Asian Mango Chicken

The irresistible combination of sweet, ripe mangoes and crispy chicken coated in a spicy, savory sauce makes this Asian Mango Chicken a must-try dish for any food lover. It’s a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that instantly elevates your weekday meal game.

Perfect for summer, this quick stir-fry recipe brings restaurant-style flair to your home kitchen in just 30 minutes. Pair it with jasmine rice or noodles for a wholesome meal that’s bursting with color, crunch, and zing. The sauce is bold yet fruity, and every bite of the juicy mango alongside golden fried chicken is pure joy.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For Frying The Chicken:

• 1 lb (500 g) skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper powder

• Neutral oil for frying

For The Sauce:

• 3 tbsp cooking oil

• 2 tbsp chopped garlic

• 2–3 green chilies, chopped

• 1 large onion, cubed (1-inch pieces)

• 1 cup mixed bell peppers, cubed

• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce

• 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce

• 2 tbsp red chili paste

• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper powder

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup ripe mango, peeled and cubed

• Spring onion greens, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Wash and pat dry the chicken, then cut into small cubes.

2. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, all-purpose flour, ginger garlic paste, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and coat well.

3. Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain and set aside.

4. In a wok, heat oil on high. Add garlic and green chilies, stir-fry for a few seconds.

5. Add onion and bell peppers, stir-fry for 1 minute.

6. Pour in soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, red chili paste, ketchup, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

7. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and add to the wok. Cook until sauce thickens.

8. Add the fried chicken and mango cubes to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

9. Garnish with spring onion greens. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 431 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Asian Mango Chicken: A Flavorful Fusion of Sweet and Savory

Asian Mango Chicken is a dish that beautifully brings together the tropical sweetness of ripe mangoes with the savory richness of Asian-inspired sauces and spices. It’s a versatile, easy-to-make recipe that has won hearts globally because of its irresistible flavor balance. From weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings, this vibrant dish can be the centerpiece of any meal, offering a delightful contrast of textures and a bright, fruity undertone that sets it apart from other chicken recipes.

At its core, Asian Mango Chicken captures the culinary magic that happens when East Asian flavors meet tropical ingredients. The juicy chicken is typically marinated and sautéed to golden perfection, while the mango-based sauce infuses the dish with brightness and depth. What elevates this recipe is the addition of classic Asian elements like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes each adding its own punch of umami, heat, and earthiness to the fruity glaze.

Let’s dive deeper into what makes this dish so special and why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection.

A Closer Look at the Star Ingredients

One of the standout elements of this dish is, of course, mango a fruit cherished across Asia not just for its sweetness but also for its silky texture and versatility. In this dish, ripe mangoes are pureed to create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. The natural sugars in mangoes caramelize slightly when heated, resulting in a sticky glaze that clings to every bite. This is what gives the dish its signature “sweet and savory” profile.

Then there’s chicken, typically cut into bite-sized pieces or strips. The meat is first seared or stir-fried, locking in moisture and building flavor through caramelization. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are commonly used for convenience, but you can adapt the cut based on personal preference or dietary needs.

Asian pantry staples like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic bring essential layers of flavor. Soy sauce adds depth and saltiness, ginger delivers warmth and zing, and garlic provides a sharp, aromatic kick. A hint of chili flakes or sriracha is often used to create a subtle heat, making the dish more complex and exciting on the palate.

A Perfect Harmony of Flavors

What makes Asian Mango Chicken exceptional is its harmonious flavor profile. This isn’t just a sweet dish; it’s a celebration of balanced contrasts. Sweet mangoes are countered with salty soy, spicy chilies, and tangy lime or vinegar. When these ingredients meld, the result is a dish that’s at once comforting and bold.

This balance makes it appealing to a broad range of taste preferences. For those who love sweet dishes, the mango sauce offers instant gratification. Meanwhile, fans of spicy, savory, or umami-rich flavors will appreciate the layered seasoning. The dish is also highly adaptable whether you want to dial up the spice, substitute the protein, or play with other fruit variations like pineapple or peach, you have room for culinary creativity.

Culinary Inspiration and Global Appeal

While this dish has its roots in Pan-Asian fusion cuisine, it draws influence from several countries. In Thai and Filipino cuisine, for example, mango is frequently used in savory dishes. The idea of pairing it with meat isn’t new it’s a cherished combination that’s evolved into various delicious forms, from mango salsas atop grilled meats to tangy mango curries.

Asian Mango Chicken taps into this broader culinary tradition while adding a modern, accessible twist. With the growing popularity of fusion food, this dish bridges the gap between comfort food and exotic flair, making it a favorite in restaurants and home kitchens alike.

Pairing Suggestions and Serving Ideas

One of the best things about Asian Mango Chicken is how well it pairs with a variety of sides. It’s often served over steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice, which soaks up the rich sauce and offers a neutral base. For a healthier alternative, you can use cauliflower rice or quinoa.

If you’re preparing a larger meal or looking to create an Asian-themed dinner night, consider serving it with:

• Stir-fried vegetables (bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas)

• Vegetable spring rolls or potstickers

• Asian cucumber salad with sesame and vinegar

• Miso soup or hot and sour soup as a starter

Garnishing is also key toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, or sliced scallions add visual appeal and extra texture.

Customization and Dietary Tweaks

One reason this recipe works for so many households is how easily it can be tailored:

• Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, which will absorb the mango sauce just as well.

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.

• Low-Carb: Swap white rice for cauliflower rice and reduce the amount of sweetener used in the mango sauce.

• Extra Protein: Add cashews, edamame, or chickpeas to the dish.

Want more heat? Increase the amount of chili or add some fresh red Thai chilies for a spicy mango chicken experience. Need a tangier profile? Add a dash of rice vinegar or squeeze of lime juice.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Meal Prep

Asian Mango Chicken isn’t just delicious it’s also meal prep friendly. The dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for weekday lunches or quick dinners. You can make a larger batch, portion it out with rice and vegetables, and enjoy a flavorful, balanced meal anytime.

The mango sauce also doubles as a great glaze for grilled shrimp, salmon, or even roasted vegetables. Having a jar of it in your fridge opens the door to quick, impressive meals without needing to start from scratch every time.

Conclusion:

Asian Mango Chicken is a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. With its tropical fruitiness, savory base, and spicy undertone, it brings the best of Asian-inspired cuisine to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable, rewarding, and endlessly customizable.

Perfect for warm weather meals or when you’re craving something out of the ordinary, Asian Mango Chicken delivers restaurant-quality taste with everyday ingredients. So, the next time you have ripe mangoes on hand, don’t just reach for a smoothie treat yourself to this unforgettable fusion dish that captures the soul of sweet and savory.