There’s something undeniably enchanting about the combination of succulent chicken and sweet, juicy mangoes, especially when immersed in a rich, savory sauce. This Asian Mango Chicken dish whisked me away to sun-kissed coasts and vibrant street markets with just one bite. I first fell in love with this recipe during a summer gathering when a friend showcased her take on it, and the blended flavors sparked a culinary adventure in my own kitchen.
Perfect for those times when fast food just won’t cut it, this dish stands out not only for its taste but also for its simplicity. It can easily brighten up any weeknight dinner or impress guests at a gathering. The gentle heat of the green chilies, combined with the sweetness of the mango, creates an irresistible balance that leaves everyone reaching for seconds. Join me in making this delightful Chicken Mango Curry; it’s a meal that proves home-cooked can be both satisfying and exciting!
Why is Asian Mango Chicken so irresistible?
Flavor Explosion: This recipe marries sweet mango and savory chicken in a way that tantalizes your taste buds.
Easy Preparation: With a quick cooking process, even beginner cooks can whip up a delightful meal in no time.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it with rice, noodles, or fresh greens, making it the perfect addition to any dinner table.
Crowd-Pleasing Option: Impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Perfect for Weeknights: Say goodbye to boring meals; this Asian Mango Chicken offers a quick escape from the ordinary!
Asian Mango Chicken Ingredients
• Get ready to delight your senses!
For the Chicken
- 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs – Choose thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
- ¼ cup cornstarch – This helps create a crispy coating when frying.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Combining with cornstarch gives the chicken an ideal crunch.
- 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste – Adds a fragrant, aromatic base to your chicken.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – A pinch adds a subtle warmth to the dish.
- Any neutral flavored oil (for frying) – Oil with a high smoke point is best for frying.
For the Sauce and Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil – Use this for stir-frying your veggies and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic – Fresh garlic adds wonderful depth to the sauce.
- 2-3 green chilies (chopped) – Adjust the heat level to your preference for that enjoyable kick.
- 1 large onion (cut into 1-inch cubes) – Sweet onions caramelize beautifully in this dish.
- 1 cup cubed bell peppers (1-inch cubes) – Their crunch and sweetness balance the spices perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce – Gives the dish a rich color and umami flavor.
- 4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce – Adds a delightful sweetness, harmonizing with the mango.
- 2 tablespoons red chili paste – For those who enjoy a bit more spice!
- 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup – A hint of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Brightens the dish and enhances the overall taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste) – Adjust to your preference for a well-seasoned dish.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Keeps it well-balanced.
For Thickening and Mango
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 cup water – Necessary to create the right sauce texture.
- 1 cup peeled and cubed ripe mangoes – The star of the show, adding sweetness and tropical flair.
- Chopped spring onion greens (to garnish) – A fresh touch that adds a vibrant color and flavor.
Now you’re all set to cook this delightful Asian Mango Chicken! Get your ingredients ready and let’s create a culinary masterpiece together!
How to Make Asian Mango Chicken
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Prepare the Chicken: Wash the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized cubes, ensuring even cooking later.
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Mix the Coating: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, ginger garlic paste, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix until well combined.
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Coat the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl. Toss together until the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in the flour mixture.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Once hot, drop half of the chicken pieces into the oil, frying them until they’re crisp and golden brown—about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Repeat Frying: Fry the remaining chicken in the same way, draining and keeping aside when done. This ensures a nice crunch on all the pieces.
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Sauté Aromatics: In a wok, heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil over high heat. Once hot, add chopped garlic and green chilies; fry for 3-4 seconds until fragrant.
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Cook Vegetables: Add cubed onion and bell peppers to the wok, cooking for about a minute until they start to soften. Their colors should brighten beautifully!
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Create the Sauce: Stir in dark soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, red chili paste, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the sauce bubble for a minute to combine flavors.
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Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with 1 cup of water to create a slurry. Pour it into the wok, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens sufficiently, about 1 minute. Add more water if needed!
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Combine with Chicken and Mango: Gently add the fried chicken and cubed mangoes into the wok, mixing well. Let everything simmer together for a few moments, soaking in those wonderful flavors.
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Garnish and Serve: Plate your delicious Asian Mango Chicken, garnishing with chopped spring onion greens. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Optional: Serve it over a bed of jasmine rice for an extra touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Asian Mango Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover Asian Mango Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezer: You can freeze Asian Mango Chicken for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s sealed well to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Reheating: To retain the flavors and textures, reheating on the stove is recommended. Cook over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Asian Mango Chicken Variations
Feel free to put your unique twist on this dish and make it your own with these fun ideas!
- Spicy Kick: Add more green chilies for an extra heat level and flavor. Those who love spice will appreciate the fiery touch!
- Coconut Cream: Stir in ½ cup of coconut milk during the sauce preparation for a creamy, tropical twist that complements the mango beautifully.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a hearty plant-based version; the flavors will still shine through!
- Fruit Medley: Include pineapple or peaches alongside mango for a delightful fruit blend that enhances sweetness.
