Mango Chicken Stir Fry

Introduction

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, Mango Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect dish to try! The combination of tender chicken, sweet mangoes, and a savory stir fry sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. This stir fry is a delightful mix of textures, with the juicy mango offering a tropical sweetness that perfectly balances the savory, crisp vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a family weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and can be made in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are just a few reasons why Mango Chicken Stir Fry will quickly become your go-to recipe:

• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The natural sweetness of the mango complements the savory chicken and veggies in the stir fry.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Nutrition: With lean chicken, colorful veggies, and fresh fruit, this stir fry is a nutrient-packed meal.
• Perfectly Balanced: The combination of sweet, salty, and savory elements ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup! This dish cooks in one pan, making it both simple and convenient.
• Customizable: Adjust the level of sweetness or spice based on your preferences, or swap out vegetables to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that’s likely to please everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This stir fry stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for lunch the next day.
• Low-Carb Option: You can easily make this dish lower in carbs by serving it over cauliflower rice or eating it as is.
• Tropical Twist: Mango adds a refreshing, tropical twist that’s perfect for year-round enjoyment.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Fat: 14g, Carbohydrates: 20g, Fiber: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your Mango Chicken Stir Fry:

For the Stir Fry:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snap peas, ends trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken the sauce)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breast: A lean source of protein that cooks quickly and absorbs all the flavors from the stir fry sauce.
• Mango: Adds a sweet, juicy pop of flavor, making the dish feel refreshing and tropical.
• Bell Peppers: These provide crunch and color, creating a beautiful and nutritious base for the stir fry.
• Snap Peas: They offer a sweet, crisp texture that complements the other ingredients in the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and depth to the stir fry sauce, making the sweet mango and honey stand out.
• Honey: Balances the savory elements of the dish with its natural sweetness, enhancing the flavor of the mango.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides a bit of tang to balance the sweetness and richness of the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Gives a subtle, nutty flavor to the stir fry that enhances the overall taste.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to give it a glossy, smooth finish that coats the chicken and veggies perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Mango Chicken Stir Fry:

Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips against the grain for tender, juicy pieces.
2. Peel and Dice the Mango: Cut the mango into small cubes. Be sure to remove the pit before chopping.
3. Slice the Vegetables: Julienne the red and yellow bell peppers, and thinly slice the red onion. Trim the snap peas.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). In another small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.

Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Garlic and Ginger: In the same pan, add the garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, red onion, and snap peas to the pan. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Add the Mango and Sauce

1. Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the vegetables.
2. Add Mango: Gently stir in the diced mango, cooking for another 2 minutes to warm through.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Pour the sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the stir fry immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or fresh cilantro if desired. You can serve it on its own or over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice.

How to Serve

Here are some serving suggestions for your Mango Chicken Stir Fry:

1. Over Rice: Serve the stir fry over steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
2. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice.
3. With Noodles: Stir fry can also be served over your favorite noodles, like soba or rice noodles.
4. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or mint adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
5. Top with Crunchy Nuts: For added texture, sprinkle roasted peanuts or cashews over the stir fry before serving.
6. Serve with a Side Salad: Pair it with a light, refreshing salad to round out the meal.
7. Add a Sweet Touch: Serve the stir fry with a slice of lime or a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for extra zing.

Additional Tips

Make the most of your Mango Chicken Stir Fry with these helpful tips:

1. Use Fresh Mango: For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh mangoes. If mangoes aren’t in season, you can use frozen mango chunks.
2. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini to suit your tastes.
3. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a sliced chili pepper to the stir fry.
4. Make It Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
5. Save Time with Pre-Chopped Veggies: Use pre-chopped vegetables to save time on prep.
6. Add Extra Protein: For more protein, toss in some cooked shrimp or beef strips along with the chicken.
7. Double the Sauce: If you prefer more sauce to coat your rice or noodles, double the stir fry sauce ingredients.
8. Meal Prep: Make a larger batch for leftovers. This stir fry reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
9. Serve Immediately: Stir fries are best enjoyed fresh, as the vegetables retain their crunch and color.
10. Use High Heat: Stir frying works best with high heat to sear the chicken and vegetables quickly without making them soggy.

Recipe Variations

Explore different variations of your Mango Chicken Stir Fry:

• Add Coconut Milk: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of coconut milk to the stir fry sauce.
• Use Pineapple: Swap the mango for pineapple for a slightly tangier, tropical version of the stir fry.
• Spicy Mango Chicken: Increase the red pepper flakes or add some hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
• Add Cashews: Toasted cashews add a crunchy element and pair beautifully with the sweet mango and savory chicken.
• Veggie-Only Stir Fry: Make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like mushrooms, baby corn, and bok choy.

faq section

Whether you’re a first-time cook or just trying out this recipe, you might have some questions about making Mango Chicken Stir Fry. Here’s a helpful FAQ section to guide you through the process and offer some tips and tricks for success.

• What vegetables can I add or substitute?
• Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices! You can add broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots. Just make sure to cut them into small, even pieces so they cook quickly.
• Is this dish spicy?
• The recipe is mildly spicy due to the red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. If you prefer a spicier stir fry, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili pepper.
• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
• Yes, chicken thighs work well in stir-fries! They’re more flavorful and tend to stay tender and juicy, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Be sure to cook them thoroughly.
• Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
• Yes, this stir fry is great for meal prepping! You can cook everything in advance, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
• What can I serve this stir fry with?
• This stir fry pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. You can also serve it on its own for a lighter meal or with a side salad to add some extra freshness.

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Conclusion

Mango Chicken Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy elements. The juicy mango adds a refreshing twist to the dish, making it both light and satisfying. Whether you’re making this stir fry for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, it’s a dish that delivers on taste and convenience. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!