For those nights when you want an easy weeknight meal with a taste of the tropics, this mango chicken curry hits the spot. The sweet juiciness of mango balances beautifully with the aromatic spices in this curry. Adding mango provides a refreshing twist to a classic chicken curry. In less than an hour, you can transport your tastebuds and enjoy a flavorful chicken dish with sunny, tropical vibes. This mango chicken curry recipe will become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Why Mango Chicken Curry is a Winner
What makes this mango curry chicken so crave-worthy? Here are a few reasons it’s a winner:
- Quick yet flavorful – With just a 30 minute active cook time, it’s weeknight friendly but packed with spice and mango flavors.
- Balanced flavors – The sweet mango offsets the slow-simmered curry spices for perfect harmony.
- Lean protein – Chicken breast provides protein without too much saturated fat.
- Anti-inflammatory – Curcumin in the curry powder has powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
- Nutrient-dense – Mangoes offer over 20 vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C and potassium.
This curry balances hearty comfort with refreshing tropical essence. Time to get cooking!
Shopping List for Mango Chicken Curry
A quick trip to the grocery store is all you need to gather ingredients for this mango chicken curry. Here’s what you’ll need to add to your cart:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Mangoes – 2 large ripe mangoes or 3 cups frozen mango chunks
- Yellow onion – 1 large onion, diced
- Garlic – 4-5 cloves, minced
- Ginger – 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
- Cooking oil – 1-2 Tbsp vegetable, coconut or olive oil
- Curry powder – 2-3 Tbsp mild or spicy curry powder
- Cumin – 1 tsp ground cumin
- Chicken broth – 1 1/4 cups
- Basmati rice – 1 cup uncooked rice
- optional cashews or coconut flakes for garnish
That’s all you need for an amazing mango chicken curry dinner!
Step-By-Step Instructions for Mango Curry
Ready to make this tropical curry? Follow these simple steps:
1. Cook the Chicken
- Dice chicken into 1 inch pieces.
- In a skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
2. Cook the Onion & Spices
- In the same skillet, heat another Tbsp oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in curry powder and cumin. Cook for 2 minutes more.
3. Simmer the Curry
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with any juices.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
4. Add the Mango
- While curry simmers, peel, pit and dice fresh mango into 1/2 inch pieces. Or thaw frozen mango.
- Add mango to the curry and gently stir to combine.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes to meld flavors.
5. Finish and Serve
- Finish curry with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lime juice to taste.
- Serve curry over cooked basmati rice. Garnish with cashews or coconut if desired.
In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy this bright, tropical mango chicken curry! The sweet mango balances the savory spices for a quick weeknight meal or even weekend dinner party dish.
FAQs About Making Mango Curry at Home
1. Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw 3 cups frozen mango chunks before adding to the curry.
2. What type of curry powder should I use?
A milder curry powder provides warmth without overpowering the mango. But feel free to kick up the heat if you like spicy!
3. Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Marinating is optional since the sauce infuses flavor. But for more flavor, marinate for 20-30 minutes in curry powder, garlic and oil.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken thighs work wonderfully and are more flavorful. Just increase cooking time by 5 minutes or so.
5. How spicy will this curry be?
Spice level depends on the curry powder used. For milder heat, start with 2 Tbsp curry powder. Add more powder or red chili peppers to turn up the heat.
6. What sides go well with this curry?
Serve with basmati rice or naan to soak up the flavorful sauce. Add a cooling raita, crisp poppadum or fresh mango salsa on the side.
