If you’re craving something that’s bright, flavorful, and just a little bit unexpected, you’re going to adore this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I make when I want something quick but still packed with fresh vibes—juicy mango, tender chicken, and crisp veggies all tossed in a creamy, tangy sauce. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet mango perfectly balances the savory, garlicky sauce and spicy red pepper flakes.
- Nutty Creaminess: Cashew butter makes the sauce rich and creamy without weighing the dish down.
- Healthy & Colorful: Packed with fresh veggies and lean protein—this stir fry is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is chosen to create a balance of fresh crunch, juicy sweetness, and savory depth. When you shop, look for a perfectly ripe mango—it makes all the difference—and fresh veggies that are crisp and bright.
- Coconut oil or olive oil: I prefer coconut oil here for that subtle tropical hint that pairs beautifully with mango.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Diced into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves, because minced jar garlic just won’t give you that punch of flavor.
- Red onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and a pop of color.
- Snap or snow peas: I sometimes swap broccoli for a different crunch but peas keep it light and fresh.
- Red bell pepper: For sweetness and vibrant color—can’t skip this!
- Ripe mango: The star ingredient—sweet and juicy for that tropical twist.
- Cashews and cilantro (optional): Great for garnish when you want extra texture and herby freshness.
- Gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are my go-to for a soy-free option, slightly sweeter and less salty.
- Cashew butter: It makes the sauce creamy without dairy; peanut butter works too if you’re in a pinch.
- Freshly grated ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing that livens everything up.
- Honey: Just a touch to round out the savory notes.
- Warm water: To thin out the sauce, so it coats everything nicely.
- Red pepper flakes: For that surprising kick—add more if you like it spicy!
- Tapioca flour, arrowroot flour, or cornstarch: This thickens the sauce perfectly without clumping.
Variations
I like to switch things up with this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who’s coming over. This recipe is so flexible—you can easily make it your own and still get fantastic results.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh; it soaks up the mango sauce beautifully and keeps the protein intact.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for when you want to turn up the heat.
- More Crunch: Toss in sliced water chestnuts or bamboo shoots—my kids love that little surprise crunch.
- Seasonal Veggies: When mangoes aren’t in season, try pineapple or peaches instead for a similar tropical sweetness.
How to Make Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by mixing the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), cashew butter, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, honey, warm water, red pepper flakes, and tapioca flour in a medium bowl. Whisk everything really well until smooth and creamy—this sauce is the soul of your stir fry, so getting it right sets the tone for the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat half your coconut oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in your diced chicken and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through—no pink showing. I like to keep the pieces bite-sized so they cook evenly and quickly. Once done, transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add the remaining coconut oil to the skillet and lower the heat to medium. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds until fragrant—you don’t want it to burn, so keep an eye on it! Then add diced red onion, snap peas, and sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry these for about 5 minutes until the onion softens and the bell pepper’s just tender but still bright and crisp.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Mango & Sauce
Lower the heat to low, return the cooked chicken to the pan, then gently fold in the diced mango and your prepared sauce. Stir everything gently so the mango pieces don’t break down but get evenly coated. Let it cook for another few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients. The mango heats up without melting away, giving you that beautiful burst of sweetness in every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Use Ripe Mangoes: I learned that underripe mango really dulls this dish, so always pick mangoes that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches if needed keeps pieces nicely seared, avoiding steaming and sogginess.
- Add Sauce Gradually: Pour sauce in slowly and stir gently to evenly coat without breaking the mango chunks.
- Timing Is Everything: Cook veggies just until tender-crisp to keep their color, texture, and nutrients vibrant.
How to Serve Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
I often finish this dish with a sprinkle of chopped cashews for crunch and a handful of fresh cilantro to add that bright herbaceous note. It just lifts the whole dish and makes it feel restaurant-worthy right at your dinner table.
Side Dishes
My favorite way to enjoy this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is over fluffy brown rice or quinoa, which soaks up the sauce nicely and adds a whole-grain boost. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice is also fantastic and keeps it low-carb.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist when guests come over, I serve this stir fry in bright lettuce cups or hollowed-out mango halves—both add a playful element and make the presentation pop. It’s a big hit at casual dinner parties or weeknight family meals alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe keep beautifully for about 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. I make sure to store the sauce and mango mixed in with the chicken and veggies to keep all those flavors cozy and melded together.
Freezing
I usually don’t freeze this stir fry because the mango’s texture can get a little watery when thawed. But if you want to prep in advance, freeze the cooked chicken and veggies without mango mixed in, then add fresh mango when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen any thickened sauce. I avoid microwaving because it can make the chicken rubbery, but it works fine for convenience if you watch it closely.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen mango for this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
You can use frozen mango if fresh isn’t available, but I recommend thawing and draining it well to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the stir fry from becoming watery and keeps the flavors balanced.
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What can I substitute for cashew butter in the sauce?
If you don’t have cashew butter, peanut butter or almond butter make excellent substitutes. Just choose creamy versions without added sugars to keep the sauce balanced and smooth.
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Is this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos. Tapioca or arrowroot flour in the sauce also keeps it gluten-free.
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Can I make this stir fry spicier?
Definitely! Simply increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce when whisking it together. Just start small and taste as you go to find your perfect level of heat.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe comes together so quickly yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor that my whole family goes crazy for. When I first tried mixing mango into a savory stir fry, I was blown away by how perfectly sweet and juicy it worked with the chicken and cashew butter sauce. It’s become one of those dishes I happily make on repeat because it’s comforting, colorful, and just downright fun to eat. I can’t wait for you to try it — I promise it’ll become a fast favorite in your kitchen, too!
Print
Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Mango Chicken Stir Fry combines tender chicken breast with crisp vegetables and sweet, juicy mango, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful cashew butter sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this gluten-free stir fry is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with brown rice or quinoa.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil, divided
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 red onion, diced
- 8 ounce snap or snow peas (or substitute chopped broccoli)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large ripe mango, diced
- Optional: Cashews and Cilantro, to garnish
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons cashew butter (or peanut butter)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon warm water, to thin
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon tapioca flour, arrowroot flour or cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free soy sauce, cashew butter, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, honey, warm water, red pepper flakes, and tapioca flour until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat half the coconut oil in a large wok or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken and generously season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink inside, then transfer it to a separate bowl.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Combine: Add the remaining coconut oil to the wok and reduce heat to medium. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the diced red onion, snap peas, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and the bell pepper becomes slightly tender. Lower the heat to low, return the cooked chicken to the wok along with the diced mango and the prepared sauce. Gently stir to coat all ingredients and cook for another few minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish with optional cashews and cilantro if desired. This stir fry serves 4 and is delicious when enjoyed with brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cashew butter with peanut butter or almond butter, but cashew butter provides a uniquely creamy texture and flavor.
- Use snap peas or snow peas for crunch; broccoli can be used as a substitute if preferred.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste for your desired level of heat.
- For a gluten-free option, be sure to use gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- See the full recipe post for additional tips, customization ideas, and serving suggestions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg