sauce: Add the diced mango and pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the mango chicken stir fry hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red chili flakes or sliced fresh chili during the stir-fry step.
- Ensure mangoes are ripe but firm to avoid them turning mushy during cooking.
- This recipe can easily be adapted to use tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Using cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish.
