Pin it This Mango Chili Garlic Chicken Skillet quickly became one of my go-to recipes for bright bold flavor on busy nights. Juicy chicken cooks up tender in a skillet then gets blanketed in a sassy mango chili garlic sauce that delivers a punch of sweet tropical notes and gentle heat. This one-pan meal seriously impresses both guests and picky family members.
I put this one together after coming back from a tropical trip and craving something bright. Now any time summer mangoes are ripe this ends up on my stove at least twice a month.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: provide lean protein and a perfect blank canvas for the sauce. Look for firm pale pink pieces with minimal moisture for best texture
- Salt and black pepper: bring out the natural flavors of the chicken
- Cornstarch: helps create a light crust that grabs onto the sauce
- Ripe mango: infuses natural fruit sweetness. Choose mangoes that give slightly when pressed and smell fragrant near the stem
- Honey: adds warmth and body to the sauce and keeps it glossy
- Lime juice: brightens everything and balances the sweetness. Use freshly squeezed for a big flavor upgrade
- Soy sauce or tamari: offers savory depth and a little umami punch. Tamari keeps it gluten free
- Chili flakes: bring adjustable heat. Use more for a bolder kick or less if you prefer it mild
- Garlic and fresh ginger: add aromatic intensity and a gentle bite. Their combo wakes up the whole skillet
- Olive oil: provides a rich base for both sautéing and finishing
- Fresh cilantro: rounds things out with herbal brightness and color. Use flat-leaf for the freshest taste
- Red chili: as a garnish doubles down on the color and spice for those who like a little heat
- Lime wedges: for squeezing at the table give everyone a little control over their own zing
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry on both sides with paper towels. Season each with salt and pepper making sure the seasoning reaches all surfaces. Dust the chicken with a light coating of cornstarch which will ensure an irresistible crust later
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for four to five minutes per side to develop a deep golden color. The aim here is to lock in juices while building flavor. Once cooked through transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Lower the heat to medium so the aromatics do not burn. Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger directly to the hot skillet. Stir constantly for about one minute just until the kitchen smells heavenly and the garlic is tender but not browned
- Build the Mango Chili Sauce:
- Add the diced mango followed by honey lime juice soy sauce and chili flakes into the skillet. Use a sturdy spoon to stir and begin to gently mash the mango. Allow this to simmer for three to four minutes so the mango softens and all the flavors merge. The sauce should get thick and slightly sticky as the mango melts into the liquid
- Glaze the Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the mango chili mixture generously over each piece then let everything bubble for another three to four minutes. Turn the chicken once so every inch gets glossy and heated through
- Garnish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle the whole skillet with chopped fresh cilantro and thinly sliced red chili if desired. Serve immediately with plenty of lime wedges for squeezing at the table. For the best experience scoop some sauce from the pan onto each plate
Pin it I am obsessed with how the mango melts into a sticky sauce. One time my family scraped the pan so clean I barely needed to wash it proof that the sweet spicy sauce steals the show every time
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well when refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. The sauce actually gets a bit thicker overnight which makes it even tastier for meal prep. To reheat cover and warm gently over low heat or microwave in short bursts to keep the chicken juicy and prevent the mango from drying out
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken thighs for more succulent meat or try tofu slabs for a vegetarian twist. Pineapple can fill in for mango if needed though it will be tangier than sweet. If you need this soy free choose coconut aminos in place of soy sauce or tamari. For a little crunch sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the final dish
Serving Suggestions
Serve this mango chili garlic chicken spooned over hot jasmine rice quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a low carb take. For a full meal serve with cool cucumber salad pickled red onions or roasted sweet potatoes. This recipe shines at cookouts or as part of a buffet with other tropical dishes
Cultural and Seasonal Adaptations
Mangoes are at their peak in spring and summer so that is when this recipe really shines. During winter you can stir in frozen mango chunks no need to thaw. While it is inspired by Southeast Asian flavors it keeps things simple enough for any kitchen. I love serving this during summer gatherings when everyone craves bright flavors and laid-back cooking
Pin it Nothing beats the sweet tangy bite of homemade mango chili sauce spooned over tender chicken shared with friends on a busy weeknight. This recipe reminds me that simple bright flavors always steal the show in any home kitchen
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs make the dish juicier and can be swapped in directly for the breasts.
- → How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute soy sauce with tamari to keep the dish completely gluten-free and check all packaged ingredients.
- → What can I serve alongside this chicken?
Jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice pair well and soak up the flavorful mango sauce.
- → How spicy is the final dish?
The heat is moderate but easily adjusted by varying chili flakes or adding fresh red chili with seeds.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, use firm tofu instead of chicken and prepare it as directed for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- → Is this dish dairy-free?
Yes, this meal is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.