As I sliced into a perfectly ripe mango, the sweet aroma filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a tropical paradise. This is the inspiration behind my Easy 15-Minute Sesame Mango Chicken, a delightful dish that embodies the essence of comfort food with an Asian-inspired twist. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll savor tender chicken infused with aromatic garlic and ginger, all paired with juicy mango and a satisfying crunch from coleslaw mix. This recipe is not only a delicious crowd-pleaser, but it’s also healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free, making it the ideal choice for anyone looking to balance flavor and nutrition on busy weeknights. Are you ready to whip up this vibrant, colorful meal that’s also a visual feast? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is Sesame Mango Chicken a Must-Try? Quick and Easy: In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Health-Conscious: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is low-carb and gluten-free, a perfect choice for a healthy weeknight dinner. Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet mango with savory chicken, enriched with garlic and ginger, creates a delightful explosion of flavors. Versatile Ingredients: Easily swap in tofu for a vegetarian option or mix in your favorite vegetables from bell peppers to snap peas for added nutrition. Crowd-Pleasing: This vibrant dish is sure to impress family and friends, making it ideal for gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. For a delicious twist, pair it with Pesto Chicken Pasta or try serving it alongside Cold Sesame Noodles for a complete meal. Sesame Mango Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast – Diced for quick cooking and can be swapped with tofu for a vegetarian option. • Sesame Oil – Provides a delightful nutty flavor that enriches the Asian-inspired essence of the dish. • Olive Oil – Used for cooking the chicken, contributing healthy fats and additional flavor. For the Sauce • Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce – Adds a savory umami depth; tamari can be used for a gluten-free option. • Hoisin Sauce – Delivers a touch of sweetness; feel free to omit for a lower-sugar version. • Ground Ginger – Infuses warmth; fresh ginger enhances the flavor compared to dried. • Garlic – Adds aromatic depth; fresh is best, but powdered works in a pinch. • Black Pepper – Adjust to taste to enhance the overall flavor profile. For the Veggies • Coleslaw Mix – A crunchy blend of cabbage and carrots for texture; fresh chopped veggies like bell peppers can be substituted. • Mango – The star of the show for sweetness; frozen can replace fresh if needed. For Toppings • Peanuts – Provides a crunchy richness; can be swapped with cashews or omitted for a nut-free option. • Fresh Cilantro – A lovely burst of flavor for garnishing; skip if cilantro isn’t your favorite. • Sesame Seeds – Used for garnish, adding extra texture and flavor. Get ready to embrace the sweetness of the Sesame Mango Chicken as you create a dish that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also for your taste buds! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sesame Mango Chicken Step 1: Heat the Oils In a large skillet, combine 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oils to heat up for about 1 minute until they shimmer. This will create a fragrant base for cooking. Once hot, add 1 pound of diced boneless skinless chicken breast to the skillet, ensuring the pieces are evenly spaced for even cooking. Step 2: Cook the Chicken Sauté the diced chicken for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all sides are browned and cooked through. You’ll know the chicken is ready when it turns golden and no pink remains in the center. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor, essential for your vibrant Sesame Mango Chicken. Step 3: Add Aromatics Once the chicken is cooked, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger into the skillet. Cook this mixture for an additional minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant and starts to slightly brown. This will infuse the chicken with aromatic flavor, setting the stage for the delicious sauce. Step 4: Incorporate Veggies and Sauce Next, add 4 cups of coleslaw mix, 2 tablespoons of reduced-sodium soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce to the skillet. Sprinkle in black pepper to taste. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes until the coleslaw becomes tender and slightly wilted. The vibrant colors and flavors will start to meld beautifully in this Sesame Mango Chicken. Step 5: Add Mango and Peanuts Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in 1 diced ripe mango and ½ cup of chopped peanuts. Stir until everything is well combined and the mango becomes slightly warm, adding a sweet pop to your dish. This step enhances the texture and flavor, creating that perfect balance in your indulgent meal. Step 6: Garnish and Serve To finish, sprinkle fresh cilantro and sesame seeds over the top of your Sesame Mango Chicken, adding both color and texture. Serve immediately while the dish is still warm, alongside your choice of rice or quinoa for a complete meal that’s perfect for your family or entertaining guests! Variations & Substitutions for Sesame Mango Chicken Feel free to sprinkle in your personality and tastes into this dish with some delicious twists and swaps! Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh, marinading them in the sesame oil for an extra flavor punch. This is a lovely way to grab the attention of plant-based eaters while still keeping the heart of the recipe intact! Nut-Free: Omit the peanuts and substitute with sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture without the allergens. This ensures everyone can enjoy a bowl of goodness, worry-free. Tropical Twist: Substitute mango with diced pineapple for a delightful tangy sweetness. Combined with the savory elements, it takes your taste buds on a journey to the tropics. Extra Veggie Power: Add in snap peas or bell peppers to the coleslaw mix for an added crunch and a burst of color, enhancing both nutrition and visual appeal. Every bite will feel like a garden party! Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this dish friendly for gluten-free lifestyles while still gripping onto those umami notes. It’s an easy swap that preserves flavor without compromise. