Chicken Mango Stir-fry

Chicken Mango Stir-fry Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Mango Stir-fry is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken strips with sweet and juicy mango chunks, all cooked in a savory and slightly spicy sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

The origins of Chicken Mango Stir-fry are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, where mangoes are a popular and abundant fruit. The combination of chicken and mangoes in a stir-fry dish is a perfect example of the fusion of sweet and savory flavors that is characteristic of Asian cuisine.

Ingredients

1 cup chicken broth, divided
0.25 cup orange juice
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 0.25 inch strips
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
1 medium-sized red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch squares
1.5 cup diced fresh mangos* (about 2 medium)
6 green onions, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.13 tsp ground cinnamon
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Combine 0.75 cup of broth, orange juice, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sugar in a small bowl; set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until hot.
Add chicken and stir-fry for about 2 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
Add jalapeño, red pepper, and the remaining 0.25 cup of broth to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add mangos, onions, garlic, and cinnamon.
Return the chicken to the skillet and stir well. Stir in the broth mixture.
Cook over high heat for about 2 minutes or until thick and bubbly.
Serve over hot rice.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken for a different twist on this dish.
Add other vegetables such as snow peas, broccoli, or carrots for added texture and flavor.
Use pineapple chunks instead of mango for a tropical twist on this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Be sure to stir-fry the chicken over high heat to seal in the juices and keep it tender.

- Use fresh mangoes for the best flavor, but you can also use frozen mango chunks if fresh mangoes are not available.

- Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper to suit your taste preferences – add more for a spicier dish or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Mango Stir-fry over hot cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for added flavor and color.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a quick and efficient cooking technique that involves cooking small pieces of food over high heat in a wok or skillet. Be sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a fast process.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken stock or water in place of chicken broth.

- Substitute orange juice with pineapple juice or apple juice.

- Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking to enhance the flavor. You can also chop the vegetables and mango ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Mango Stir-fry in a large serving bowl or on individual plates, garnished with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro. You can also serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut for a fun and tropical presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Mango Stir-fry pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chicken Mango Stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Mango Stir-fry contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Mango Stir-fry contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Mango Stir-fry contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Mango Stir-fry contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Mango Stir-fry is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and may contain gluten if soy sauce is used. Check for allergens in all ingredients before preparing this dish.

Summary

Chicken Mango Stir-fry is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Mango Stir-fry is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its combination of tender chicken, sweet mangoes, and savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her incredible cooking skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma - a tantalizing blend of sweet and savory that made my mouth water.

Margaret was busy at the stove, stirring a colorful concoction in a large wok. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making, and she smiled mischievously before revealing her secret recipe for Chicken Mango Stir-fry. The combination of tender chicken, juicy mango, and crisp vegetables tossed in a tangy sauce was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

I watched intently as Margaret expertly chopped, diced, and sautéed her way through the recipe, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that with a practiced hand. She explained that she had learned the recipe from a friend who had traveled to Thailand and brought back the flavors of the exotic cuisine.

As Margaret plated the stir-fry and garnished it with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, I couldn't wait to take my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweetness of the mango, the tanginess of the sauce, and the savory richness of the chicken all melded together in perfect harmony.

I begged Margaret for the recipe, and she graciously wrote it down for me, along with a few tips and tricks she had picked up over the years. Armed with this newfound knowledge, I couldn't wait to recreate the dish in my own kitchen and share it with my family.

The next day, I set to work in my own kitchen, gathering all the necessary ingredients and following Margaret's instructions to the letter. As the aroma of the stir-fry wafted through the house, my family gathered eagerly around the table, eager to taste the fruits of my labor.

Their reactions were even better than I had hoped for - they couldn't get enough of the Chicken Mango Stir-fry. My husband declared it the best thing I had ever made, and my children practically licked their plates clean.

From that day on, Chicken Mango Stir-fry became a staple in our household. I made it for family dinners, potlucks with friends, and even dinner parties. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own signature touches to make it truly my own. I have experimented with different vegetables, swapped out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, and even played around with the sauce to create new flavor profiles.

But no matter how many variations I try, the essence of the dish remains the same - a deliciously satisfying meal that never fails to impress. And every time I make it, I think back to that fateful day in Margaret's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of Chicken Mango Stir-fry.

As I sit here now, writing down this story for my grandchildren to read, I can't help but feel grateful for all the wonderful recipes and memories that cooking has brought into my life. And I hope that one day, they too will be inspired to create their own culinary masterpieces and pass down the tradition to future generations.