30-Minute Sesame Mango Chicken Teriyaki

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sesame Mango Chicken Teriyaki is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy. The teriyaki sauce, made from soaked Medjool dates and reduced-sodium soy sauce, provides a rich, deep flavor without the added refined sugars of store-bought sauces. Paired with the juicy, tender chicken and the sweetness of mango, this dish is balanced, flavorful, and packed with healthy ingredients. The best part? You can have this delicious dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 15 Medjool dates, pitted and soaked in ½ cup hot water (see notes – you can use sugar instead if you want)
• ¾ cup soy sauce (reduced sodium)
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced, smashed, or in paste form
• ½ cup chicken broth

Everything Else:

• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1–2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (see notes)
• ¼ cup flour
• A generous pinch of salt and pepper
• A generous pinch of chili powder
• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable, canola, or sesame oil)
• 2–3 cups frozen mango chunks (fresh could also work)
• Toppings: sesame seeds, green onions, sesame oil, fish sauce, or limes
• Cooked rice for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked dates, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or vinegar for tang. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Lightly coat them in flour to give a nice crispy texture when cooked.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Onion and Mango: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the frozen mango chunks and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mango is heated through.
5. Combine the Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the onions and mango in the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Let the chicken soak up the flavors for 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve: Serve the chicken over a bed of cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, and a drizzle of sesame oil or fish sauce. Add lime wedges on the side for a fresh burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish. Simply press and cube the tofu before cooking.
• Spicy Kick: Add some chopped fresh chili or a dash of hot sauce to the teriyaki sauce to spice things up.
• Different Protein: Swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs or shrimp for a different flavor and texture.
• Extra Veggies: Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrients and crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Sesame Mango Chicken Teriyaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of fruit instead of mango?

Yes, you can use other fruits like pineapple or peaches for a similar sweet and tangy flavor. Fresh fruit works best, but frozen fruit is a convenient alternative.

2. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of reduced sodium?

Yes, you can, but it will make the sauce saltier. Consider adjusting the amount of soy sauce and adding more chicken broth or vinegar to balance the flavor.

3. Can I skip the flour coating on the chicken?

Yes, if you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the flour. The chicken will still be flavorful but won’t have the crispy coating.

4. Can I make the teriyaki sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the teriyaki sauce up to 3 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use when ready.

5. Can I use fresh ginger instead of paste or minced ginger?

Yes, fresh ginger works great. Use about a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger in place of the paste or minced ginger.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

For more heat, add fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce or sprinkle chili flakes over the dish before serving.

7. Can I substitute the chicken for a different protein?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef for a different twist on this dish.

8. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra color, texture, and nutrition.

9. Can I use a different oil for cooking?

Yes, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil, but sesame oil would add a nice, authentic flavor.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Conclusion

30-Minute Sesame Mango Chicken Teriyaki is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that combines the sweetness of mango with the savory goodness of teriyaki sauce. The tender chicken paired with the bright flavors of fresh fruit, sesame, and ginger makes for a dish that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of tropical flavors. Enjoy!

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