Name: Savor Summer with Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Thighs can provide a richer flavor.); 1 cup Cornstarch (Essential for achieving crispiness.); 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (Boosts crunch factor.); 2 tablespoons Ginger Garlic Paste (Can substitute with fresh garlic and ginger.); 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste.); 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper; 3 tablespoons Cooking Oil (Choose a neutral oil.); 3 cloves Garlic (Freshly chopped.); 2 pieces Green Chilies (Adjust quantity based on spice preference.); 1 medium Onion (Cubed.); 1 cup Bell Peppers (Mix different colors.); 2 tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce (Enhances umami flavor.); 2 tablespoons Sweet Chili Sauce; 1 tablespoon Red Chili Paste (For added heat.); 2 tablespoons Tomato Ketchup (Balances sweetness.); 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar (Cuts through richness.); 1/4 cup Water (Adjusts sauce consistency.); 2 cups Ripe Mangoes (Fresh, peeled, and cubed.); 1/4 cup Spring Onion Greens (For garnish.)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As the summer sun casts its glow, the kitchen becomes a stage for vibrant flavors, and what better way to embrace that warmth than with a dazzling Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry? This bright dish combines the juicy sweetness of ripe mangoes with tender, crispy chicken, all enveloped in a delectable sauce that sings with savory notes. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a fun summer recipe to impress friends and family, this stir fry offers both convenience and delight, ready in under 30 minutes. Imagine scooping a mouthful over fluffy rice or slurpy noodles, capturing the essence of summer in every bite. Are you ready to experience this taste of the tropics? Let’s dive into making this unforgettable dish!

Why is this Mango Chicken a Must-Try?

Simplicity at its finest: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights. Deliciously balanced flavors: The mellow sweetness of mangoes perfectly complements the savory chicken, creating a taste sensation. Versatile ingredients: Feel free to swap mango for pineapple or add your favorite veggies to customize it! Crowd-pleaser appeal: Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, everyone will be asking for seconds. Fans of quick meals will also enjoy other recipes like Garlic Parmesan Chicken or Grilled Chicken Broccoli. Colorful presentation: This stir fry not only tastes fantastic but looks vibrant on the plate, making it a feast for the eyes!

Chinese Style Mango Chicken Ingredients

• Enjoy a delightful mix of textures and flavors with these vibrant ingredients!

For the Chicken

Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs – A juicy choice that ensures a hearty protein base for your stir fry. Note: Thighs can provide a richer flavor.

For the Coating

Cornstarch – Essential for achieving that delightful crispiness when frying.
All-Purpose Flour – Boosts the crunch factor of your chicken when combined with cornstarch.
Ginger Garlic Paste – Offers aromatic depth to the chicken; substitute with fresh garlic and ginger for an extra kick.
Salt – Vital for enhancing the overall flavor; adjust to suit your taste buds.
Ground Black Pepper – Adds a hint of warmth and flavor to the chicken coating.

For the Stir-Fry Sauce

Cooking Oil – Choose a neutral oil for frying, helping to achieve the perfect texture.
Garlic – Freshly chopped to infuse your sauce with flavor.
Green Chilies – Introduces a touch of heat; customize the quantity based on spice preference.
Onion – Cubed for added sweetness and texture in the dish.
Bell Peppers – Adds color and a satisfying crunch; feel free to mix different colors.
Dark Soy Sauce – This ingredient deepens the umami flavor, bringing your dish to life.
Sweet Chili Sauce – Introduces satisfying sweetness and mild heat to the mix.
Red Chili Paste – A great addition for those who like it spicy!
Tomato Ketchup – Balances sweetness and enhances the sauce’s texture.
Rice Vinegar – Cut through the richness and elevate the flavors.
Water – Helps adjust the consistency of your sauce as needed.

For the Finish

Ripe Mangoes – Fresh, peeled, and cubed; the star of this dish, adding luscious sweetness.
Spring Onion Greens – A colorful garnish that adds a fresh finishing touch to your meal.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chinese Style Mango Chicken

Step 1: Prep Chicken
Begin by washing, patting dry, and cutting the skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, all-purpose flour, ginger garlic paste, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This mixture adds a delicious crispy texture that’s essential for your Chinese Style Mango Chicken.

Step 2: Fry Chicken
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place half of the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally. Once done, drain the chicken on paper towels and repeat with the remaining chicken pieces, ensuring they are all cooked to perfection.

Step 3: Make Sauce
In a wok over medium heat, add a splash of cooking oil and sauté chopped garlic and green chilies for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Next, toss in the cubed onion and bell peppers, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly while maintaining their vibrant colors. This forms the flavorful base of your Chinese Style Mango Chicken.

Step 4: Combine Sauces
Once the vegetables are ready, pour in the dark soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, red chili paste, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors together and ensure that everything is well coated. The aromas will fill your kitchen, hinting at the delicious meal that’s coming!

Step 5: Thicken Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the wok, cooking while stirring for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, feel free to add more water gradually until it reaches the perfect saucy texture.

Step 6: Finish Dish
Gently fold in the fried chicken and cubed ripe mangoes into the sauce, stirring to coat every piece thoroughly for about 2-3 minutes until heated through. Once combined, remove from heat and garnish with chopped spring onion greens. Serve your scrumptious Chinese Style Mango Chicken immediately over fluffy rice or stir-fried noodles for a delightful meal!

