Description
A vibrant and flavorful Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry combining tender chicken breast with sweet mango and colorful bell peppers, all cooked quickly in a savory and tangy sauce. This 30-minute meal offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes, making it a delightful weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
Vegetables and 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
- ½ cup fresh mango juice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 ripe mango, diced
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them with cornstarch and low-sodium soy sauce. Let the mixture marinate for 10 minutes to ensure the chicken absorbs the flavors and gets a slight coating to create a light crust when cooked.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking them until fragrant and aromatic, which usually takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot pan in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become tender yet remain crisp, which typically takes 3 to 4 minutes.
- Prepare and Add the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together fresh mango juice, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and cayenne pepper if using. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Let it simmer together for about one minute to meld the flavors and slightly thicken.
- Incorporate Fresh Mango: Gently fold in the diced ripe mango pieces, warming them through by cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes without overcooking, to maintain their fresh texture and sweetness.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the mango chicken stir fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions for added color and freshness.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add fresh chili slices.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- Fresh mango juice can be substituted with pureed mango mixed with a bit of water if juice is not available.
- Serve with jasmine rice or egg noodles for a complete meal.
- Ensure not to overcook the mango pieces to keep their texture vibrant.
