Tropical Delight: Orange Mango Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that transports you to a sunny paradise? Look no further than Orange Mango Chicken! This recipe combines the sweetness of mangoes and oranges with the savory goodness of chicken, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. This recipe provides detailed steps and tips to guarantee delicious results every time.

## Why You’ll Love This Orange Mango Chicken

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors is simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple and doesn’t require any fancy cooking skills.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Chicken is a great source of protein, while mangoes and oranges provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with rice, quinoa, noodles, or a salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The vibrant colors of the dish make it visually appealing.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* **Mango:** 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
* **Orange:** 2 oranges, juiced and zested (about 1/2 cup juice)
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* **Garlic:** 3 cloves garlic, minced
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
* **Rice Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* **Honey:** 2 tablespoons honey
* **Cornstarch:** 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 tablespoon (for garnish)
* **Green Onions:** 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste

**Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:**

* **Chicken:** Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts. They’ll have a richer flavor but require slightly longer cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Tofu can also be used for a vegetarian option. Press the tofu to remove excess water and then cube it.
* **Mango:** Use a ripe but firm mango for the best results. If fresh mangoes are not available, you can use frozen mango chunks, thawed. Other fruits, such as pineapple or peaches, can substitute for mango.
* **Orange:** Freshly squeezed orange juice is highly recommended. Bottled orange juice will also work, but fresh juice has a brighter flavor. Clementines or tangerines can be used instead of oranges.
* **Soy Sauce:** Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content of the dish. Tamari can be used for a gluten-free option.
* **Rice Vinegar:** Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute, though it will have a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Honey:** Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to honey.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness. Omit them altogether if you prefer a milder dish. Chili garlic sauce could be substituted if you want both heat and garlic flavor.
* **Ginger:** Ground ginger can be used in a pinch, but fresh ginger is preferred for its brighter flavor.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your delicious Orange Mango Chicken.

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. This helps the chicken brown nicely and become more tender.

**Step 2: Make the Orange Mango Sauce**

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. This is your flavor powerhouse!

**Step 3: Cook the Chicken**

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 4: Sauté the Onion**

1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

**Step 5: Add the Sauce and Thicken**

1. Pour the orange mango sauce into the skillet with the onions. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
3. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

**Step 6: Combine and Simmer**

1. Add the cooked chicken and diced mango to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the mango is slightly softened. Be careful not to overcook the mango, as it can become mushy.

**Step 7: Garnish and Serve**

1. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
2. Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, noodles, or a salad. Enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Orange Mango Chicken

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When cooking the chicken, make sure to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. This ensures a lovely crispy exterior.
* **Use Ripe Mangoes:** Ripe mangoes will provide the best flavor and sweetness to the dish. Look for mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma.
* **Adjust the Sweetness and Spiciness:** Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add more honey. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Don’t Overcook the Mango:** Be careful not to overcook the mango, as it can become mushy. Add it towards the end of the cooking process and simmer just until it’s slightly softened.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the orange mango sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the remaining steps.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange mango sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas. Add them to the skillet along with the onions and cook until tender-crisp.
* **Serve with a Side of Coconut Rice:** Coconut rice pairs perfectly with Orange Mango Chicken, complementing the tropical flavors.

## Serving Suggestions

Orange Mango Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Over Rice:** Serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or coconut rice for a classic and satisfying meal.
* **With Noodles:** Toss it with your favorite noodles, such as egg noodles, rice noodles, or udon noodles, for a flavorful and easy-to-eat dish.
* **In Lettuce Wraps:** Spoon the chicken mixture into crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing appetizer or meal.
* **On a Salad:** Top a bed of mixed greens with the chicken mixture for a healthy and delicious salad.
* **With Quinoa:** Serve it with cooked quinoa for a protein-packed and nutritious meal.

## Variations and Customizations

This recipe is easy to customize to your liking. Here are a few variations you can try:

* **Spicy Orange Mango Chicken:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
* **Honey Garlic Orange Mango Chicken:** Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the sauce for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
* **Pineapple Orange Mango Chicken:** Substitute half of the mango with diced pineapple for a different tropical twist.
* **Cashew Orange Mango Chicken:** Add 1/2 cup of roasted cashews to the dish for added crunch and flavor.
* **Coconut Orange Mango Chicken:** Add 1/4 cup of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamier and richer flavor.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on serving size and ingredients)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 10-20 grams

*Note: This is just an estimate. Actual nutritional values may vary.* Always use a nutrition calculator for specific dietary tracking.

## Storing and Reheating Leftovers

* **Storing:** Store leftover Orange Mango Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use frozen mango?**
Yes, you can use frozen mango. Thaw it completely before adding it to the dish.
* **Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time and store it separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the sauce and chicken and heat through.
* **Can I freeze this dish?**
Yes, you can freeze Orange Mango Chicken. However, the texture of the mango may change slightly after freezing. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
* **Is this recipe gluten-free?**
This recipe is not naturally gluten-free because it contains soy sauce. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
* **Is this recipe dairy-free?**
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.

## Conclusion

Orange Mango Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the tropics! Bon appétit!