Save to Pinterest This vibrant Mango Chili Garlic Chicken Skillet brings tropical sunshine to the dinner table with juicy chicken, fresh mango, heat from chili, and a hint of lime. A balanced mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors make this dish irresistible for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining alike.
The first time I whipped this up was on a humid August evening when we were craving something lively and colorful. It was an instant hit and my go-to for impressing guests without stress.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless are lean and cook quickly choose ones that are plump and uniform in size for even cooking
- Salt and black pepper: essential base seasoning opt for freshly ground pepper for best flavor
- Cornstarch: helps create a golden crust and thickens the sauce look for pure cornstarch with no additives
- Ripe mango: delivers sweetness and body pick one that gives slightly to the touch but is not too soft
- Honey: for natural sweetness enhances the mango and helps caramelize the sauce raw or local honey gives a richer flavor
- Lime juice: brings tang and brightness always use fresh limes if possible
- Soy sauce or tamari: for depth choose a low-sodium version if preferred
- Chili flakes: bring just the right level of heat adjust to taste for a mild or fiery dish
- Fresh garlic: minced for punchy aroma use firm plump cloves for best results
- Fresh ginger: adds warmth and zip young ginger is milder and juicier
- Olive oil: for sautéing choose extra virgin for better flavor
- Fresh cilantro: to garnish buy just before using for maximum aroma
- Red chili: optional for garnish bright color and extra heat choose a small, crisp chili
- Lime wedges: for serving wakes up all the flavors look for juicy, heavy limes
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to help them brown. Sprinkle each side with salt and pepper, then dust lightly with cornstarch to create a delicate crust and help the sauce cling.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts flat side down. Cook undisturbed for four to five minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip with a spatula and repeat on the other side until just cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
- Build the Aromatic Base:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for about one minute until the mixture is fragrant and just starting to color. This infuses the oil and builds flavor.
- Simmer the Mango Sauce:
- Add diced ripe mango, honey, freshly squeezed lime juice, soy sauce, and chili flakes to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Use a spoon to gently mash some of the mango pieces, letting them dissolve and thicken the sauce as it cooks for three to four minutes.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken:
- Return the reserved chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over each piece and let everything simmer together for three to four minutes, flipping once so both sides soak up the flavors. The sauce should cling to the chicken and become glossy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Scatter chopped fresh cilantro and, if using, thinly sliced red chili over everything. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges so each plate gets a pop of acid at the table.
Save to Pinterest This recipe made me deeply appreciate ripe mango as a savory ingredient. It creates a glossy sauce that my kids beg me to spoon over their rice even when the chicken is long gone. One summer, it turned into the dish my friends requested at every potluck when mangoes were in season.
Storage Tips
Cool any leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days the flavors will deepen as it sits. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little splash of water to loosen the sauce and keep the chicken moist.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken thighs work wonderfully as a juicier alternative just increase cooking time slightly. Firm tofu makes this vegetarian and holds up nicely with the sauce. Try peaches or ripe pineapple in place of mango when in season for an equally delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
Spoon over steamed jasmine rice for a classic pairing that absorbs all the sauce. A side of coconut rice or quick-pickled cucumber salad will cut through the heat. I sometimes pile leftovers onto a warm tortilla for a tropical taco lunch.
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
This fusion dish draws inspiration from Southeast Asian sweet and sour stir-fries and the bold acidity of Latin American marinades. Late summer to early fall is peak mango season so make this dish when mangoes are the juiciest. A squeeze of lime at the table links this dish back to tropical street food that wakes up the palate.
Save to Pinterest Once you make this Mango Chili Garlic Chicken Skillet, you might join me in asking why you ever settled for ordinary chicken on a busy weeknight. Quick, flavorful, and always a conversation starter, it remains my foolproof recipe for bringing some adventure to the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken is best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for quick cooking and tender results. Thighs can be used for juicier meat.
- → Can the mango be substituted?
While mango delivers sweetness and tropical notes, peaches or apricots can be substituted if desired.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
- → How can I increase the spice level?
For more heat, add extra chili flakes or include the seeds from the fresh red chili garnish.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
This skillet meal is delicious over jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Pair with lime wedges for brightness.
- → Can this be made vegetarian?
Firm tofu is an excellent replacement for chicken, allowing vegetarians to enjoy these vibrant flavors.