If you’re craving a dinner that’s bright, juicy, and comes together in a flash, Mango Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavorful Quick Meal! is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe. With tender chicken, jewel-bright bell peppers, and sweet mango tossed in a zippy sauce, this dish proves that weeknight cooking can feel downright exciting. One skillet, thirty minutes, and a rainbow of flavors – what’s not to love?
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mango Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavorful Quick Meal! keeps things simple with easy-to-find ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating balance and vibrancy. From the sweet mango to the crisp veggies and aromatic aromatics, here’s what you’ll need and how every element shines:
- Chicken breasts: Lean, tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully and cooks quickly.
- Cornstarch: Helps the chicken brown and turn glossy, plus slightly thickens the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Brings a salty, umami depth that ties the flavors together.
- Sesame oil: Adds unmistakable toasty aroma and a subtle earthy note.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures even cooking without overpowering the other flavors.
- Red bell pepper: Lends color, crunch, and sweetness.
- Yellow bell pepper: Adds a juicy pop and sunshine-yellow vibrancy.
- Snap peas: Offer a crisp, fresh bite and lovely green color.
- Ripe mango: A sweet, juicy burst that makes this stir fry irresistible (choose one that yields slightly to the touch for best results).
- Garlic: Infuses the stir fry with mouthwatering savoriness.
- Fresh ginger: Provides fragrant warmth and a gentle kick.
- Honey: Balances the tang and heat with natural sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens all the flavors.
- Lime juice: A fresh, citrusy splash that wakes up the whole dish.
- Green onions and sesame seeds: Perfect for garnish, adding crunch and color just before serving.
How to Make Mango Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavorful Quick Meal!
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch and soy sauce in a medium bowl. This quick marinade gives the chicken a subtle seasoning and that signature stir fry gloss once it hits the pan. It also helps lock in moisture and flavor during cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a combination of sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Let it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes, then stir, ensuring every piece gets beautifully golden and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes total). Remove the chicken and set aside – it will rejoin the party soon!
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, toss in the garlic and grated ginger. Let them sizzle for just a minute until fragrant, then throw in the red and yellow bell peppers along with the snap peas. Stir-fry everything briskly for 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for vegetables that are still crisp-tender and brightly colored, so don’t overcook them.
Step 4: Add Mango and Create the Sauce
Now comes the magic: add the diced mango, honey, rice vinegar, and lime juice to the skillet. The honey and mango will create a luscious glaze, while the vinegar and lime juice bring a welcome zing. Gently stir so the mango stays mostly intact but begins to mingle with those savory and sweet flavors.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the chicken and veggies in that irresistible, glossy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes—just enough for all the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through. You’re almost there!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your Mango Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavorful Quick Meal! to a platter or serve straight from the skillet. Sprinkle generously with chopped green onions and a shower of sesame seeds for crunch and a final pop of color. Dinner is served!
How to Serve Mango Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavorful Quick Meal!
Garnishes
For an extra layer of flavor and restaurant-worthy looks, finish each plate of Mango Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavorful Quick Meal! with fresh green onions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds. If you love spice, add paper-thin slices of fresh chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little fire.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is wonderful served over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the sweet-sour sauce beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it atop rice noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A simple cucumber salad or miso soup on the side also makes a lovely addition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a Mango Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavorful Quick Meal! that truly wows, serve it in hollowed-out mango halves or on a colourful platter surrounded by fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges. You can also spoon it into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist—perfect for appetizers or parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let your Mango Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavorful Quick Meal! cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen, making tomorrow’s lunch just as exciting.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. While the mango and veggies will soften upon thawing, the dish will still taste fantastic up to 2 months later. For best results, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Mango Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavorful Quick Meal!, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Serve immediately and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious in this recipe, and their higher fat content makes them extra juicy. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same instructions.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap out the chicken for extra-firm tofu or even chickpeas, and follow the rest of the recipe as written. You’ll still get all that amazing flavor and texture!
Which kind of mango is best for this stir fry?
Use a ripe but firm mango, such as Honey (Ataulfo) or Kent varieties. These types hold their shape well when heated and add vibrant sweetness without turning mushy.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
Definitely. You can slice the vegetables and dice the mango up to a day ahead; just keep them covered in the refrigerator. Even marinating the chicken for a few hours will enhance its flavor and speed up dinner.
Is Mango Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavorful Quick Meal! gluten-free?
If you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, this stir fry can easily fit into a gluten-free diet. Be sure to double-check all labels for hidden sources of gluten if you’re sensitive or cooking for someone who is.
Final Thoughts
If you need a quick meal that feels like a treat, you simply can’t beat Mango Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavorful Quick Meal! It’s vibrant, speedy, and bursting with fresh flavor—truly a dish to lift your spirits on any busy night. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and share the joy with friends and family!
Print
Mango Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavorful Quick Meal! Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and flavorful mango chicken stir fry that is quick and easy to make. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and sweet mango come together in a delicious Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 ripe mango (peeled and diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch and soy sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir Fry: In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Finish the Dish: Add the mango, honey, rice vinegar, and lime juice. Return the chicken to the pan and toss everything to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm mangoes for best texture.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
