Crispy, glazed chicken glistening with a vibrant sauce that dances on your tongue – that’s what you get with this Fiery Mango Habanero Honey Garlic Chicken. The magic lies in the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory elements. The juicy mango provides a tropical sweetness that’s boldly countered by the intense heat of habanero, while the honey and garlic create a rich, umami-packed glaze. This fusion of flavors might sound complex, but it’s surprisingly easy to pull off in under 40 minutes!
This recipe works because the chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy, providing the perfect canvas for the vibrant sauce. The cornstarch slurry ensures a beautiful, sticky texture that clings to every piece. Serve it over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why you’ll love this Fiery Mango Habanero Honey Garlic Chicken with Mango Habanero Chicken
- Ready in just 35 minutes – perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
- The unique mango habanero chicken flavor profile will tantalize your taste buds.
- Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions make this recipe foolproof.
- Easily customizable to your spice preference.
- The sticky, glazed texture is incredibly satisfying.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 habanero pepper, seeded and finely minced (use gloves!)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Mango habanero chicken makes every moment feel satisfying. Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- If you’re sensitive to spice, substitute the habanero with a jalapeno or serrano pepper. Remove the seeds and membranes from any pepper for a milder flavor.
How to make Fiery Mango Habanero Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add aromatics and mango
Add the minced garlic and habanero pepper to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the mango and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Chef’s Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic. Keep the heat at medium-high and stir frequently.
Step 4: Simmer the sauce
Pour the honey-soy sauce mixture over the chicken and mango. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Thicken the sauce
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Chef’s Tip: Ensure the cornstarch slurry is fully incorporated to avoid any lumps in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot over cooked white rice.
Tips for Success
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of habanero pepper to your preference. Remember that the seeds and membranes contain most of the heat, so remove them for a milder flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook until just cooked through and slightly browned.
- Use a good quality mango: A ripe and juicy mango will provide the best flavor and sweetness.
- Prep your ingredients: Dicing the mango, mincing the garlic and habanero, and measuring the ingredients before you start cooking will make the process much smoother.
Serving Suggestions
This Fiery Mango Habanero Honey Garlic Chicken is delicious served over cooked white rice. It also pairs well with:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- A side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Try pairing it with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade. If you are looking for a refreshing punch recipe, check out this Christmas Morning Punch recipe for a festive non-alcoholic option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze this chicken?
A: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the mango may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, consume within 1-2 months.
Q: Is this dish very spicy?
A: The habanero pepper adds a significant kick to this dish. However, you can easily adjust the spice level by using less habanero or substituting it with a milder pepper like a jalapeno. Removing the seeds and membranes will also reduce the heat.
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay juicier.
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this incredible Fiery Mango Habanero Honey Garlic Chicken! The sweet, spicy, and savory flavors combine to create a truly unforgettable meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice level and enjoy this fusion dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. If you’re a fan of flavorful sauces on your protein, you might also appreciate this easy cranberry jalapeno dip recipe from Fork Haven, which offers a unique sweet and spicy combination, perfect for spreading on crackers or using as a glaze.
Fiery Mango Habanero Honey Garlic Chicken
This mango habanero honey garlic sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. It’s incredibly easy to make and adds an irresistible flavor to chicken, shrimp, or even vegetables. The juicy mango sweetness is perfectly complemented by the fiery kick of habanero, while the honey and garlic provide a rich, savory depth. This sauce creates a beautifully glazed, sticky texture that will leave you craving more. It’s a delicious way to elevate your weeknight dinners and impress your friends and family with a flavor explosion. This recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 habanero pepper, seeded and finely minced (use gloves!)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the minced garlic and habanero pepper to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the mango and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Pour the honey-soy sauce mixture over the chicken and mango. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve hot over cooked white rice.
Notes
For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the habanero pepper before mincing. You can also substitute it with a jalapeno or serrano pepper. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This mango habanero honey garlic sauce is also delicious on grilled shrimp or tofu. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg