Mango Curry Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
The magic happens when the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes mingles with the aromatic spices of curry, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
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Gluten Free

Today, we’re venturing into the world of Mango Curry Chicken—a freezer meal that will brighten up your mealtimes with its tropical flair and make-ahead magic.

Tender chicken pieces, lovingly marinated and simmered in a luxurious mango-infused curry sauce. The magic happens when the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes mingles with the aromatic spices of curry, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and just the right amount of heat—a medley that captures the essence of homemade comfort food.

Now, let’s talk about convenience! We all know that juggling the demands of parenting and busy schedules can leave us yearning for a break, especially when it comes to preparing dinner. The “What’s for dinner?” a question that can be asked 1000 times in the shortest few minutes, can send us parents  into an anxious period of wishing we had ordered take out. That’s where our Mango Curry Chicken steps in as the culinary hero of the day. Prepare it ahead of time, pop it in your freezer, and you’ve got a gourmet dinner waiting to take center stage, ready to dazzle your family’s palates without the hassle.

But this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution to those all-too-familiar dinnertime dilemmas. It’s a way to make life a bit simpler and a lot more delicious. So, join me as we dive into the world of Mango Curry Chicken and discover the joy of flavorful convenience, all while savoring precious moments with our loved ones.

Why you’ll Love this Make Ahead Mango Curry Chicken

  • Healthy Dinner Option
  • You can (and should) make it in advance
  • Versatile and Customizable Dish
  • Stress Free Prep
  • Kid-friendly
  • Time- Saving Recipe
Mango Curry Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe
Hannah Stewart
The magic happens when the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes mingles with the aromatic spices of curry, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Calories 776 kcal
Equipment
  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • 1 High speed blender/food processor
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
Ingredients
 
 
  • 2-3 lbs chicken thighs Boneless/Skinless
  • 1 large red onion sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
Mango Curry Sauce (Blend Together):
  • 2 cups frozen mango or fresh mango
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp raw honey
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 3 tbsp yellow curry paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 14.5 oz full-fat coconut
Instructions
 
Freezer Directions:
  • Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method. 
  • Add sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to scrap sides once or twice).
  • Add all ingredients to the freezer bag.  
  • Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. 
Slow Cooker Directions:
  • Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
  • Dump contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker. 
  • Cook on low 6-8 hours.
  • Shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks and stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Serve over rice and enjoy! Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley and mango if desired.
Instant Pot Directions
  1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1/2 cup water.
  2. Set to High Pressure for 25 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release. 
  3. Shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks and stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
  4. Serve over rice and enjoy! Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley and mango if desired.
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten-Free:
  • Ensure your broth is gluten-free.
 
 
Make it Dairy-Free:
  • This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Notes

  • Garnish with fresh mango and fresh chopped parsley to make it pretty!
  • Use whatever rice you have on hand or your favorite type! I love basmati rice. 

Nutrition

Calories: 776kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 22gFat: 51gSaturated Fat: 42gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 390mgPotassium: 1047mgFiber: 10.9gSugar: 26.7gCalcium: 80mgIron: 5mg
Keyword Chicken Recipes, freezer meals, Mango Curry Chicken, Mango Curry Chicken Slow Cooker
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Equipment Needed to Make Quick Mango Chicken Curry Dinner

  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • 1 High speed blender/food processor
  • 1 gallon freezer bag

Ingredients for your Mango Chicken Curry

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts or chicken thighs
  • 1 large red onion sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped

Mango Curry Sauce (Blend Together):

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen mango
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp raw honey
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 3 tbsp yellow curry paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 14.5 oz can full fat coconut milk

How to make a Mango Chicken Curry

Prep/Freezer Directions:

  1. Label Freezer bag with recipe name, cooking from frozen directions and expiration date (today’s date plus three months).
  2. Add sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to scrape sides once or twice).
  3. Add all ingredients to a labeled gallon freezer bag.
  4. Store in the freezer for up to three months.