Make Ahead Options

These Chinese-Style Mango Chicken ingredients are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor this delightful dish on busy weeknights! You can coat and fry the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it crisp. Additionally, you can prepare the sauce (excluding the cornstarch slurry) up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it; just give it a good stir before using. To finish the dish, simply reheat the sauce and chicken in a wok, then fold in the fresh mangoes just before serving for that burst of sweetness. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have a delicious, tropical meal with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Chinese Style Mango Chicken

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To maintain the texture, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water.
Freezer: For longer storage, cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: When reheating, ensure it’s heated through completely. Add a little water if needed to prevent dryness, especially for the chicken.
Avoid Sticking: If storing in the fridge, separate mangoes and add them just before serving. This helps prevent them from becoming mushy in your Chinese Style Mango Chicken.

What to Serve with Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry?

Imagine a vibrant summer feast that enhances the sweet and savory notes of this dish, elevating your meal to a whole new level.

Fluffy Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly, offering a delightful base for your mouthwatering stir fry.
Stir-Fried Noodles: For a heartier option, toss some egg noodles in a sizzling wok, providing a chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the bright flavors of the mango chicken.
Crispy Spring Rolls: A crunchy appetizer filled with fresh vegetables or shrimp brings a satisfying crunch, setting the stage for the tantalizing main dish ahead.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad drizzled with sesame dressing introduces freshness and a hint of nuttiness, balancing the sweetness of the mango.
Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, these carrots complement the sweet notes of the mango chicken while adding a pop of color to your plate.
Chilled Szechuan Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad offers a spicy crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the rich flavors of the stir fry, making each bite an exciting experience.
Lychee Martini: A fruity cocktail that enhances the tropical flavor profile of the dish, creating a fancy yet refreshing drink for your guests.
Coconut Sorbet: For dessert, a light and creamy sorbet captures the essence of summer, offering a sweet finale that mirrors the dish’s bright flavors.
Mango Sticky Rice: Deepen that mango connection by serving this classic treat for dessert—sweet coconut milk complements the sticky rice for an unforgettable end to your meal.
Green Tea: This calming beverage not only aids digestion but adds a layer of sophistication, rounding out your meal beautifully.

Expert Tips for Chinese Style Mango Chicken

Double-Fry for Crispiness: For an ultra-crispy texture, consider frying the chicken twice. Fry until golden, let it drain, and then fry again!
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like snap peas or zucchini for added nutrition and variety in your Chinese Style Mango Chicken.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use ripe, fresh mangoes for the best sweetness and texture. Overripe mango can become mushy in the stir fry.
Control the Heat: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your spice preference to ensure your dish perfectly matches your taste.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers may turn soggy, so it’s ideal for hosting family and friends right after cooking!

Chinese Style Mango Chicken Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and customize it to suit your taste! Each variation offers a unique twist to elevate your dining experience.

Pineapple Twist: Substitute mango with ripe pineapple for a tropical flavor that’s just as sweet and refreshing.
Veggie Boost: Add colorful vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or carrots to enhance nutrition and diversify flavors.
Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding more green chilies or use a spicier variety for those who enjoy a fiery dish.
Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro at the end of cooking for a fragrant, herbal component.
Ginger Upgrade: For an extra zing, include minced fresh ginger along with garlic in the stir-fry sauce for bold flavor enhancement.
Lower Carb: Replace rice or noodles with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option while still enjoying the stir fry flavors.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped cashews or peanuts just before serving for a delicious crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken and juicy mango.
Sweet Heat: Blend in a bit of chili garlic sauce or sriracha with the stir fry sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor explosion!

With these variations, you can enjoy a different experience every time you whip up this delightful Chinese Style Mango Chicken. For more enticing chicken recipes, don’t miss out on Garlic Ginger Chicken or Orange Chicken Savory!

Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe mangoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing mangoes, look for fruits that are slightly soft to the touch but not overripe. The skin should have a vibrant color, often a mix of yellow and red. Avoid any dark spots or wrinkles, as these can indicate overripeness. A ripe mango should have a sweet aroma and feel slightly yielding when gently pressed.

How should I store leftovers of Chinese-Style Mango Chicken?
Very important! Store your leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To maintain the integrity of the dish, I recommend reheating it on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the chicken from drying out and the mangoes from becoming mushy.

Can I freeze Chinese-Style Mango Chicken?
You can indeed! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and if necessary, add a little water while reheating to restore moisture.

What if my chicken doesn’t get crispy?
Ah, the age-old question! If your chicken isn’t crispy, it may be due to overcrowding the pan while frying. Always fry in batches to allow the chicken to cook evenly. Another tip is to ensure the oil is hot enough—aim for a shimmering surface. For an extra crunch, consider double-frying the chicken; fry it, drain, then fry again until golden.

Are there any dietary considerations for this dish?
Great question! This recipe includes chicken and mango, which may not be suitable for those with specific allergies. The dish contains gluten from the soy sauce and flour; gluten-free options are available in stores. Always check labels if you’re serving anyone with allergies, particularly to soy or garlic. Additionally, avoid giving any leftovers containing spices to pets, as some ingredients can be harmful to them.