If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, beautiful colors, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory, then this Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender chicken with juicy mango, crisp bell peppers, and a hint of ginger and garlic, it delivers an exciting twist on classic stir fry that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to share a plate with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Each item plays a crucial role—from the juicy mango adding sweetness and color, to the fragrant ginger and garlic bringing a mouthwatering aroma and warmth.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and easy eating.
- 1 ripe mango, diced: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely tropical flair to the stir fry.
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced: For vibrant color contrast and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Contributes a mild sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of aroma and savory depth to the dish.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated: Offers subtle heat and a fresh zing that awakens the palate.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides umami and a salty balance without overpowering.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Adds a nutty richness essential to classic stir fry dishes.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps coat the chicken for a crispy exterior and thickens the sauce slightly.
- 2 green onions, chopped: For a pop of color and mild onion flavor as garnish.
- ½ cup fresh mango juice: Infuses the sauce with more mango sweetness and a silky texture.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings bright acidity to balance the sweetness and deepen the flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that harmonizes all the ingredients.
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper: Offers a subtle kick to spice things up if you like a little heat.
How to Make Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces because this ensures quick, even cooking. Toss the chicken with cornstarch and soy sauce to both tenderize the meat and create a light coating that crisps wonderfully when cooked. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to soak up those delicious flavors.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat—it’s crucial for adding that classic nutty depth. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing them just until fragrant. This releases their irresistible aroma and builds the flavor foundation for your stir fry.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in the hot wok. Let it cook without moving it for about 4 minutes per side, allowing it to develop a golden-brown crust. The searing locks in juices and enhances texture, ensuring your chicken remains tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Stir in sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking until they’re tender but still slightly crisp. This maintains their bright color and crunch, which provides excellent texture contrast against the succulent chicken and juicy mango.
Step 5: Make and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh mango juice, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired. Pour this vibrant sauce over your stir fry and let everything simmer together for about a minute. The sauce will thicken slightly and coat every delicious bite evenly.
Step 6: Fold in the Fresh Mango
Gently fold in the diced mango, warming it just long enough to soften without losing its fresh texture and bright flavor. This last step keeps the mango’s natural sweetness front and center, taking the stir fry to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Dish your Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe over steamed rice or noodles to soak up all the wonderful sauce, then garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve it hot so everyone can enjoy the perfect contrast of warm savory chicken with juicy, tropical mango.
How to Serve Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your stir fry with chopped green onions adds a fresh, crisp bite that complements the rich flavors of the dish beautifully. You might also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro for an extra flavor boost and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or noodles, which soak up the sweet-savory sauce and round out the meal perfectly. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed greens or a simple cucumber salad that contrasts the warm, fruity heat with cooling freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or family gathering, consider serving the stir fry in small bowls garnished with mango slices and herbs for a colorful presentation. Alternatively, wrap the stir fry and rice inside lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held version that’s both refreshing and mess-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken and vegetables will retain their flavor well, though the mango’s texture may soften slightly over time.
Freezing
While the dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers by storing them in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve as much freshness as possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of water or mango juice can help revive the sauce’s texture and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango for this Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
Frozen mango can be used in a pinch, but fresh mango offers the best texture and natural sweetness. If you use frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid a watery stir fry.
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
You can swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or pork, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Each alternative brings a unique flavor while still pairing wonderfully with the mango and sauce.
Is there a way to make this stir fry spicier?
Yes! Adding more cayenne pepper, a dash of chili flakes, or a splash of chili garlic sauce can give this recipe a spicier kick without overpowering the sweetness of the mango.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a meal prep?
You can Marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables and mango in advance to save time. However, stir frying is best done fresh to maintain the crisp texture and vibrant flavors.
What type of rice is best to serve with Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
Fragrant jasmine rice is ideal because its light floral notes complement the dish beautifully. However, basmati or even sticky rice can also work well depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a true celebration of bold flavors and textures that come together effortlessly in one pan. It always feels like a special treat, whether for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful combination of sweet mango, savory chicken, and crisp veggies—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this bright, flavorful dish in your recipe collection.
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Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts with sweet, juicy mango and crisp bell peppers. Marinated in a savory soy sauce blend and sautéed with aromatic garlic and ginger, this quick stir fry is elevated by a tangy mango-infused sauce and garnished with fresh green onions. Perfect for a healthy and colorful weeknight meal, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Stir Fry
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
Sauce
- ½ cup fresh mango juice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
Garnish
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them with the cornstarch and soy sauce. Allow the chicken to marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, to infuse the oil with their aroma.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the wok in a single layer. Cook for approximately 4 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables become tender-crisp, retaining a slight crunch and vibrant color.
- Make Sauce and Simmer: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh mango juice, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if using. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables and let it simmer for one minute to thicken and meld the flavors.
- Add Mango and Warm Through: Gently fold in the diced ripe mango, warming it through for an additional 1 to 2 minutes without breaking down the fruit.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and serve the stir fry immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finishing touch.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level or omit it for a milder flavor.
- Fresh mango juice can be substituted with an equal amount of freshly blended mango or store-bought juice, but fresh is preferable for best flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