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for those who love a little heat in their meals. It’s a simple way to awaken your senses and give your taste buds a thrill! Crispy Chicken: For an extra crunch, coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying. This’ll give it a lovely crispy texture, making each bite spectacularly satisfying. Unleash your creativity and enjoy crafting your unique version of Sesame Mango Chicken! Whether you try these ideas or mix and match, you’ll have a dish that’s not only packed with flavors but also tailored to your family’s tastes. And if you’re thinking about what to serve alongside this vibrant meal, perhaps consider pairing it with Cold Sesame Noodles or go for a comforting bowl of Thai Chicken Soup to round out your Asian-inspired feast. Make Ahead Options Preparing the Sesame Mango Chicken ahead of time is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights! You can chop the chicken, mince the garlic, and mix in the ground ginger up to 24 hours in advance, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can wash and prep the coleslaw mix and dice the mango up to 3 days ahead, keeping them stored separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the chicken mixture as directed and add the veggies and mango just before finishing to maintain their fresh textures. This way, you’ll have a vibrant, satisfying dish ready to go with very little last-minute fuss! How to Store and Freeze Sesame Mango Chicken Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes it a great meal prep option, perfect for easy lunches! Freezer: If you want to freeze your sesame mango chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems dry. Enjoy the flavors just as vibrant as the first time! Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the sesame mango chicken out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness and safety. What to Serve with Easy 15-Minute Sesame Mango Chicken Elevate your dining experience with delicious sides that beautifully complement the vibrant flavors of your chicken dish. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Its fluffy texture makes a perfect canvas for the sweet and savory sesame mango chicken, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Crunchy Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers tossed in a light vinaigrette will contrast nicely with the warm, rich dish, adding a crisp element to each bite. Sesame Noodles: A delightful pairing of chewy noodles drizzled with sesame oil creates a harmonious flavor profile that mirrors the chicken’s essence. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Brightly colored bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli add not only nutrition but also a delightful crunch, enhancing the meal’s texture. Mango Avocado Salsa: This tropical twist introduces creamy avocado and zesty lime, beautifully echoing the natural sweetness of the chicken’s mango. Chilled Green Tea: A soothing beverage that refreshes the palate, green tea serves as an ideal counterbalance to the rich flavors in your sesame mango chicken. Serving these sides will create a banquet of tastes and textures, taking your meal from delicious to unforgettable! Expert Tips for Sesame Mango Chicken Cut Cooking Time: Dicing the chicken into smaller pieces allows for faster cooking; this helps the sesame mango chicken to be ready even quicker! Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mango and garlic significantly enhance the dish’s flavor. Always choose fresh over powdered when possible for the best outcome. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas into your coleslaw mix to add more nutrition and color to your sesame mango chicken. Control the Heat: For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the dish. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat level! Mind the Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, making for an easy lunch or dinner option throughout the week. Sesame Mango Chicken Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting mango? When choosing a ripe mango, look for one that yields slightly to gentle pressure and has a pleasant fruity aroma. The skin should have a vibrant, almost golden hue without dark spots all over. If it’s too firm, it may need a few days to ripen at room temperature. How long can I store Sesame Mango Chicken leftovers? You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just ensure it’s cooled down before sealing to maintain freshness. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results! Can I freeze Sesame Mango Chicken? Absolutely! To freeze, let it cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a skillet to preserve the flavors. What if my chicken isn’t cooking evenly? If your chicken isn’t cooking evenly, it might be too crowded in the skillet. Make sure to give the pieces space, or cook in batches. If it’s browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium and ensure you’re flipping it often for even cooking. Is there a dog-friendly version of this recipe? If you’d like to share a bit with your furry friend, you can set aside plain, cooked chicken without added sauces, garlic, or onion. Avoid giving them any components like soy sauce, as they can be harmful to dogs. Can I substitute the coleslaw mix with fresh veggies? Very much! Feel free to swap coleslaw with fresh ingredients like chopped bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. It’s a great way to customize the dish to your taste while adding additional nutrients! Savory Sesame Mango Chicken Ready in Just 15 Minutes This Sesame Mango Chicken is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AsianCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast diced for quick cooking1 tablespoon sesame oil1 tablespoon olive oil for cookingFor the Sauce2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free2 tablespoons hoisin sauce optional1 teaspoon ground ginger fresh enhances flavor3 cloves garlic mincedblack pepper to tasteFor the Veggies4 cups coleslaw mix or chopped bell peppers1 whole mango diced ripeFor Toppings0.5 cup chopped peanuts or cashewsfresh cilantro for garnishsesame seeds for garnish Equipment large skillet Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Sesame Mango ChickenIn a large skillet, combine sesame oil and olive oil over medium-high heat and heat until shimmering.Sauté diced chicken for approximately 5 minutes until golden and cooked through.Stir in minced garlic and ground ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.Add coleslaw mix, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and black pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until tender.Fold in diced mango and chopped peanuts until well combined and slightly warm.Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds, serve warm with rice or quinoa. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesFor a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
