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