Mandarin Chicken Dish is a delightful culinary creation that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine right to your table. This dish, with its tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, has roots in Chinese-American cooking, where it has become a beloved staple in many households. The combination of juicy chicken and zesty mandarin oranges creates a harmonious balance that tantalizes the taste buds, making it a favorite for both family dinners and special occasions.
People adore the Mandarin Chicken Dish not only for its incredible taste but also for its appealing texture and convenience. The dish is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. With its vibrant colors and aromatic flavors, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Whether served over rice or alongside fresh vegetables, the Mandarin Chicken Dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
Preparing the Chicken
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well combined.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Preparing the Sauce
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later.
- After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, reserving the marinade for later. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Cooking Process
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry, and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Add the mandarin orange segments to the skillet, gently folding them into the chicken and sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the oranges are heated through.
Assembling the Dish
- Prepare your serving plates by placing a generous scoop of cooked rice or quinoa at the base of each plate.
- Using a large spoon or spatula, carefully transfer the mandarin chicken mixture over the rice or quinoa, ensuring to include plenty of the thickened sauce.
- Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately while hot, allowing your guests to enjoy the vibrant flavors of the mandarin chicken.
Tips for Perfect Mandarin Chicken
- For a crispy texture, consider coating the chicken pieces in a light layer of cornstarch before cooking. This will create a nice crust when sautéed.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the marinade.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the skillet during the cooking process for added nutrition and color.
- For a more complex flavor, try adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the marinade.
Serving Suggestions
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
- For a more substantial meal, serve with fried rice or noodles instead of plain rice or quinoa.
- Consider offering additional garnishes such as chopped cilantro or lime wedges for guests to customize their plates.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover mandarin chicken in
Conclusion:
In summary, this Mandarin Chicken dish is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their culinary repertoire with a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant mandarin oranges, and a savory sauce creates a dish that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with taste. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Mandarin Chicken with fluffy jasmine rice or a refreshing side salad to balance the richness of the dish. You can also experiment with variations by adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for an extra crunch, or even substituting the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. We encourage you to try this Mandarin Chicken recipe and make it your own! Dont forget to share your experience and any creative twists you add to the dish. Your feedback and photos can inspire others to enjoy this delicious meal as well. Happy cooking! Print
Mandarin Chicken Dish: A Flavorful Recipe to Delight Your Taste Buds
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Mandarin Chicken features tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, paired with juicy mandarin orange segments. Served over rice or quinoa, it’s a vibrant and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and flavor absorption.
- In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well combined.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- While the chicken marinates, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add marinated chicken (reserve marinade) and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Pour reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Gently fold in mandarin orange segments and cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Place a scoop of cooked rice or quinoa on serving plates.
- Transfer the mandarin chicken mixture over the rice/quinoa, including plenty of sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a crispy texture, coat chicken pieces in a light layer of cornstarch before cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Enhance flavor with a splash of orange juice or zest in the marinade.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