Cooking Directions:

  1. Thaw overnight in the fridge or in the morning in some warm water (meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok).
  2. Add freezer bag contents into the slow cooker.
  3. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.
  4. Remove chicken from slow cooker, shred or chop the chicken, and mix chicken back into the sauce in the slow cooker.
  5. Serve over rice and enjoy! Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley and fresh mango if desired.

What to pair with your Healthy Mango Curry Chicken

Sides:

Desserts:

Mocktails:

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

  • Protein Substitute (Chicken Breasts or Thighs): Instead of chicken breasts or thighs, you can use boneless, skinless chicken drumsticks or chicken tenders. These cuts are equally flavorful and work well in curry dishes.
  • Onion Variety (Large Red Onion): If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can substitute the large red onion with a sweet Vidalia onion or a white onion. This can create a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the sweetness.
  • Pepper Color (Red Bell Pepper): To add visual appeal and a subtle change in flavor, you can use a yellow or orange bell pepper in place of the red bell pepper. It will still provide a sweet and colorful contrast to the dish.

Additions:

  • Fresh Basil Leaves: Add a handful of fresh basil leaves to the curry just before freezing. Basil imparts a delightful herbal aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with mango and curry.
  • Sliced Carrots: For added texture and a touch of natural sweetness, include thinly sliced carrots to the curry. They’ll hold up well during freezing and cooking.
  • Chopped Spinach or Kale: Boost the nutritional value of your Mango Curry Chicken by adding chopped spinach or kale. These leafy greens are freezer-friendly and will infuse the dish with vibrant color and nutrients.

By incorporating these substitutions and additions, you can customize your Mango Curry Chicken while ensuring that it remains suitable for freezing, offering variety and nutrition to your freezer meal.

How to Reheat and Store Mango Curry Chicken after cooking?

Best way to store Make Ahead Mango Curry Chicken leftovers?

Begin by letting the Mango Curry Chicken cool down to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer. If your plan is to consume the leftovers within a few days, use an airtight container in the fridge, ensuring a tight seal to prevent moisture loss and the absorption of odors from other foods. Always label the container or bag with the preparation date to keep tabs on freshness.

If you plan on taking a longer period to consume, freezer storage is also an excellent tool for storing leftovers.

How long will Mango Curry Chicken last in fridge?

With proper cooling procedures being followed, as well as the proper storage containers or freezer bags being used, your mango curry leftover recipe will remain fresh for 4-5 days in the fridge. Be sure to always check for freshness and make sure your recipe has not spoiled.

Can I freeze Easy Mango Curry Chicken after cooking?

Yes, Certainly. When you are preparing to freeze your leftover Mango Curry Chicken, allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature. Once it has cooled down, securely seal your leftovers using a resealable freezer bag. Portion your leftovers into smaller servings for easier reheating.

When sealing, ensure you remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag. Place the freezer bag in the coldest part of your freezer to maintain a consistently low temperature. Avoid stacking items on top of the Mango Curry Chicken to prevent it from being crushed.

If you plan to use this recipe as a raw freezer meal, you will need a gallon freezer bag. Place all the sauce ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Scape the sides once or twice. Add all the ingredients into a labeled gallon freezer bag. 

Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the gallon freezer bag. Store it in the freezer for a period of 3-6 months.

How to reheat Authentic Mango Curry Chicken

Reheating your Mango Curry Chicken can help bring back its flavors and make it enjoyable once more. Here are several methods you can use to reheat your Mango Curry Chicken leftovers:

Microwave: Place your Mango Curry Chicken in a microwave-safe container with a lid or microwave-safe cover. Heat it on medium to prevent overcooking or overheating. Stir the Mango Curry Chicken to ensure even heating. Continue to microwave in short intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.

Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet or pan over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of oil or broth to the pan to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Place the Mango Curry Chicken in the pan and cover it with a lid. Stir occasionally to evenly distribute heat and prevent sticking. Reheat until the chicken reaches your desired temperature.

Delicious Mango Curry Chicken Recipe FAQs

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