Name: Mango Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil; 1 lb chicken breasts; salt and pepper; 1 green bell pepper; 1 red bell pepper; 1 tsp garlic; 2 tsp ginger; ⅔ cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1½ cups fresh mango chunks

Experience a delightful burst of flavors with this vibrant mango chicken recipe. Combining tender chicken breast with the sweetness of fresh mango chunks, and the crunch of colorful bell peppers, this dish is a healthy and delicious meal that’s quick to make and perfect for any night of the week.

Photos of Mango Chicken Recipe

A few ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every home. Fresh mango chunks add a sweet and tropical flair, while rice vinegar contributes a subtle tanginess. Ensure you grab these items during your supermarket trip. Ginger and soy sauce are also essential to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients For Mango Chicken Recipe

Vegetable oil: Essential for cooking the chicken and vegetables, providing a base for sautéing.

Chicken breasts: Lean protein, tender and juicy when cooked properly.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.

Green bell pepper: Adds crunch and a slight bitterness.

Red bell pepper: Provides sweetness and color to the dish.

Garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor.

Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy undertone.

Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.

Sugar: Balances the savory and tangy flavors.

Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness.

Rice vinegar: Provides a mild tangy flavor.

Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat the chicken and vegetables.

Mango: Fresh chunks bring a sweet, tropical brightness to the dish.

One reader, Joice Holt says:

This mango chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory. The fresh mango chunks add a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the tender chicken and vibrant peppers. It's easy to make and absolutely delicious. A new favorite in our household!

Joice Holt

Key Techniques for Mastering Mango Chicken

How to cook chicken: Explanation on how to cook chicken breasts until they are browned and cooked through. How to soften peppers: Explanation on how to cook bell peppers until they are softened. How to mince garlic and ginger: Explanation on how to properly mince garlic and ginger for the recipe. How to whisk ingredients: Explanation on how to whisk together chicken broth, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. How to thicken sauce: Explanation on how to bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens.

How To Make Mango Chicken

Bring in something tropical to your meal with this mango chicken recipe. This dish has tender cuts of chicken, fresh bell peppers, and juicy mangoes.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1tbspvegetable oil
1lbchicken breastsboneless skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
salt and pepperto taste
1green bell peppercored, seeded and thinly sliced
1red bell peppercored, seeded and thinly sliced
1tspgarlicminced
2tspgingerminced
⅔cupchicken broth
2tbspsugar
2tbspsoy sauce
2tbsprice vinegar
1tbspcornstarch
1½cupsfresh mango chunks

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
Place the chicken in the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken in batches, if needed.
Cook the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Repeat the process with any remaining chicken.
Add the peppers to the pan with the chicken and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until softened.
Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for 1 minute.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar and cornstarch.
Pour the chicken broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables and bring to a simmer.
Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the sauce has just thickened.
Stir in the mango chunks and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 334.06kcal
Fat: 14.93g
Saturated Fat: 3.48g
Trans Fat: 0.15g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.19g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.02g
Carbohydrates: 23.29g
Fiber: 2.46g
Sugar: 17.33g
Protein: 26.52g
Cholesterol: 73.77mg
Sodium: 706.72mg
Calcium: 34.20mg
Potassium: 563.27mg
Iron: 1.49mg
Vitamin A: 113.21µg
Vitamin C: 84.24mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Mango Chicken

To ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking the chicken in batches allows for even browning and prevents steaming, which can make the meat tough.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mango Chicken

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the chicken, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger in advance to streamline cooking.

Use pre-cut mango: Save time by using store-bought fresh mango chunks instead of cutting your own.

Batch cooking: Cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan.

One-pan method: Utilize a large pan to cook everything together, reducing the need for multiple dishes.

Quick sauce mix: Whisk the sauce ingredients together while the chicken cooks to save time.

Substitute Ingredients For Mango Chicken Recipe

vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar cooking medium and adds a slightly richer flavor.
chicken breasts - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, though they may require slightly longer cooking time.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, reducing the need for additional salt.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat along with the peppery flavor.
green bell pepper - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini provides a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good substitute.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell pepper has a similar sweetness and crunch.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor similar to garlic.
ginger - Substitute with galangal: Galangal has a similar spicy and aromatic profile, though it is slightly more citrusy.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar liquid base and can be used for a vegetarian option.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness along with a slight floral note.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used in the same quantity.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a similar thickening agent and can be used in the same proportion.
fresh mango chunks - Substitute with pineapple chunks: Pineapple provides a similar sweetness and tropical flavor.

