If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with vibrant colors and a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, this Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. It masterfully combines juicy diced chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and the tropical sweetness of fresh mango, all brought together with a luscious soy-based marinade and a hint of toasted sesame oil. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish to impress your friends, this recipe has all the right elements to satisfy your taste buds and brighten up your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for creating the magical balance of flavors and textures in this Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. Each component plays a unique role, from the savory soy sauce seasoning to the fresh mango’s juicy sweetness, making the dish sing.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone that deepens the flavor of the chicken and rice.
- Water: Used to dissolve the brown sugar for the marinade, balancing sweet and savory.
- Brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the marinade, complementing the mango’s natural flavor.
- Chicken breast or thighs, diced: Tender protein that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- White onion, minced: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the stir-fry base.
- Carrots, peeled and diced: Bring a bit of crunch and a pop of color to the dish.
- Garlic, minced and divided: Infuses savory warmth and fragrance throughout the cooking steps.
- Frozen peas: For bursts of freshness and a lovely green contrast.
- Cooked rice: The foundation of any great fried rice, best when cold to get that perfect crisp.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps in caramelizing the vegetables and rice.
- Toasted sesame oil: A little goes a long way in imparting a nutty, enticing aroma.
- Eggs: Bring extra protein and a silky texture to the final dish.
- Fresh mango, diced: The star ingredient that brings a juicy sweetness and tropical flair.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and veggies, ensuring a nice sear and flavor.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining soy sauce, water, and brown sugar in a small bowl, microwaving briefly to dissolve the sugar. This marinade is your secret weapon for packing the diced chicken with flavor. Place the chicken in a zip-top bag, pour the marinade over, seal tightly, and let those flavors mingle while you prep the rest of the ingredients. This simple step ensures your chicken is juicy and infused with a sweet-savory punch.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Cook the chicken undisturbed for a couple of minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. This quick sear locks in juices and creates a beautiful caramelized crust. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm — your kitchen is already starting to smell incredible.
Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies
Using the same pan, toss in the minced onion, diced carrots, and part of the garlic. Cook them gently until softened and aromatic, then stir in the peas and continue sautéing. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This vibrant vegetable mix not only brightens your dish but adds a satisfying mix of textures that keeps every bite interesting.
Step 4: Fry the Rice
Turn up the heat and add butter to the pan with your veggies. Spread the cold cooked rice evenly and drizzle with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. Let the rice fry undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a slight crisp before stirring. This careful technique prevents mushy rice and brings out a complex, toasty flavor that is key to any great fried rice dish.
Step 5: Scramble the Eggs
Push the rice to one side to create some space in the pan. Melt butter there, crack in the eggs, and season with pepper. Scramble gently just until set, then mix the eggs into the rice. This adds creaminess and protein, making the dish even more satisfying and well-rounded.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Mango
Finally, fold the cooked chicken and diced mango into the rice mixture, warming just enough so the mango stays intact and juicy, adding delightful bursts of sweetness to every forkful. Taste and adjust seasoning with a splash more soy sauce or sesame oil if needed. Your Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro can add a fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the sweet mango. A few toasted sesame seeds or a wedge of lime on the side can also brighten the presentation and enhance flavor.
Side Dishes
To complement the Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, consider serving a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad or a light miso soup. These lighter sides balance the richness of the fried rice and make the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in pineapple bowls for an eye-catching, tropical presentation that is sure to wow at dinner parties. Alternatively, plate the fried rice on a bright platter with mango slices fanned out on the side to highlight the star ingredient.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Mango Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s a fantastic quick meal option for busy days when you want something delicious but fuss-free.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried rice in portions, but be aware that the texture of the mango might change slightly upon thawing. Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months for easy future meals.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispiness of the rice. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems dry, and stir gently to warm evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may result in a soggy texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or another type of rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice or jasmine rice both work well, but keep in mind brown rice will take a bit longer to fry and has a nuttier flavor. Make sure the rice is cooked and cooled in advance to get the best texture.
Is it okay to substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Yes, using chicken thighs can add more juiciness and richness due to their higher fat content. Either cut works well in this Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, depending on your preference.
How ripe should the mango be?
The mango should be ripe but firm so that when added to the rice, it holds its shape and provides a juicy burst of flavor without becoming mushy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To go vegetarian, you can replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth or additional soy sauce in place of any meat juices. The mango will still provide a lovely sweetness and texture contrast.
What’s the best way to get perfectly cooked scrambled eggs in fried rice?
Scramble the eggs gently over medium-high heat and fold them into the rice just as they set to keep them soft and moist. This method prevents overcooking and ensures they add richness without drying out.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. The vibrant colors, the harmony of flavors, and the simple yet thoughtful cooking steps make it a beloved recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Don’t wait to give it a go — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Mango Chicken Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender marinated chicken, sweet diced mango, and colorful vegetables stir-fried with fragrant jasmine rice. This recipe offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and umami notes enhanced by soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, making it a perfect weeknight meal with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 60 ml soy sauce
- 60 ml water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 680 g chicken breast or thighs, diced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small white onion, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 8 cloves garlic, minced and divided
- 110 g frozen peas
Rice and Fats
- 900 g cooked rice (preferably cold)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 60 ml soy sauce, divided
Eggs and Fruit
- 3 large eggs
- 1 large mango, diced
Seasonings
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Microwave for 30 seconds until sugar dissolves. Place diced chicken in a zip-top bag and pour marinade over it. Seal and mix well. Let marinate as you prepare other ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2-3 tablespoons olive oil in a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Add chicken to the pan and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add minced onion, diced carrots, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until vegetables soften. Add frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Fry the Rice: Increase heat to high and add 3 tablespoons butter to the pan. Spread the cold cooked rice evenly in the pan to allow caramelization. Drizzle some soy sauce and toasted sesame oil over the rice. Fry for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is heated through and slightly crisped.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the fried rice to one side of the pan to make room. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the cleared space, crack the eggs in, season with pepper. Scramble the eggs gently until just set, then mix into the fried rice thoroughly.
- Combine and Finish: Fold the cooked chicken pieces and diced mango into the hot fried rice gently, warming the mango without breaking it down. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or sesame oil if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use cold, day-old cooked rice for best texture to avoid mushy fried rice.
- Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and moisture.
- Adjust soy sauce quantities for preferred saltiness.
- Toasting sesame oil before adding amplifies its nutty flavor.
- Fresh mango adds sweet contrast; ensure it’s ripe but firm so it holds texture.
