Mandarin Chicken Recipe

Mandarin Chicken is a delicious dish combining tender chicken with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy mandarin sauce. This dish is often found in Chinese-American cuisine and is loved for its bright flavors and juicy texture. The sauce is made from mandarin oranges, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness, creating a delightful balance that pairs perfectly with the chicken. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special for a dinner party, Mandarin Chicken is sure to impress.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Marinating the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Mix well.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.

Preparing the Mandarin Sauce

1. Create the Sauce Base: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), ginger, and garlic. Set aside.
2. Mandarin Oranges: Drain the mandarin oranges and set them aside. These will be added to the sauce at the end to retain their shape and flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot pan, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to cook evenly.
3. Set Aside: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Making the Mandarin Sauce

1. Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the soy sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the Mandarin Oranges: Gently fold the mandarin oranges into the sauce, being careful not to break them apart too much.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

1. Reheat the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the chicken evenly with the sweet and tangy mandarin glaze.
2. Simmer for a Minute: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Tips for Best Mandarin Chicken

• Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts: Boneless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they stay tender and juicy, but chicken breasts work just as well if you prefer leaner meat.
• Getting the Perfect Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to let it reduce.

Serving Suggestions

Mandarin Chicken is best served over a bed of white or brown rice, but you can also pair it with quinoa or noodles for a delicious meal. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy make excellent side dishes to balance the sweetness of the chicken.

Storing and Reheating Mandarin Chicken

• How to Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Best Methods for Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken and make the sauce lose its texture.

Nutritional Information

• Caloric Breakdown: A serving of Mandarin Chicken contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.
• Macronutrients and Vitamins: This dish is a good source of protein, vitamins C and A (from the mandarin oranges), and moderate amounts of healthy fats from the chicken.

Variations and Add-Ons

• Vegetarian or Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Use a vegan-friendly hoisin sauce and soy sauce to keep the flavors authentic.
• Spicy Mandarin Chicken Twist: For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha sauce to the mandarin sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken can become tough if overcooked. Ensure you monitor the cooking time closely to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
• Oversweetening the Sauce: While Mandarin Chicken should have a sweet element, too much sugar or honey can overpower the tangy flavors. Adjust the sweetness to your taste preference.

Beverage Pairings

• Drinks that Complement Mandarin Chicken: A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling pairs well with the sweet and tangy flavors of the dish. Alternatively, green tea or a light beer would make excellent choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh mandarins instead of canned?
   • Yes, fresh mandarin segments work well, but you may need to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding a bit more honey or sugar.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   • Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately and combine when ready to serve.
4. Is Mandarin Chicken spicy?
   • The traditional recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add heat by incorporating chili flakes or hot sauce.
5. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
   • Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked.

Conclusion

Mandarin Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. It’s a versatile dish that can be made in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Asian-inspired flavors or looking for something new, this Mandarin Chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Yield: 4

Mandarin Chicken Recipe

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Mandarin Chicken is a delicious dish combining tender chicken with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy mandarin sauce. This dish is often found in Chinese-American cuisine and is loved for its bright flavors and juicy texture. The sauce is made from mandarin oranges, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness, creating a delightful balance that pairs perfectly with the chicken. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special for a dinner party, Mandarin Chicken is sure to impress.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Mandarin Sauce:
• 1/2 cup fresh mandarin orange juice (or orange juice)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp mandarin orange zest (or orange zest)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• For Garnish:
• 1/4 cup mandarin orange segments (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
   Dip the chicken pieces in the beaten egg, then dredge them in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
   
2. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Fry the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
   Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
   
3. Prepare the Mandarin Sauce:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the mandarin orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, mandarin zest, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
   Once simmering, whisk in the cornstarch-water mixture and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
   
4. Coat the Chicken:
   Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the mandarin sauce.
   Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish with mandarin orange segments, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds if desired.
   Serve the mandarin chicken over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

You can use freshly squeezed mandarin juice for the best flavor, but regular orange juice works as a substitute.

To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha sauce.

For a lighter version, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.