Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry – Sweet, Savory, Spicy & Ready in 30 Minutes

If you’re craving bold Asian flavors with a fresh tropical twist, Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry might just become your new weeknight favorite. This dish perfectly balances crispy fried chicken, glossy chili-garlic sauce, tender vegetables, and juicy mango chunks into one irresistible bowl of comfort and flavor. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant wok — yet it’s simple enough to make at home in under 30 minutes.

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet mango and savory stir-fry sauce. The mango adds a bright, fruity freshness that cuts through the richness of the crispy chicken, while the garlic, soy sauce, and chilies deliver deep, satisfying umami heat. Every bite offers contrast: crunchy, juicy, sticky, spicy, and sweet all at once.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or entertaining friends, Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry checks every box: quick, colorful, nutritious, and incredibly delicious.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master this dish — from ingredients and techniques to tips, variations, and serving ideas.

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Why You’ll Love Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry

There are countless stir-fry recipes out there, but Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry stands out for several reasons:

1. Incredible Flavor Balance

The hallmark of great Chinese cooking is balance — salty, sweet, sour, and spicy working together. Mango naturally enhances that balance. Instead of relying solely on sugar or sauces, the fruit brings natural sweetness and acidity that tastes fresher and lighter.

2. Weeknight Friendly

Busy day? No problem. This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something homemade but fast.

3. Restaurant-Style Texture

Crispy chicken coated in a glossy sauce gives that takeout-style finish everyone loves. The cornstarch-flour coating ensures crunch that holds up even after tossing in sauce.

4. Customizable

Like it spicier? Add more chili paste. Prefer extra vegetables? Toss them in. Want a healthier version? Air fry the chicken. This dish adapts easily to your preferences.

5. Family Approved

Kids love the sweet mango flavor, while adults appreciate the bold stir-fry heat. It’s a win for everyone.

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What Makes Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Unique?

Traditional Chinese stir-fry dishes often use pineapple or orange for sweetness. Mango, however, gives a smoother, richer tropical flavor that pairs exceptionally well with chicken and chili sauce.

Unlike heavy deep-fried dishes, this recipe feels vibrant and fresh. The mango doesn’t just sweeten the sauce — it becomes part of the texture, bursting with juice when you bite into it.

The result? A dish that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

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Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.

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Ingredients for Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry

For Frying the Chicken

• 1 lb (500 g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• Neutral oil, for frying

For the Sauce (Stir Fry)

• 3 tablespoons cooking oil

• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic

• 2–3 green chilies, chopped

• 1 large onion, cut into cubes

• 1 cup bell peppers, cubed

• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce

• 4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 2 tablespoons red chili paste

• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed

• Chopped green onions, for garnish

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep the Chicken

Wash and pat the chicken dry. Cut into small, bite-sized cubes to ensure quick cooking and crispiness.

2. Coat

In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken until fully coated.

3. Fry

Heat oil over high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

4. Start the Stir Fry

Heat oil in a wok. Add garlic and green chilies. Stir-fry until fragrant.

5. Cook Vegetables

Add onions and bell peppers. Cook briefly to maintain crunch.

6. Make the Sauce

Add soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, red chili paste, ketchup, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

7. Thicken

Mix cornstarch with water. Pour in and cook until glossy.

8. Finish

Add chicken and mango cubes. Toss gently and cook 1–2 minutes.

9. Serve

Garnish with green onions. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

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Cooking Tips for Perfect Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry

Use Ripe but Firm Mangoes

Too soft and they’ll break apart. Slightly firm mango cubes hold their shape and look beautiful.

Fry in Batches

Crowding lowers oil temperature and causes soggy chicken.

High Heat is Key

Stir-frying requires fast cooking to keep vegetables crisp.

Add Mango Last

Cooking mango too long makes it mushy. Toss it in at the end.

Balance the Sauce

Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as needed.

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Variations to Try

One of the best things about Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry is its versatility.

Healthier Version

Air fry or bake chicken at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.

Vegetarian

Swap chicken for tofu, paneer, or mushrooms.

Extra Crunch

Add roasted cashews or sesame seeds.

Spicier

Use Thai bird’s eye chilies or extra chili paste.

Low-Carb

Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.

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What to Serve with Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed jasmine rice

• Fried rice

• Garlic noodles

• Hakka noodles

• Quinoa

• Lettuce cups

You can even stuff leftovers into wraps for lunch.

Print

Nutrition (Approx. per Serving)

• Calories: 430–460 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fat: 16g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 18g

• Sodium: 850–950mg

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Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator: 3–4 days in airtight container
Freezer: Up to 2 months (without mango recommended)
Reheat: Stir fry quickly in skillet to keep chicken crisp

For meal prep, store sauce separately and combine fresh.

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Pro Techniques for Restaurant-Style Results

Velveting Chicken

Marinate chicken briefly with cornstarch and egg white for extra tenderness.

Wok Hei

Use very high heat to achieve that smoky stir-fry flavor.

Prep Everything First

Stir frying moves fast — have everything ready.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen mango?

Fresh is best, but thawed frozen mango works if drained well.

Can I skip frying?

Yes — bake or air fry for lighter results.

Can I make it ahead?

Prep sauce and chicken ahead, then cook fresh for best texture.

Which cut of chicken works best?

Thighs are juicier, breasts are leaner — both work well.

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Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The success of Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry lies in contrasts:

• Crispy chicken + silky sauce

• Sweet mango + spicy chilies

• Tender vegetables + crunchy coating

Every element complements the others, creating a harmonious dish that feels complex yet easy to prepare.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a bold, fast, and flavor-packed dinner idea, Chinese-Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry truly delivers. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and exciting enough to break the monotony of typical weeknight meals. The combination of crispy chicken, glossy sauce, and juicy mango creates a dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe shine is its versatility. You can make it lighter, spicier, vegetarian, or extra saucy depending on your mood. It’s equally perfect for casual family dinners or impressing guests with something unique and colorful.