Presenting Mango Chicken: Tips for a Beautiful Dish

Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the mango chicken in a refined, minimalist portion to highlight the elegance of the dish. Use a small, white plate to make the vibrant colors of the mango and bell peppers pop.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with finely chopped fresh cilantro and a few thin slices of red chili for a touch of heat and color contrast.
Layer the ingredients: Create a base layer with the chicken and peppers, then artfully arrange the mango chunks on top. This layering technique adds depth and visual appeal.
Add a sauce drizzle: Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle the sauce around the plate in a decorative pattern. This not only enhances the presentation but also allows diners to experience the sauce with each bite.
Incorporate texture: Add a small mound of crispy fried shallots or toasted sesame seeds on the side for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Use height: Stack the chicken and peppers slightly to create height on the plate. This technique adds a dynamic element to the presentation, making it more visually interesting.
Highlight freshness: Place a few whole cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime on the side to emphasize the freshness of the ingredients and offer an additional burst of flavor.
Balance colors: Ensure that the vibrant colors of the mango, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper are evenly distributed across the plate for a balanced and visually appealing presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Mango Chicken

Large pan: Used for cooking the chicken and vegetables together, ensuring even heat distribution.
Small bowl: For whisking together the chicken broth, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
Whisk: To mix the chicken broth mixture thoroughly, ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
Knife: Essential for cutting the chicken breasts and bell peppers into appropriate sizes.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping the chicken and vegetables.
Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring the vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
Measuring cup: To measure the chicken broth and mango chunks precisely.
Spatula: Useful for stirring the ingredients in the pan and ensuring they cook evenly.
Tongs: Handy for turning the chicken pieces to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.

Storing and Freezing Mango Chicken: A Guide

Let the mango chicken cool completely before storing or freezing.
Store leftover mango chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, transfer the cooled mango chicken to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Freeze the mango chicken for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality and flavor.
To reheat, thaw the frozen mango chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Transfer the thawed mango chicken to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish.
Reheat the mango chicken over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, microwave the mango chicken in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
If the sauce appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out and improve consistency.
Serve the reheated mango chicken over rice, noodles, or your preferred side dish.
Note: The texture of the mangoes may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the overall flavor of the dish should remain delicious.

How To Reheat Mango Chicken Leftovers

Reheat in a skillet: place the leftover mango chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. This method helps to preserve the texture of the chicken and the crispness of the bell peppers.
Microwave: transfer the mango chicken to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is heated through. While this method is quick and convenient, the sauce may become watery and the chicken may dry out slightly.
Oven: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover mango chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. This method helps to maintain the moisture of the dish and allows the flavors to meld together.
Slow cooker: transfer the leftover mango chicken to a slow cooker and heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is heated through. This method is ideal if you have a large amount of leftovers and want to keep the dish warm for an extended period.
Stovetop steaming: place the leftover mango chicken in a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the dish without drying out the chicken.

Interesting Fact About Mango Chicken

A unique aspect of this mango chicken recipe is the combination of fresh mango chunks with savory ingredients like soy sauce and garlic. This blend of sweet and savory flavors creates a delightful contrast that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Is Making Mango Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?

This mango chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like chicken breasts, bell peppers, and mango chunks are relatively affordable and widely available. The use of common pantry items such as soy sauce and rice vinegar further reduces the cost. Overall, this recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD.

Is Mango Chicken Healthy or Unhealthy?

This mango chicken recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes lean protein from the chicken breasts and nutrient-rich vegetables like bell peppers and mango chunks. Ginger and garlic also offer some health benefits. However, the recipe does contain added sugar and soy sauce, which can contribute to excessive sodium and sugar intake if consumed in large quantities or frequently.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of sugar used or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use low-sodium chicken broth and soy sauce to cut down on the overall sodium content
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish, such as adding more bell peppers, onions, or even leafy greens like spinach or bok choy
Serve the mango chicken with a side of brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal
Use a healthier cooking oil, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, instead of vegetable oil
Experiment with additional spices and herbs to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt or sugar

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on Mango Chicken

This mango chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy mango chunks creates a visually appealing and flavorful dish. The use of garlic and ginger adds a fragrant depth, while the sauce, made with chicken broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, provides a balanced umami taste. The cornstarch ensures the sauce thickens perfectly, coating each ingredient beautifully. Overall, this recipe is well-constructed, easy to follow, and promises a satisfying meal that can impress both family and guests.

