Mango Chicken Thighs with Basil-Coconut Sauce is a rich, fragrant dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, tropical sauce infused with mango, coconut milk, fresh basil, and a touch of spice. Served over jasmine rice with a squeeze of fresh lime, it’s a flavorful and vibrant meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in one dish.
- Uses simple, fresh ingredients for a restaurant-quality result.
- Coconut milk and mango create a creamy, tropical sauce.
- Ready in about 30 minutes — ideal for busy nights.
- Pairs beautifully with jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 pound)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
- 1 can (13.66 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 medium mango, peeled and chopped
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, divided
- 1/4 cup miso paste
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha chili sauce
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 medium limes, quartered
Directions
- Sprinkle chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken on both sides.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in coconut milk, mango, green onions, 1/4 cup basil, miso paste, and Sriracha.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly reduced and chicken reaches 170°F, about 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup basil.
- Serve with jasmine rice and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or shrimp.
- Add red bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
- Use Thai basil for a more pronounced anise flavor.
- Replace mango with pineapple for a tangier sweetness.
- Make it milder by reducing or omitting the Sriracha.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Add a splash of coconut milk when reheating to refresh the sauce’s creaminess.

FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat before serving.
Can I use frozen mango?
Yes, thaw before adding to the sauce.
What does miso paste do in this recipe?
Miso adds a deep umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the mango and richness of the coconut milk.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken drippings.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat from the Sriracha, which can be adjusted to taste.
Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less creamy.
What sides go well with this?
Steamed vegetables, cucumber salad, or fresh spring rolls complement it nicely.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding the chicken.
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, basmati or brown rice works as well, though jasmine rice offers the most aromatic pairing.
Will this sauce work with fish?
Absolutely — white fish like cod or halibut works beautifully with the basil-coconut sauce.
Conclusion
Mango Chicken Thighs with Basil-Coconut Sauce is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that blends creamy, sweet, and savory elements with a hint of spice. Served over jasmine rice with fresh lime, it’s an easy way to bring bright, tropical flavors to your dinner table any night of the week.
Print
Mango Chicken Thighs with Basil-Coconut Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy coconut sauce with sweet mango, fresh basil, miso, and a touch of spice, served over jasmine rice with fresh lime wedges.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 pound)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
1 can (13.66 ounces) coconut milk
1 medium mango, peeled and chopped
4 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, divided
1/4 cup miso paste
2 teaspoons Sriracha chili sauce
2 cups cooked jasmine rice
2 medium limes, quartered
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken on both sides.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in coconut milk, mango, green onions, 1/4 cup basil, miso paste, and Sriracha.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly reduced and chicken reaches 170°F, about 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with remaining basil.
- Serve with jasmine rice and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit Sriracha.
- Frozen mango can be used; thaw before adding.
- Thai basil offers a stronger, aromatic flavor if available.
- Vegetarian option: substitute tofu or chickpeas for chicken and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg