Sometimes, the most wonderful flavours come from the most unlikely combinations. It is precisely this surprising quality that makes dishes like mango chicken a delight that will undoubtedly bring you joy and impress dinner guests by showing off your creative talent in the kitchen.

But, let’s be honest; if we told you that we were serving you chicken with fruit, you would likely feel confused and wonder whether we were offering a main course with dessert, or giving you a treat for the road, but actually, mango and chicken are a secret match made in culinary heaven.

This simple dish that comes with a twist that will have your friends knocking at your door whenever they hear of your social gatherings. And, all you really need to be the talk of the town are fresh mangos and organic or free-range chickens.

Halal Origins brings you this recipe and the finest ingredients to make them with, so let’s take a deep dive and get stuck in.

Tropical origins

The precise origins of this tropical wonder are unknown, but we know that the flavours were born in South-Asia, where mangos are native in the region and commonly included in recipes. Both India and Thailand have their unique recipes that include mangos, including salads, curries, sauces, and of course desserts and drinks.

Mangos provide a sweet and tangy punch to any dish, but balancing its distinctive flavour is an art. Here is a list of 15 dishes, both sweet and savoury, that use mango to enhance its flavour.

Savoury mango dishes

  • 1. Aam Rasam - A tangy, yet spicy mango and dal (lentils) soup that is typically served as an appetiser before a main course.
  • 2. Mango dal - Originating from Andhra Pradesh, this is a hearty meal that combines lentils with dal to make a filling main course. This dish is usually made in bulk to feed the family for days and is sometimes used to fill wraps.
  • 3. Maangai Kuzhambu - A Tamil mango curry that blends raw mangoes with tamarind and spices for a tangy twist.
  • 4. Aam Chicken Curry - A chicken curry that blends ripe mango puree or raw mango slices for a fruity, tangy and sweet profile.
  • 5. Kacche Aam Ki Sabze - A curry dish from Rajasthan that combines raw mangos, yoghurt, and spices, often served with roti.
  • 6. Aam Ka Aachar - Pickled mangos combined with mustard oil and spices that is a popular condiment across South-Asia.
  • 7. Aam Pana - A refreshing drink made with raw mangoes blended with sugar and species, particularly cumin and black salt.
  • 8. Mango Chutney - A delicious sauce that is used to compliment several dishes and is popularly served with poppadoms as a starter. It is made with raw, ripe or pureed mangos, ginger, and spices.
  • 9. Green Mango Salad - Originating from Bangladesh and popular in coastal India, this popular dish combines peanuts, raw mango, chili, and salad.
  • 10. Mango fish curry - This dish combines fish with mango and fresh coconut and spices. It is popular in coastal regions of South-Asia.

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Must read: Saffron Chicken - The Persian Version

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Sweet dishes

  • 11. Aamras - This dish from Gujarat and Maharashtra regions, makes a wonderful dessert by combining pureed ripe mangos, sugar, and cardamon.
  • 12. Mango Lassi - A popular drink that comes in a variety of combinations, combines yoghurt, ripe mangos, sugar, and spices like cardamom or saffron.
  • 13. Mango Kulfi - A traditional dessert that freezes ripe mango pulp combined with condensed milk and cream.
  • 14. Mango Phirni - A delightfully creamy rice pudding dish that is flavoured with mango puree, and spices like cardamom and saffron.
  • 15. Amrakhand, also known as Mango Shrikhand, a dessert popular in Maharashtrian and Gujarat, blends yoghurt with mango pulp and sugar.

As you can see, mango has infused its way into South-Asian cuisine to provide an abundance of flavourful recipes, both sweet and savoury.

The chicken mango combo

The inspiration of chicken and mango likely arose out of the need to balance savoury dishes containing salt and spices with an element of sweet and tanginess for a refreshing twist.

Mangos when ripe and pureed provide a fleshy texture and its flavour combines well with so many herbs and spices. It is easy to see how this tropical fruit became a staple in South-Asian recipes.

In Thai cuisine mango is commonly used to flavour salads and curries as the tropical flavour lends itself well with the flavours of lemongrass and coconut milk.

In India, the combination of yogurt, cardamom and saffron combined with mango have stood the test of time and saw these joyous flavours cross borders to gain popularity in distant lands.

Both Thai and Indian dishes love to combine fresh organic chicken with mango for a comforting and filling meal.

Our organic and free-range chickens perfectly compliment South–Asia’s infamous chicken mango recipes. To help you get started, here is our very own organic chicken mango recipe for you to try at home.

Mango chicken with coconut rice.

Ingredients

For the mango chicken

  • 4 organic or free-range boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 ripe mangoes, diced (reserve a few slices for garnish)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, adjust for sweetness) 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat) Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

For the Coconut Rice

  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Instructions

Prepare the Coconut Rice

  • 1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • 2. In a pot, combine coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar (if using). Bring to a boil.
  • 3. Add the rice, stir, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  • 4. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Cook the mango chicken

  • 1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
  • 2. Add garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • 3. Stir in the curry powder, turmeric (if using), and chili flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds.
  • 4. Add the chicken breasts and sear on both sides until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  • 5. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, and honey (if using). Bring to a simmer.
  • 6. Add the diced mangoes, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  • 7. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Blend the sauce lightly with an immersion blender or mash the mango chunks to thicken the sauce (optional).
  • 8. Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over, and let it warm through.
  • 9. Serve

Final thoughts

When combined chicken and mango provides an unruly alliance that will never cease to impress because despite their popularity, they are not flavours you would expect to see together. Somehow, it just works.

The quality of your dish will always fall down to the quality of your ingredients, so make sure to get fresh, but ripe mangos that are in season. By the same token, our fine organic chicken will ensure that this dish remains in the premiere division it deserves to be. Alternatively, try our free-range chickens, which are packed with flavour and nutrition.

Our recipe and fine ingredients will ensure your dinner guests will be impressed. The next time you hold a gathering, your friends will be calling to “check-in”, secretly hoping for an invite.

Your kids will behave themselves at the very utterance of a chicken mango treat; with this skill comes leverage, and as they say with great power comes great responsibility. Use it wisely.