If you’re looking to brighten up your weeknight dinners with something vibrant, flavorful, and just a little bit special, this Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a brilliant mix of tender chicken, sweet mango, and crisp veggies all tossed in a tangy sauce that’s bursting with Asian-inspired flavors. Every bite feels fresh and exciting, combining fruity sweetness with savory depth and just a hint of spice. You’ll love how this recipe turns simple ingredients into a colorful, restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up in just about 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe lies in its fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s the succulent chicken, the burst of sweetness from the mango, or the robust notes from garlic and ginger, every element brings texture, taste, and color to the plate.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy slicing into bite-sized pieces that cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Ripe mango: Adds natural sweetness and a tropical touch that pairs perfectly with savory flavors.
- Bell peppers: A mix of colors boosts the visual appeal and contributes a crisp, fresh bite.
- Onion: Thinly sliced for mild sweetness and a tender texture that balances the dish.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse aromatic depth and a little kick.
- Fresh ginger: Grated to keep the stir fry bright and zesty.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: For an umami-rich marinade and stir fry sauce without overpowering saltiness.
- Sesame oil: Offers a nutty flavor that’s absolutely characteristic of stir fries.
- Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the chicken and creates a slight glossy coating.
- Green onions: Chopped finely for a fresh garnish that adds a mild oniony crunch.
- Fresh mango juice: Intensifies the mango flavor in the sauce for maximum fruity impact.
- Rice vinegar: Introduces a subtle tanginess that brightens the dish.
- Honey or brown sugar: Rounds out the flavors with gentle sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a touch of heat that balances the sweetness without overwhelming it.
How to Make Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—this assures quick, even cooking. Toss the chicken with cornstarch and soy sauce, then let it rest for 10 minutes to soak up all those savory flavors and to tenderize the meat. The cornstarch will also give your chicken a lovely slight crust when cooked.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. These aromatics will release their fragrant oils and infuse the oil, setting the foundation for the flavor explosion to come.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add your marinated chicken to the hot wok in one even layer. Let each side cook for about 4 minutes or until the chicken develops a beautiful golden-brown sear. This step is important for locking in juices, so avoid overcrowding the pan for the best texture.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Next, toss in your sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook everything together, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender but still have a satisfying crunch. The vibrant colors of the peppers will make the dish pop, while the onions add sweetness.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Sauce
Whisk together the fresh mango juice, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want some heat. Pour this lively sauce over your stir fry and let it simmer for about a minute to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Fold in the Fresh Mango
Finally, gently fold in the diced fresh mango and warm everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes. This preserves the mango’s juicy texture while infusing the dish with a tender, fruity sweetness.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with those bright green onions for a fresh bite and a pop of color. The contrast of warm, savory chicken and veggies with bursts of juicy mango is simply irresistible!
How to Serve Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions sprinkled on top bring a sharp, fresh flavor and a pretty green accent. If you want to add texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nice crunch and an extra nutty dimension.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with a bowl of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, serve alongside garlic or ginger noodles for a comforting, well-rounded meal that captures all the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stir fry in colorful lettuce cups for a handheld, crunchy experience. You can also turn it into a vibrant rice bowl, layering the chicken and veggies over coconut rice, topped with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to deepen, making for a tasty meal the next day, although the mango can become a bit softer.
Freezing
Freezing stir fry can be tricky due to the fresh mango, which may lose its texture upon thawing. If you want to freeze, consider separating the mango and adding fresh diced mango when reheating. Freeze the chicken and vegetables in a suitable container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium heat in a skillet or wok, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. If you’ve frozen the mango separately, stir it in just before serving so it maintains its freshness and juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
While fresh mango is ideal for texture and flavor, frozen mango works in a pinch. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding it toward the end of cooking to avoid making the stir fry too watery.
Is this dish spicy?
This Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is typically mild, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding or leaving out the cayenne pepper. For a bolder kick, toss in some fresh chili flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can swap chicken for tofu or shrimp depending on your dietary preferences. Just adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly and tofu benefits from pressing before marination to improve texture.
Can I make this stir fry gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check your other ingredients to ensure there’s no gluten hidden in sauces or condiments.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the sauce during cooking. This will give it a lovely glossy finish that clings well to the chicken and veggies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about every spoonful of this Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe—it’s like a celebration of bold flavors and fresh ingredients all in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try and watch how a simple combination of chicken, mango, and colorful veggies can totally transform your dinner game.
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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This vibrant Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry combines tender chicken breast with fresh mango, colorful bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delightful and healthy weeknight dinner bursting with fresh flavors and a hint of ginger and garlic.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce & Flavorings
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- ½ cup fresh mango juice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with cornstarch and soy sauce until evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for 10 minutes, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, to release their aromas and flavor the oil.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot wok in a single layer. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. This sears the chicken, locking in juices and flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced bell peppers and thinly sliced onions. Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, preserving their color and crunch, usually around 3-4 minutes.
- Make and Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mango juice, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and cayenne pepper if using. Pour this sauce over the stir fry and simmer for about 1 minute, letting the flavors meld and thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Mango: Gently fold in the diced ripe mango. Warm through for an additional 1-2 minutes to soften the mango just slightly without losing its shape or freshness.
- Serve: Serve the mango chicken stir fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use ripe mango for the best sweetness and flavor contrast in the dish.
- You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for variations.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the sauce step.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to suit your heat preference or omit if sensitive to spice.
- Serve with jasmine rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.
