Sweet & Savory Asian Mango Glazed Chicken

Some dishes don’t just satisfy hunger—they transport you. That’s exactly what this Sweet & Savory Asian Mango Glazed Chicken does. From the first bite, you’re whisked away to a sun-drenched street market in Bangkok or a breezy coastal café in Southeast Asia, where the aroma of garlic, ginger, and ripe mango fills the air. This dish is a perfect balance of tropical sweetness, subtle heat, and savory umami flavors—a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.

Inspired by memorable mango-glazed skewers served on banana leaves during a Southeast Asia trip, this recipe captures the bold yet approachable flavors of that experience. Tender chicken is seared to a golden perfection, then tossed in a luscious mango glaze that’s both sweet and savory, with just a hint of chili for depth. It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or in fresh lettuce wraps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Asian Mango Glazed Chicken is bound to become a favorite:

• Bursting with flavor: The mango glaze brings sweetness, umami, tang, and a touch of spice in every bite.
• Quick and easy weeknight meal: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Versatile protein options: Works with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for pescatarian and vegetarian adaptations.
• Tropical presentation: Colorful and appetizing, perfect for family dinners or dinner parties.
• Balanced nutrition: Protein-rich chicken combined with flavorful glaze for a satisfying meal.
• Customizable heat level: Adjust chili flakes to suit your taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s the full, exact ingredient list for four servings, organized by component. Measurements are accurate and ready to use.

For the Chicken

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Mango Glaze

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped (or ¾ cup mango purée)
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)

For Serving (Optional)

• Steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles
• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro or Thai basil
• Lime wedges

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Blender or food processor (for mango purée)
• Small saucepan (for the glaze)
• Large skillet (for cooking chicken)
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk (for cornstarch slurry)

These essential tools ensure efficient prep and perfect results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

1. If using a fresh mango, blend the chopped mango in a blender or food processor until smooth. Store-bought mango purée can be used directly.
2. Pour the mango purée into a small saucepan and add soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cook for 5–6 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
4. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir for 1–2 minutes until the glaze thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Glaze and Toss

1. Reduce heat to low.
2. Pour the prepared mango glaze over the cooked chicken.
3. Toss to coat evenly and simmer for 2–3 minutes to fully caramelize the glaze.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro or Thai basil, and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Optional: Save half of the glaze to drizzle over vegetables or rice later.

Tips & Variations

Dietary and Protein Adjustments

• Pescatarian/Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tempeh, or firm tofu.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free.
• Low-Sugar: Reduce honey or use a sugar-free syrup alternative.

Flavor Adjustments

• Spice Level: Increase or omit chili flakes according to preference.
• Acidity: Add extra lime juice or rice vinegar for tang.
• Sweetness: Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter glaze.

Serving Suggestions

• Over jasmine rice for a traditional presentation.
• Toss with rice noodles for a lighter noodle bowl.
• Wrap in lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb version.
• Serve alongside stir-fried vegetables for a colorful, balanced meal.

Flavor Profile

The beauty of this dish lies in its balanced combination of flavors:

• Sweet: Mango and honey/maple syrup provide natural sweetness.
• Savory: Soy sauce and garlic create depth and umami.
• Tangy: Rice vinegar or lime juice brightens the dish.
• Spicy: Chili flakes add warmth and subtle heat.
• Herbal freshness: Garnishes of cilantro or Thai basil enhance the tropical aroma.

Each bite offers a harmony of textures—tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, fragrant glaze, complemented by optional crisp vegetables and fresh herbs.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 410
• Protein: High (from chicken)
• Carbohydrates: Moderate (from mango and optional rice)
• Fat: Moderate
• Fiber: Low to moderate (from mango and optional vegetables)

This dish provides a well-rounded meal suitable for weeknight dinners while delivering tropical, restaurant-quality flavors.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare the mango glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Season and cut the chicken ahead of time.
• Cook rice or noodles ahead for quicker assembly.
• Assemble the dish just before serving to maintain freshness.

This makes it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen mango?
Yes, thaw completely and blend before using. The flavor remains vibrant.

2. Can I double the glaze?
Absolutely. Save half to drizzle over vegetables or rice.

3. Can this dish be made in an air fryer or oven?
Yes, chicken can be air-fried at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, or baked in the oven at 375°F for 20–25 minutes. Toss with glaze after cooking.

4. Can I substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu?
Yes. Adjust cooking time: shrimp cooks quickly, tofu should be seared until golden.

5. How long does it keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it keeps for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the glaze.

6. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes. Omit chili flakes for milder flavors to suit children’s palates.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prepare mango glaze	8–10 min
Cook chicken	6–8 min
Toss with glaze	2–3 min
Serve and garnish	2–3 min
Total Active Time	20–25 min

Serving Suggestions

• Plate over jasmine rice for a classic presentation.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, green onions, and sesame seeds for color and texture.
• Serve with stir-fried or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Optionally wrap in butter lettuce for a low-carb, handheld version.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Mango Glazed Chicken: Add extra chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for more heat.
2. Mango Glazed Shrimp: Substitute shrimp for chicken; cook until opaque, then toss with glaze.
3. Mango Glazed Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu, sear until golden, then coat with glaze.
4. Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Serve in lettuce leaves with shredded carrots and cucumber for a refreshing, low-carb twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mango

Mango provides natural sweetness and a tropical aroma. Use ripe, fragrant mangoes for best results, or high-quality purée. When selecting, choose fruit that yields slightly to pressure and smells sweet. Refrigerate ripe mangoes for up to 3 days.

Garlic & Ginger

Fresh garlic and ginger form the aromatic base of this glaze. Peel and mince finely for even flavor distribution. Ginger adds warmth and depth, balancing the sweetness of mango.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Sear chicken over medium-high heat for a golden crust before glazing.
• Simmer glaze gently; high heat can burn the sugars in mango.
• Stir cornstarch slurry slowly to avoid lumps.
• Use fresh herbs for garnish—they enhance both flavor and visual appeal.
• Adjust glaze consistency by adding more mango purée or cornstarch slurry if needed.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigeration

Store leftover chicken and glaze separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave to preserve the glaze texture.

Freezing

Not recommended. Mango glaze and cooked chicken do not freeze well, as the texture of the glaze changes upon thawing.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Estimate
Calories	410
Protein	High
Carbs	Moderate
Fat	Moderate
Fiber	Low to moderate
Dietary Notes	Gluten-free if using GF soy sauce; can be made vegetarian with tofu

Expanded Conclusion

This Sweet & Savory Asian Mango Glazed Chicken delivers a tropical flavor explosion that’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for dinner parties. Sweet mango, umami soy, aromatic garlic and ginger, and just the right amount of heat create a balanced, crave-worthy glaze that clings to tender, golden chicken.

Whether served over rice, noodles, or wrapped in fresh lettuce, this dish transports your taste buds to Southeast Asia with minimal effort. It’s versatile, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for an extra layer of brightness.

Enjoy the magic of tropical flavors in your own kitchen and share this recipe with friends and family—it’s a meal worth savoring and repeating.

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