If you are craving a vibrant and flavorful meal that effortlessly combines sweet and savory, this Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with juicy mango, tender chicken, and perfectly caramelized rice, every bite delivers a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. It’s a beautiful twist on classic fried rice that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary and sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to achieving the perfect balance in this Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe. Each item adds a distinct touch—whether it’s the sweetness of the mango, the umami-packed soy sauce, or the fragrant sesame oil that elevates the whole dish.
- Soy sauce: Provides savory depth and that signature salty kick essential to fried rice.
- Water: Helps dissolve the brown sugar for a smooth marinade.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the chicken and mango flavors.
- Chicken breast or thighs, diced: Your tender protein source that absorbs the marinade wonderfully.
- Small white onion, minced: Brings gentle sweetness and complexity when sautéed.
- Medium carrots, peeled and diced: Adds crunch and natural sweetness for a great textural contrast.
- Garlic cloves, minced and divided: Infuses the dish with aromatic mouthwatering flavor.
- Frozen peas: Bursts of color and subtle sweetness contribute to the dish’s vibrant look and taste.
- Cooked rice: The comforting, starchy base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a beautifully caramelized crust on the rice.
- Toasted sesame oil: A small but mighty ingredient that brings nutty aroma and complexity.
- Large eggs: Enrich the rice with silkiness and extra protein.
- Large mango, diced: The star ingredient that provides a juicy burst of sweetness, balancing savory notes perfectly.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle, fruity undertone.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: A simple seasoning to tie the whole dish together with a gentle heat.
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, then microwave for 30 seconds until the sugar dissolves completely. Add your diced chicken to a zip-top bag and pour this flavorful marinade over it. Seal the bag and let the chicken soak up all those rich flavors while you prep the rest of your ingredients. This step is crucial because it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with that irresistible umami-sweet balance.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan or wok on medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and drain it well to avoid excess liquid in the pan. Add the chicken pieces and let them cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until perfectly browned and cooked through. This step locks in the juiciness and gives a lovely golden color that makes your dish look as good as it tastes.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter to Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in one tablespoon of minced garlic and one tablespoon of butter. Sauté them together for 30 seconds while mixing with the chicken. The butter melts into the garlic and chicken, creating an aromatic coating that elevates every bite. When done, remove the chicken from the pan and cover it with foil to keep warm as you work on the veggies and rice.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pan, add the minced onions, diced carrots, and the remaining garlic. Sauté everything for about three minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the garlic to release its fragrant aroma. Then add the frozen peas and cook for an additional two minutes until the peas are heated through and retain their fresh, sweet flavor. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper seasons the vegetables beautifully, preparing the base for your fried rice.
Step 5: Fry the Rice
Turn the heat up to high and add three tablespoons of butter to the pan. Spread your cold, cooked rice evenly across the surface to ensure it caramelizes just right. Drizzle with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, giving the rice that characteristic fried rice flavor and a wonderful nutty aroma. Let the rice fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally but also allowing it time to crisp up slightly between stirs. This is what gives the rice that lovable texture.
Step 6: Scramble the Eggs
Push the rice to one side of the pan to create some space. Add one tablespoon of butter to the cleared area, then crack in the eggs directly. Season them with a little pepper and scramble carefully, cooking just until set but still soft and tender. Once cooked, gently fold the scrambled eggs into the rice, infusing it with creamy richness and extra protein for a fulfilling meal.
Step 7: Fold in Chicken and Mango
Finally, add the reserved chicken and diced mango to the pan. Fold them gently into the hot rice mix, allowing the mango to warm slightly without turning mushy. The juicy mango chunks provide a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken and seasoned rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or sesame oil if needed before serving your beautiful masterpiece.
How to Serve Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up your Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top for an herby kick. Toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch and visual appeal that makes the dish pop. A wedge of lime on the side can introduce a fresh citrus burst that complements the mango without overpowering the delicate balance.
Side Dishes
This dish is satisfying enough on its own but pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides. A simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables add a crisp refreshing counterpoint. For something heartier, steamed bok choy drizzled with a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil fits right in, balancing both flavors and textures at your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation matters, especially when serving friends or for a special occasion. Consider plating your Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe in individual bowls topped with vibrant mango slices arranged in a fan shape. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. Or serve it family-style in a large shallow bowl with a colorful side of sliced chilies and limes for everyone to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mango Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to maintain the freshness of the mango and the texture of the rice. Before storing, allow the dish to cool completely to prevent steam buildup, which can make the rice soggy.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal due to the fresh mango pieces, which can become mushy after thawing. If you want to freeze the dish, remove the mango first and add fresh mango when reheating. Freeze the rice and chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If the rice seems dry, splash a little water or soy sauce while warming to revive the moisture and flavors. Add fresh diced mango at this point for that fresh burst of sweetness to brighten the dish again.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds nuttier flavor and extra fiber, though it may require slightly more cooking time or liquid when preparing. Just make sure your brown rice is fully cooked and cooled before making the fried rice.
Is it okay to use frozen mango?
Fresh mango works best to keep the texture and vibrant flavor, but frozen mango can be used in a pinch. Thaw it properly and drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy rice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and adjust cooking times accordingly. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more variety.
What type of rice works best?
Day-old, chilled jasmine rice or long-grain white rice is ideal since it’s drier and less sticky, allowing the grains to separate nicely during frying. Freshly cooked rice tends to clump.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is mild and focused on sweet-savory notes, but you can definitely spice it up by adding chopped fresh chili, chili flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe is a joyful celebration of flavors and textures that’s surprisingly easy to whip up any night of the week. Its bright mango sweetness perfectly complements the savory marinated chicken and fragrant fried rice, making every bite a delight. Trust me, once you try this one, it’s going to become a favorite go-to meal you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients, turn up the heat, and enjoy creating something truly delicious and memorable!
Print
Mango Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Mango Chicken Fried Rice combining tender marinated chicken, sweet mango chunks, and savory vegetables all stir-fried together in a fragrant blend of soy sauce, butter, and sesame oil. This easy-to-make dish brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a delightful texture contrast, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or casual meal.
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 Add-ins
- 900 g cooked rice (preferably cold)
- 1 large mango, diced
- 3 large eggs
Oils and Butter
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- Additional 60 ml soy sauce, divided
Seasoning
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Combine soy sauce, water, and brown sugar in a small bowl and microwave for 30 seconds until the sugar dissolves. Place diced chicken into a zip-top bag, pour over the marinade, seal, and let it marinate while preparing other ingredients.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, drain well to avoid excess moisture, and add to the pan. Cook chicken undisturbed for 2–3 minutes on each side until nicely browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic with Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and 1 tablespoon butter to the chicken. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring to coat the chicken with the garlic butter flavor. Remove the chicken from the pan and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same pan, add onions, carrots, and remaining garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Fry the Rice: Turn the heat to high and add 3 tablespoons butter. Spread the cold rice evenly in the pan to get optimal caramelization. Drizzle with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. Fry the rice for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally but allowing it to crisp up in between stirs.
- Cook Eggs: Push the rice to one side of the pan. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the cleared space, crack in the eggs, season with pepper, and scramble lightly until just set. Then mix the scrambled eggs into the rice thoroughly.
- Combine and Serve: Gently fold the reserved cooked chicken and diced mango into the hot rice. Allow the mango to warm slightly without breaking down. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or sesame oil if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using cold, cooked rice helps prevent clumping and improves frying texture.
- Marinating the chicken adds depth of flavor and tenderness.
- Fresh mango adds a sweet, juicy contrast; avoid overcooking it to keep texture intact.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add extra vegetables or tofu.
- Leftover fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet.
