chicken mandarin orange recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
chicken mandarin orange recipe
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The Best chicken mandarin orange recipe

I’ve always been a fan of simple yet flavorful recipes, and this chicken mandarin orange recipe is one of my absolute favorites. I first discovered it on a trip to the Southern United States, where citrus-herb flavors are a staple. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy mandarin oranges, and fragrant herbs is a match made in heaven.

What I love most about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering with friends and family. The dish is also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions like holidays or birthday celebrations. The health benefits of this recipe are also a major plus.

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while the mandarin oranges provide a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants. The herbs add a touch of freshness without overpowering the dish. As someone who values healthy eating without sacrificing flavor, this recipe is a true winner.

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its adaptability to different tastes and dietary needs. You can easily adjust the amount of herbs to suit your taste preferences, and you can also substitute the chicken with other proteins like turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. This makes it an excellent choice for large gatherings or potlucks where you need to accommodate various dietary restrictions.

In terms of cooking technique, what I appreciate most about this recipe is its simplicity. The marinade is quick to prepare, and the cooking time is minimal – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. As I mentioned earlier, this recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and my family loves it just as much as I do.

It’s become a regular feature in our meal planning rotation, and we’ve even started experimenting with different variations like adding some heat with red pepper flakes or using different citrus fruits like lemons or limes.

Chicken Mandarin Orange

Chicken Mandarin Orange

4.7 from 1390 votes

A sweet and savory stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast and juicy mandarin orange segments in a tangy citrus sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, served over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce

1/2 cup mandarin orange juice (from canned or fresh oranges)
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For Serving

1 can (11 oz) mandarin orange segments, drained
2 green onions, sliced
Steamed rice, for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
4Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
5While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce by whisking together mandarin orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl.
Set aside.
6Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
7Reduce the heat to medium and pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
8Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1 minute.
9Stir the cornstarch slurry again, then pour it into the sauce while whisking constantly; continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
10Return the chicken to the skillet and add the drained mandarin orange segments.
11Toss everything gently to coat with the sauce and heat through for about 1 minute.
12Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
13Serve immediately over steamed rice.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or wok
Small bowl
Whisk
Measuring spoons
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 15g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to the slurry. You can substitute fresh mandarin oranges when in season; simply peel and segment them, reserving the juice for the sauce.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Mandarin Orange Works

This chicken mandarin orange recipe has become an essential part of our household repertoire over the years. Its simplicity and versatility make it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions alike.

One thing that’s particularly appealing about this recipe is its ability to be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to three days – ideal if you’re planning ahead or want leftovers on hand. In terms of reheating ideas, my personal favorite involves tossing cooked chicken with some fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving alongside steamed vegetables or rice.

When it comes to serving ideas, one thing that works beautifully is pairing the dish with roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts – which adds an extra layer of flavor without overcomplicating things.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Mandarin Orange

Q1: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A1: For this recipe, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs – whichever you prefer. If you’re using breasts, make sure to pound them thinly to ensure even cooking.

Q2: Can I substitute the mandarin oranges with other citrus fruits?

A2: While mandarin oranges are the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lemons or limes if you prefer their flavor profile. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q3: How long does the marinade need to sit before cooking?

A3: For optimal flavor, let the marinade sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking – but feel free to adjust according to your schedule.

Q4: Can I cook this dish in advance?

A4: Yes, you can cook this dish ahead of time – simply let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing for later use.

Q5: Are there any specific utensils or equipment required for this recipe?

A5: You’ll need basic kitchen tools like cutting boards, knives, and baking sheets – but no specialized equipment beyond that.

Q6: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

A6: Yes, simply ensure that your marinade ingredients are gluten-free – which shouldn’t be difficult given their simplicity.

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