Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Mango Chicken and Rice! Every time I make it, my kitchen is filled with the sweet, tropical scent of ripe mango mingling with the savory aroma of sizzling chicken. It’s like a mini-vacation on a plate! I remember the first time I tried this dish at a friend’s backyard barbecue; I was instantly hooked. The juicy mango balances perfectly with the spices, and it all comes together over fluffy rice—talk about comfort food! Plus, it’s such a breeze to whip up on a weeknight, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. Trust me, once you taste this vibrant, flavorful dish, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious Mango Chicken and Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown, your choice!)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ripe mango, diced for that sweet burst of flavor
- 1 onion, chopped to add a savory depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for a fragrant kick
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color you love!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- 1 tsp salt to enhance all the flavors
- 1/2 tsp pepper for a bit of heat
- 1 tsp cumin for a warm, earthy note
- 1/2 tsp paprika to add a hint of smokiness
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped for a fresh finish
How to Prepare Mango Chicken and Rice
Making Mango Chicken and Rice is a delightful experience that comes together in just about 35 minutes. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every moment of this cooking adventure! Here’s how to bring this tropical dish to life:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that it smokes.
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
- Next, add the diced chicken breast to the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Make sure there’s no pink left, as we want it juicy and safe to eat!
- Now it’s time to add the sliced bell pepper and diced mango. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. The mango will start to soften and create a lovely sauce.
- Once everything is well combined and the chicken is fully cooked, serve this vibrant mixture over your fluffy cooked rice. Don’t forget to garnish with the fresh chopped cilantro for that extra pop of flavor!
And voilà! You’ve just created a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful Mango Chicken and Rice! You deserve it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each serving of Mango Chicken and Rice. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on the ingredients I’ve listed, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and flavor, making it a fantastic option for a wholesome meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making Mango Chicken and Rice? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers:
Can I use frozen mango for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you can’t find fresh mango, frozen works just fine. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand and drain any excess liquid.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
You can use any rice you prefer! White rice gives a classic texture, while brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Both are delicious!
Can I make this dish spicy?
For sure! Just add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when you sauté the veggies. It’ll give your Mango Chicken and Rice a nice kick!
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in your favorites like zucchini, carrots, or snap peas for an extra burst of color and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Easy one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup.
- Flavorful combination of sweet mango and savory chicken.
- Healthy and packed with protein, making it a guilt-free delight.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and spices.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
Tips for Success
To make your Mango Chicken and Rice absolutely perfect, here are some tips I swear by! First, always use a ripe mango—this makes all the difference in flavor. The sweeter the mango, the better the dish! If you feel adventurous, try marinating the chicken in a bit of lime juice and cumin for 30 minutes before cooking; it adds a wonderful depth.
When sautéing the onion and garlic, keep an eye on them; you want them soft, not browned! And don’t rush the cooking of the chicken; it should be cooked through but still juicy—no one likes dry chicken! Lastly, adjust the spices to your taste; if you love a little heat, don’t hesitate to add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor every time!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your Mango Chicken and Rice! You could add some diced pineapple for an extra tropical twist, or swap out the bell pepper for some snap peas or broccoli for a crunch. If you like a bit of heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. For a different flavor profile, try using coconut milk instead of water to cook your rice; it adds a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the mango. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your leftover Mango Chicken and Rice fresh and tasty, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s so delicious you might not have any leftovers at all! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. If you prefer, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. Enjoy your tasty meal again in no time!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog or try making Mango Cheesecake for a sweet twist!
Print
Mango Chicken and Rice: 5 Irresistible Flavorful Tips
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful dish featuring chicken cooked with mango and served over rice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in bell pepper, mango, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika.
- Cook until chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve over cooked rice.
- Garnish with cilantro.
Notes
- Use ripe mango for best flavor.
- Add chili for spice if desired.
- Serve with lime wedges for extra zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Mango Chicken and Rice, Chicken Recipe, Mango Recipe, Rice Dish