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
Scale
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.