Enhance Your Mango Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Coconut Rice: Imagine a fragrant bed of coconut rice that perfectly complements the sweet and savory notes of the mango chicken. The subtle coconut flavor will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite.

Spicy Cucumber Salad: Add a refreshing crunch with a spicy cucumber salad. The coolness of the cucumber combined with a hint of chili will balance the richness of the chicken and mango.

Garlic Naan: Serve the mango chicken with warm, fluffy garlic naan. The garlic and butter infused bread will soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite a delightful experience.

Mango Lassi: Pair your meal with a creamy mango lassi. This yogurt-based drink will enhance the mango flavors in the dish while providing a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: For a hearty side, consider roasted sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness and caramelized edges will harmonize beautifully with the mango chicken, creating a symphony of flavors on your plate.

Delicious Alternatives to Mango Chicken

Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry: Dive into a tropical delight with this pineapple chicken stir-fry. The sweetness of pineapple pairs perfectly with tender chicken and colorful bell peppers, all tossed in a savory sauce. A quick and easy main course that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table.

Sweet and Sour Chicken: Experience a classic favorite with sweet and sour chicken. This dish features crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet sauce, accompanied by pineapple, bell peppers, and onions. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Lemon Chicken with Asparagus: Brighten up your meal with lemon chicken with asparagus. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and paired with tender asparagus, all drizzled with a zesty lemon sauce. A refreshing and healthy main course that's sure to impress.

Orange Chicken: Savor the citrusy goodness of orange chicken. This dish features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, served with broccoli and bell peppers. A delightful main course that's both flavorful and satisfying.

Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables: Enjoy a taste of Japan with teriyaki chicken with vegetables. Tender chicken is glazed with a rich teriyaki sauce and served alongside a medley of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. A delicious and well-balanced main course.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for a Mango Chicken Meal

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers: Delight your guests with these vibrant stuffed mini bell peppers. The sweet and crunchy bell peppers are filled with a creamy mixture of goat cheese, herbs, and a hint of lemon zest. The combination of textures and flavors creates a refreshing and satisfying bite. Perfect for any gathering, these colorful appetizers are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great start to any meal.

Shrimp Avocado Bites: Create a sophisticated appetizer with shrimp avocado bites. Succulent shrimp are paired with creamy avocado and a touch of lime juice on a crispy cucumber slice. The freshness of the avocado and the zesty lime complement the delicate flavor of the shrimp, while the cucumber adds a satisfying crunch. These elegant bites are perfect for impressing your guests at any dinner party or casual get-together.

Desserts:

Mango Sticky Rice: Indulge in the exotic flavors of mango sticky rice. This delightful dessert combines the creamy texture of coconut milk with the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes. The sticky rice is cooked to perfection, absorbing the rich coconut essence. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for an added crunch. Serve warm or chilled, and let the harmonious blend of flavors transport you to a tropical paradise.

Mango Cheesecake: Elevate your dessert game with a luscious mango cheesecake. This creamy delight features a smooth cream cheese filling infused with the vibrant taste of fresh mango puree. The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch, perfectly complementing the silky texture of the cheesecake. Top with mango slices and a drizzle of mango glaze for an extra burst of flavor. Each bite is a tropical escape, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Mango Chicken Recipe:

This mango chicken recipe is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for any meal. The combination of tender chicken breasts, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy mango chunks creates a dish that's both visually appealing and delicious. The use of fresh ingredients like garlic and ginger ensures a burst of flavor in every bite. The sauce, made with chicken broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, ties everything together beautifully. Trust this recipe for its balanced flavors and straightforward instructions, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced cooks.

Share your thoughts on the Mango Chicken Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance this delightful dish.

FAQ:

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

I usually check if the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F.

Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh mango chunks?

Yes, you can use frozen mango. Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the dish.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don't have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. The flavor might be slightly different, but it will still work well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat them and add the sauce and mango chunks just before serving.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper when you add the garlic and ginger. Adjust the amount to your taste.