Mandarin Chicken
What’s not to love about a dish that combines succulent chicken with the vibrant flavors of citrus? Mandarin Chicken is a delightful meal that brings a taste of the Orient right to your kitchen. The sweet and tangy sauce envelops tender pieces of chicken, making it not just a meal, but an experience. With a few simple ingredients and some basic techniques, you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish at home. Serve it over steamed rice and broccoli, and you’ve got yourself a wholesome meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight feast. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this masterpiece!
The Upside of Mandarin Chicken
Why is Mandarin Chicken such a fantastic choice? First, it’s quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s also incredibly versatile! You can customize the level of sweetness or spice based on your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic into your diet. The vibrant orange hue of the dish makes it visually appealing, ensuring that no one can resist it on their plate. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends.
What You’ll Gather
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Steamed rice (for serving)
- Steamed broccoli (for serving)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Tools of the Trade
- Large skillet or wok: Essential for stir-frying the chicken and sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
- Spatula: Perfect for stirring and flipping the chicken as it cooks.
- Knife and cutting board: For cubing the chicken and chopping garlic and ginger.
- Serving bowls: For plating your delicious Mandarin Chicken and sides.
Mandarin Chicken Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them. Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. This makes everything easier when you begin cooking.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to get that perfect sear.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the skillet. Season with ground black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the orange juice, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Gradually add this mixture to the sauce in the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until well coated. Allow it to simmer for another minute or two to absorb all the flavors.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Mandarin Chicken over a bed of steamed rice, accompanied by steamed broccoli. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra flair.
Flavor-Forward Alternatives
- Add a splash of chili sauce for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate sliced bell peppers or snap peas for added texture and nutrition.
- Swap out orange juice for pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
- Use honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweet profile.
What Not to Do
When preparing Mandarin Chicken, keep these tips in mind to avoid common pitfalls:
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; this can lead to steaming instead of browning.
- Be cautious with the soy sauce; using too much can make the dish overly salty.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry; it’s essential for achieving that perfect sauce consistency.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
Preparing Mandarin Chicken in advance can save you time on busy weeknights:
- Marinate the chicken in the soy sauce and orange juice mixture for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
- Prepare extra portions and freeze for quick meals later. Just thaw and reheat when ready to eat!
Questions People Ask
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a vegetarian version of Mandarin Chicken?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just follow the same cooking steps to create a delicious vegetarian dish.
How can I make the sauce sweeter or tangier?
Adjust the amount of brown sugar for sweetness or add more orange juice or even a splash of vinegar for tanginess to suit your taste.
What side dishes pair well with Mandarin Chicken?
Steamed rice and broccoli are classic pairings, but you can also serve it with fried rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.
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- Minimalist Baker – Check out simple recipes with minimal ingredients.
Next Steps
Now that you have all the steps and tips for creating the perfect Mandarin Chicken, it’s time to put on your apron and get cooking! Gather your ingredients, set up your kitchen, and let the delightful aromas fill your home. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and adjusting to your taste, so feel free to modify the recipe as you go. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and don’t forget to share this dish with family and friends; they will surely be impressed by your cooking skills!
Mandarin Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that can transform your dining experience. Whether you are enjoying it alone or with loved ones, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Mandarin Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them. Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. This makes everything easier when you begin cooking.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to get that perfect sear.
- Add the cubed chicken to the skillet. Season with ground black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the orange juice, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Gradually add this mixture to the sauce in the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until well coated. Allow it to simmer for another minute or two to absorb all the flavors.
- Serve your Mandarin Chicken over a bed of steamed rice, accompanied by steamed broccoli. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra flair.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken in the soy sauce and orange juice mixture for deeper flavor.
- Cook and store the chicken and sauce ahead of time for busy weeknights.
- Freeze extra portions for quick meals later; just thaw and reheat!
