Chicken Mandarin
Chicken Mandarin offers tender chicken pieces coated in a light flour crust, simmered in a tangy citrus sauce with sweet mandarin oranges. The vibrant flavors of lemon, orange, honey, and ginger make it a delightful dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Served with rice, it's both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry the chicken pieces.
- Shake the chicken pieces in a paper bag with flour to coat evenly.
- In a skillet, heat the oil and margarine over medium heat.
- Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and brown each piece on all sides.
- Drain the mandarin oranges and set aside.
- Mix the juice from the can of mandarin oranges with lemon juice, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and powdered ginger to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the browned chicken in the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Add the mandarin orange sections to the skillet 5 to 10 minutes before the chicken is done and cook until heated through.
- Serve the chicken with rice, garnished with the mandarin oranges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, consider using cornstarch instead of flour for coating the chicken. You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. To enhance the ginger flavor, freshly grated ginger can be used instead of powdered ginger. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, such as Microwave Curried Rice With Almonds, which complements the citrus flavors. A simple side of steamed broccoli or a mixed green salad can also enhance the meal. Garnish with additional mandarin oranges for a fresh touch and serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Mandarin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave it covered for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Mandarin contains roughly 871 calories, with 3g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 577mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken instead of chicken pieces?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used for this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as boneless pieces may cook faster. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
What can I serve with Chicken Mandarin?
Chicken Mandarin goes well with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with fluffy jasmine rice or a light quinoa salad. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the flavors.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to mix it well before adding it to the skillet with the chicken. This can save time on a busy weeknight and allows the flavors to meld nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).