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Classic Mandarin Chicken photo

Mandarin Chicken

This Mandarin Chicken is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish! Succulent chicken in a sweet and tangy sauce, ready in under 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Serving:
  • 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)

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Serving bowls

Method
 

Cooking Instructions:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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!