- Sweetener Swap: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sweet chili sauce for a natural sweetness and unique flavor profile.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some cashews or peanuts just before serving for a satisfying crunch and added nutrition.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh basil or cilantro into the dish for a fragrant finish that elevates the overall taste.
- Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle a little balsamic reduction before serving for a tangy contrast that brightens the flavors.
With these variations, you can create a meal that reflects your tastes and keeps dinner exciting!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing Asian Mango Chicken in advance is a fantastic way to save time during busy weekdays! You can marinate the cubed chicken in the flour mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours to enhance flavor and tenderness. Additionally, you can chop the vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and green chilies) and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the sauce, mix the ingredients (excluding the cornstarch slurry) and keep in the refrigerator for a quick assembly later. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry the chicken, cook your veggies, thicken the sauce, and mix in the mango for a dish that’s just as delicious as if it were made fresh!
What to Serve with Asian Mango Chicken?
There’s nothing like complementing your delightful dish with the perfect sides that bring out its vibrant flavors.
- Jasmine Rice: Fluffy and fragrant, jasmine rice absorbs the rich sauce perfectly, making every bite blissful.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy treats add a delightful textural contrast, pairing beautifully with the saucy chicken.
- Mango Salad: A refreshing mango salad enhances the dish with vibrant flavors and a sweet crunch that mirrors the main course.
- Garlic Noodles: Silky noodles tossed in garlic butter create a satisfying base that complements the luscious mango chicken.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies not only brightens up the meal but also adds a healthful touch.
- Coconut Milk Smoothie: Vibrant and creamy, this drink cools the palate while echoing the tropical theme of the dish.
- Chili Lime Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with chili and lime brings a zesty twist that balances the dish’s sweetness.
- Green Tea: A warm cup of green tea offers a soothing finish and complements the Asian flavors beautifully.
- Fruit Sorbet: A light and refreshing dessert, perfect for cleansing the palate after the rich flavors of curry.
Tips for the Best Asian Mango Chicken
• Choose Your Chicken Wisely: Opt for skinless boneless thighs over breasts for extra juiciness and flavor that enhances every bite.
• Coating Consistency: Make sure your chicken pieces are well-coated in the flour mixture; this helps to achieve that perfect crunch when frying.
• Fry in Batches: Fry the chicken in batches. Crowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken instead of crispy bites.
• Monitor Sauce Thickness: Keep an eye on the sauce as it thickens; if it gets too thick, simply add a little more water to achieve the desired consistency for your Asian Mango Chicken.
• Adjust Heat Levels: Control the spice by adjusting the number of green chilies based on your preference, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy this dish!
• Garnish Matters: Don’t skip the chopped spring onion greens on top; they add a fresh crunch and beautiful color to your dish!
Asian Mango Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe mangoes for Asian Mango Chicken?
Absolutely! Look for mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed, indicating ripeness. They should have a sweet, fragrant aroma and golden skin without dark spots. For this recipe, choose varieties like Ataulfo or Haden for their sweetness.
How should I store leftover Asian Mango Chicken?
After enjoying your delicious meal, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, be sure to do it gently on the stove or in the microwave to preserve the flavors and textures.
Can I freeze Asian Mango Chicken?
Very much! You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it is sealed tightly to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.
How do I reheat frozen Asian Mango Chicken?
To reheat frozen Asian Mango Chicken, start by thawing it fully in the fridge. Then transfer it to a pan over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Add a splash of water if it seems too dry during reheating. This will help maintain its delicious moisture and ensure every bite is as delightful as fresh.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out thicker than you prefer, don’t worry! Simply add a splash of water, stirring it in over low heat. Keep adding until you reach your desired consistency. If you find yourself without water, chicken broth can also enhance the flavors beautifully.
Are there any dietary considerations for this dish?
That’s a great question! This Asian Mango Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free if you substitute cornstarch for the all-purpose flour. Be mindful of the soy sauce, as traditional varieties contain gluten. You can use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce as an alternative. Always double-check ingredients for allergies, especially when cooking for guests!
Savory Asian Mango Chicken: A Flavorful Twist at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: Wash the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized cubes, ensuring even cooking later.
- Mix the Coating: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, ginger garlic paste, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl. Toss together until the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in the flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Once hot, drop half of the chicken pieces into the oil, frying them until they’re crisp and golden brown—about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Repeat Frying: Fry the remaining chicken in the same way, draining and keeping aside when done.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a wok, heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil over high heat. Once hot, add chopped garlic and green chilies; fry for 3-4 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add cubed onion and bell peppers to the wok, cooking for about a minute until they start to soften.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in dark soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, red chili paste, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the sauce bubble for a minute.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with 1 cup of water to create a slurry. Pour it into the wok, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens sufficiently, about 1 minute.
- Combine with Chicken and Mango: Gently add the fried chicken and cubed mangoes into the wok, mixing well. Let everything simmer together for a few moments.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate your delicious Asian Mango Chicken, garnishing with chopped spring onion greens. Serve immediately and enjoy!