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If you’re craving a vibrant, juicy, and flavorful dish that brightens up your dinner routine, this Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute must-try. Balancing tender chicken with the sweet tang of ripe mango and the crunch of colorful bell peppers, every bite bursts with brightness and texture. It’s simple to make yet impressively balanced—perfect for a weeknight feast or sharing with friends when you want something both comforting and exciting. You’ll love how the fresh mango elevates traditional stir fry flavors into a unique, unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in crafting a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the juicy chicken to the luscious mango and punchy ginger, every element is essential, making it easy to source and even easier to love.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless pieces for tender, quick-cooking meat that soaks up the savory sauce beautifully.
- Ripe mango: The star ingredient, adding sweetness and a juicy burst that contrasts delightfully with savory elements.
- Bell peppers: Choose mixed colors to add crunch and a vibrant splash of color to your plate.
- Onion: Thinly sliced to soften just enough, providing a mild sweetness and body to the stir fry.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: The aromatic backbone that infuses the dish with warmth and depth.
- Soy sauce: A low-sodium variety keeps it balanced while delivering that umami punch.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasty hint that elevates the stir fry’s complexity.
- Cornstarch: Essential for coating the chicken, creating a light, crispy texture when cooked.
- Green onions: Fresh garnish that adds a mild sharpness and a splash of green color.
- Fresh mango juice: Brings additional fruity sweetness and moisture to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a subtle, tangy brightness.
- Honey or brown sugar: Sweetens and helps create a luscious glaze over the chicken and veggies.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who love a bit of heat.
How to Make Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then toss them with cornstarch and soy sauce. This simple step not only infuses the chicken with savory flavor but also creates a delicate coating that crisps up wonderfully when cooked. Let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes—this little wait makes a big difference in taste and texture.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until their fragrances emerge—this usually takes just a minute or two. This aromatic base sets the stage for the entire dish, awakening your senses and building layers of flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the hot wok, letting them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side similarly. This process locks in juices and creates a deliciously browned surface that enhances the stir fry’s richness.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir fry everything together until the vegetables reach a tender-crisp stage—this ensures they remain vibrant and retain their crunch, complementing the soft chicken and tender mango perfectly.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh mango juice, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and if you like, a pinch of cayenne pepper. Pour this wonderfully balanced sauce over the stir fry, then let everything simmer for about a minute. This binds the flavors and creates a gorgeous glaze that coats each ingredient.
Step 6: Fold in the Mango
Finally, gently fold the diced mango into the stir fry and warm it through for 1–2 minutes. This step is key for preserving the mango’s fresh texture while allowing its sweet notes to meld harmoniously with the savory, tangy sauce. Now your Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is ready to dazzle.
How to Serve Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a fresh, peppery crunch and a beautiful pop of green against the bright colors of the stir fry. You can also add toasted sesame seeds for a nutty touch and extra texture that lifts the dish even further.
Side Dishes
Serve this Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe over steamed jasmine rice or alongside fluffy noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with an Asian-inspired dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your friends by serving the stir fry in hollowed-out mango halves for a festive, tropical look. Alternatively, plate it on a bed of sautéed greens or inside crunchy lettuce cups for a fun, interactive dining experience. Presentation like this turns any meal into a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days without losing their lovely texture and flavor.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Be sure to cool everything completely, then seal in a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind that the mango’s texture might soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor will remain delightful.
Reheating
Reheat the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Adding a splash of water or a little extra mango juice can help maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the mango mushy and the chicken dry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
Fresh mango is ideal for its firm texture and vibrant flavor, but frozen mango works in a pinch. Just thaw it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid to prevent a watery stir fry.
Is this dish spicy?
The classic recipe is mild, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to introduce some heat. Adjust to your taste preference to keep the balance perfect.
What can I substitute for chicken?
To mix things up, try shrimp, firm tofu, or thinly sliced pork. All cook quickly and pair well with the tropical mango sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure your cornstarch is pure and gluten-free. These swaps keep all the delicious flavors intact.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked thoroughly?
Cook chicken pieces until they are no longer pink inside and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The golden brown exterior is a helpful visual cue but always ensure safety first.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how the sweetness of mango transforms a classic stir fry into something extraordinary. I can’t recommend this Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe enough for anyone looking to delight their taste buds with an easy, fresh, and colorful meal. Give it a try—you’ll likely find yourself making it again and again, just like I do whenever I want to brighten up dinner time!
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Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, sweet ripe mango, and colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of savory and fruity notes, complemented by fresh ginger, garlic, and a touch of heat from cayenne pepper. Ideal for a quick, healthy weeknight meal served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- ½ cup fresh mango juice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with cornstarch and low-sodium soy sauce, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors and achieve a light coating.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant—about 1 minute—taking care not to burn them.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer to the wok. Cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make Sauce & Simmer: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh mango juice, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and cayenne pepper if using. Pour this sauce mixture over the stir fry. Allow it to simmer for 1 minute so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add Mango: Gently fold in the diced ripe mango, warming it through in the pan for another 1 to 2 minutes without breaking up the pieces.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions for freshness and added flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the mango is ripe but firm to prevent it from becoming mushy during cooking.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or brown sugar added.
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chili slices.
- If fresh mango juice is unavailable, use store-bought mango nectar or blend fresh mango flesh with a bit of water.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, as the mango softens if cooked too long.
