Mango Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Asian cuisine while adding a unique twist with the sweetness of ripe mango. This vibrant and colorful meal is perfect for those who want to indulge in a hearty yet healthy dish that combines succulent chicken, fluffy rice, and the tropical notes of fresh mango. Not only is this recipe simple to prepare, but it also allows for flexibility with ingredients, making it an easy weeknight dinner option for busy families.
Creating Mango Chicken Fried Rice is as easy as it is satisfying. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready in under 35 minutes! It’s a gluten-free recipe that’s bursting with flavors and textures, from tender pieces of chicken to crisp vegetables and juicy mango. The inclusion of pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar creates a savory and sweet harmony that will undoubtedly appeal to everyone at the dinner table.
Beyond its taste, this dish is nutritionally balanced, packed with protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, making it not only a flavorful option but also a beneficial one. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal to whip up for yourself or entertaining guests, Mango Chicken Fried Rice will impress with its delightful combination of flavors and its vibrant presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Mango Chicken Fried Rice
- Flavorful Fusion: The combination of chicken, rice, and ripe mango delivers a truly unique flavor experience.
- Easy to Adapt: Feel free to swap out vegetables or proteins based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Quick Cooking Time: This dish can be on your table in just 35 minutes—perfect for busy evenings!
- Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats for a well-rounded meal.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To prepare for making Mango Chicken Fried Rice, start by gathering your ingredients and tools. Ensure you have a large sauté pan or wok readily available, as these allow for even heat distribution and ample space for frying the rice without it becoming overcrowded. You may also want to have a spatula or wooden spoon on hand to stir ingredients effectively.
Before cooking, it’s essential to set your workspace by measuring out soy sauce, water, and brown sugar for the marinade. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice your onion, carrots, and mango to ensure everything is ready for quick cooking. Use day-old rice if possible, as it’s drier and fries better than freshly cooked rice, resulting in a non-mushy texture. Once your workspace is organized, you’re ready to start cooking!
Ingredients
- 60 ml soy sauce
- 60 ml water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 680 g chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 small white onion, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 8 cloves garlic, minced and divided
- 110 g frozen peas
- 900 g cooked rice
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 60 ml soy sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 large mango, diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Microwave this mixture for about 30 seconds, just long enough for the sugar to dissolve completely. This marinade is key to imparting flavor into the chicken, so ensure it’s well-mixed. Place your diced chicken into a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated, and let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and allow any excess liquid to drain before adding it to the pan. Cook the chicken undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This method ensures a nice sear on the chicken, adding depth of flavor to the dish. After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan that held the chicken, add the minced onion, diced carrots, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for approximately 3 minutes until the vegetables soften. Next, add the frozen peas and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, and seasoning the mixture with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This step adds a lovely array of colors and textures to your dish, making it visually appealing.
Step 4: Fry the Rice
Raise the heat to high and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the pan containing the sautéed vegetables. Spread the cold, cooked rice evenly across the surface for optimal caramelization. Drizzle in some soy sauce and sesame oil, frying the rice for about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally while allowing the rice to crisp slightly. The goal is to enhance the rice’s flavor through frying while preventing it from becoming mushy, which is why cold rice works best.
Step 5: Scramble the Eggs
After frying the rice, push it to one side of the pan to create space for the next step. In the cleared area, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, then crack the eggs directly into this space, seasoning with pepper. Scramble the eggs gently until they are just set, and then incorporate them into the fried rice. This step adds protein to the dish and enhances its richness.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Gently fold the reserved chicken and diced mango into the hot rice, allowing the mango to warm through without breaking down. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, and the mango adds a beautiful contrast in taste and texture. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce or sesame oil if desired. Your Mango Chicken Fried Rice is now ready to be served!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas based on your preferences.
- Spices: Spice it up with some chili flakes or sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
Cooking Notes
- For best results, use day-old rice to maintain a non-mushy texture when frying.
- Marinate chicken for at least 15-20 minutes if time allows to deepen the flavor.
- Feel free to add chopped green onions before serving for an extra flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of fresh salad to balance the richness of the fried rice.
- Pair with a light soy sauce or sweet chili dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before starting to cook, as the process goes quickly.
- Consider cooking in batches if you have a smaller pan to allow for even frying without overcrowding.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I use fresh mango instead of frozen?
Yes, using fresh mango adds great flavor and texture to the dish. Just ensure it’s ripe for the best results!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Mango Chicken Fried Rice stores well and can be made ahead of time for easy meal prep. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
What can I substitute for soy sauce to make it soy-free?
You can use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative; it’s a great option for a soy-free diet.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add chili flakes during the vegetable sautéing step or incorporate spicy sauce like sriracha at the end before serving.
Conclusion
Mango Chicken Fried Rice is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together diverse flavors and textures in one beautiful dish. Whether you are a busy parent, a student, or someone just looking for a delicious dinner idea, this recipe is designed for simplicity and satisfaction. The vibrant mix of chicken and mango along with the aromatic medley of garlic and vegetables ensures that this dish is bound to impress your family or guests. Don’t hesitate to try out your variations, and please share your experiences in the comments below! Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful Mango Chicken Fried Rice!
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Mango Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Mango Chicken Fried Rice is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Asian cuisine while adding a unique twist with the sweetness of ripe mango.
Ingredients
- 60 ml soy sauce
- 60 ml water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 680 g chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 small white onion, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 8 cloves garlic, minced and divided
- 110 g frozen peas
- 900 g cooked rice
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 60 ml soy sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 large mango, diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Microwave this mixture for about 30 seconds, just long enough for the sugar to dissolve completely. This marinade is key to imparting flavor into the chicken, so ensure it’s well-mixed. Place your diced chicken into a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated, and let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and allow any excess liquid to drain before adding it to the pan. Cook the chicken undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This method ensures a nice sear on the chicken, adding depth of flavor to the dish. After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
- In the same pan that held the chicken, add the minced onion, diced carrots, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for approximately 3 minutes until the vegetables soften. Next, add the frozen peas and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, and seasoning the mixture with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This step adds a lovely array of colors and textures to your dish, making it visually appealing.
- Raise the heat to high and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the pan containing the sautéed vegetables. Spread the cold, cooked rice evenly across the surface for optimal caramelization. Drizzle in some soy sauce and sesame oil, frying the rice for about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally while allowing the rice to crisp slightly. The goal is to enhance the rice’s flavor through frying while preventing it from becoming mushy, which is why cold rice works best.
- After frying the rice, push it to one side of the pan to create space for the next step. In the cleared area, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, then crack the eggs directly into this space, seasoning with pepper. Scramble the eggs gently until they are just set, and then incorporate them into the fried rice. This step adds protein to the dish and enhances its richness.
- Gently fold the reserved chicken and diced mango into the hot rice, allowing the mango to warm through without breaking down. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, and the mango adds a beautiful contrast in taste and texture. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce or sesame oil if desired. Your Mango Chicken Fried Rice is now ready to be served!
Notes
For best results, use day-old rice to maintain a non-mushy texture when frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 30 g