If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, sweet and savory flavors, and a satisfying texture, then this Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender slices of chicken tossed with juicy mango cubes, crisp bell peppers, and a luscious sauce that perfectly balances the sweetness of honey and the tang of rice vinegar. This delightful stir fry delivers an exciting taste experience that is quick to make and sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. It’s a fantastic way to bring a tropical twist to a classic Chinese-inspired dish, all in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe comes together with simple, fresh ingredients, each chosen for their unique contribution to the final dish. From the protein-packed chicken breast to the tangy mango and colorful bell peppers, every component plays a key role in creating a harmony of flavors and textures.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced for even cooking and tender bites.
- 2 ripe mangoes: Peeled and cubed, they add vibrant sweetness and juiciness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- 1 red bell pepper: Sliced for a pop of color and mild sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper: Sliced to add a crisp, slightly bitter balance.
- 3 green onions: Sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor at the finish.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to add a fragrant, savory base.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger: Grated, providing a zesty, warm kick.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty backbone that deepens the umami notes.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds richness and a subtle seafood sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings acidity to brighten the dish.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances savory with natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water: This slurry thickens the sauce to a perfect glaze.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors.
- Cooked jasmine rice: To serve this stir fry over, soaking up every flavorful bite.
- Sesame seeds and fresh cilantro: For garnish, bringing nuttiness and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch slurry. This mixture will create the signature sauce that beautifully coats every bite of the stir fry with a glossy, flavorful finish. Set it aside so the flavors meld while you cook.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast, seasoning lightly with salt and black pepper. Stir-fry the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes, until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate—this keeps it tender and juicy while you work on the vegetables.
Step 3: Sauté the aromatics and vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more oil if the pan looks dry. Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the sliced red and green bell peppers. Stir-fry these ingredients for 2 to 3 minutes, just enough to slightly soften the peppers while keeping their satisfying crunch intact and to let the garlic and ginger release their wonderful aroma.
Step 4: Combine everything and finish cooking
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then gently stir in the juicy mango cubes. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy coating that clings to each piece. This final step brings together all the flavors for an irresistible stir fry.
Step 5: Garnish and serve hot
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the top with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves. These garnishes add a burst of freshness, nuttiness, and color that makes the dish visually stunning and even more delicious when served immediately over fragrant jasmine rice.
How to Serve Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes. The sliced green onions add a mild sharpness, while fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbal touch. Toasted sesame seeds contribute a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish into something truly special.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs perfectly with simple jasmine rice, which absorbs the luscious sauce beautifully. If you want to mix things up, consider steamed broccoli or a light Asian cucumber salad to add even more balancing freshness and texture to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry over noodles instead of rice, or even inside lettuce cups for a light and tasty hand-held option. Garnish with extra mango slices or a drizzle of chili oil for an added kick and visual appeal that makes the meal feel festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze the stir fry for up to 1 month, but note that the fresh mango texture may change slightly after freezing. To preserve the best quality, it’s a good idea to freeze without the mango and add fresh mango cubes when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive the sauce’s consistency and keep the chicken moist without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango for this recipe?
While fresh mango is best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen mango if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid watering down the sauce.
What if I’m not a fan of oyster sauce?
If you prefer to leave out oyster sauce, substitute it with hoisin sauce or just add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar to maintain the balance of flavors.
Can I make this stir fry spicy?
Absolutely! Add sliced red chili, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of chili garlic sauce during the vegetable stir-fry step for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the mango.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives. Double-check labels to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp?
Yes! Firm tofu or shrimp work wonderfully in this recipe for a different protein option. Adjust cooking times accordingly: tofu should be browned gently, and shrimp only cooked until pink and opaque.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe enough if you want a vibrant, quick, and incredibly tasty meal that feels special yet easy to make. Each bite delivers a lovely harmony of sweet, savory, tangy, and fresh flavors that are sure to brighten your dinner routine. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe over and over again!
Print
Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces sautéed with crisp bell peppers and sweet, juicy mango chunks. Tossed in a savory-sweet sauce made from soy, oyster sauce, honey, and a touch of vinegar, this quick and easy stir-fry combines fresh ingredients to create a balanced meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro, it offers a delightful contrast of textures and a burst of color, served best over fluffy jasmine rice.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
Produce
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch slurry. Stir well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast, seasoning lightly with salt and black pepper. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the aromatics and vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still retain some crispness.
- Combine and finish cooking: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the cubed mangoes and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and vegetables.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro over the stir-fry. Serve hot over cooked jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use slightly firm mangoes to keep their shape during cooking and avoid mushiness.
- Pineapple chunks can be substituted for mango for a different tropical twist.
- For added heat, include a sliced red chili or sprinkle in red pepper flakes during the vegetable sauté step.
