chicken with mandarin oranges recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
chicken with mandarin oranges recipe
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The Best chicken with mandarin oranges recipe

I first discovered the dish of chicken with mandarin oranges at a Chinese restaurant in my hometown. It was love at first bite – the combination of the tender chicken, sweet and tangy oranges, and crunchy vegetables was absolute perfection. I was hooked from that very moment and knew I had to recreate this dish at home.

After some trial and error, I finally nailed down the perfect recipe that I’m excited to share with you today. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy meals that are also healthy and delicious. This chicken with mandarin oranges recipe fits the bill perfectly.

It’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course, or as part of a larger spread for a party or holiday gathering.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes. Do you like spicy food? Add some red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick.

Prefer a lighter flavor? Use less soy sauce or omit it altogether. And don’t even get me started on the health benefits – this dish is packed with protein, vitamins, and antioxidants from the oranges and vegetables.

My family loves this dish just as much as I do – my kids ask for it all the time, and my husband requests it for special occasions. It’s truly become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it out.

Chicken with Mandarin Oranges

Chicken with Mandarin Oranges

4.6 from 750 votes

A sweet and savory stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast and juicy mandarin oranges in a light citrus sauce. This quick dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with steamed rice.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white pepper

For the Sauce

1/2 cup mandarin orange juice (from canned oranges or fresh)
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced

For the Stir-Fry

2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup snow peas, trimmed
3 green onions, sliced
1 can (11 oz) mandarin orange segments, drained

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with cornstarch, salt, and white pepper.
2Toss until each piece is evenly coated and set aside for 5 minutes.
3In a small bowl, whisk together the mandarin orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic until smooth.
4Set the sauce mixture aside.
5Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
7Transfer the chicken to a plate.
8Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same wok over medium-high heat.
9Add the red bell pepper and snow peas and stir-fry for 2 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender and bright in color.
10Return the cooked chicken to the wok and pour the sauce over everything.
11Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
12Remove the wok from heat and gently fold in the mandarin orange segments and green onions.
13Serve immediately over steamed rice.

🔧Equipment

Large wok or skillet
Small bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 1.5g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For best results, use canned mandarin oranges packed in juice rather than syrup to control sweetness. You can substitute orange juice with fresh squeezed juice for a brighter flavor.

Watch Video Of How Chicken with Mandarin Oranges Works

This chicken with mandarin oranges recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or need a quick weeknight meal.

The dish is incredibly versatile and can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for potlucks or outdoor gatherings.

And don’t forget about storage – leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken with Mandarin Oranges

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

You can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. If using breasts, make sure to pound them thin so they cook evenly.

Q: Can I substitute other types of citrus fruits for the mandarin oranges?

No, mandarin oranges are essential to this recipe due to their unique flavor profile. You can’t replicate their sweetness with other citrus fruits.

Q: Do I need to peel the mandarin oranges before slicing them?

No, leaving the peels on will add texture and flavor to the dish.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and store them in separate containers until ready to assemble.

Q: How do I store leftover chicken with mandarin oranges?

Scoop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.

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