Chicken Orange Mandarin
A vibrant, flavorful chicken dish featuring sweet mandarin oranges, pineapple, and crunchy vegetables in a savory sauce—perfect for a quick, family-friendly meal with bright citrus notes.
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, sliced into chunks ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soy sauce or teriyaki sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange slices ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 3 bunches green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and add chicken, stirring well for about 2 minutes.
- Add sliced celery and cook until bright green.
- Add garlic powder, sliced green bell pepper, and sliced green onions, stirring until done.
- In a bowl, mix soy or teriyaki sauce with cornstarch, then add to the skillet.
- Add mandarin orange slices and pineapple chunks to the skillet.
- Stir until the sauce thickens. Serve over white steamed rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, consider adding a touch of honey or brown sugar. You can substitute the green bell pepper with red or yellow bell pepper for a different color and taste. Fresh ginger can also enhance the flavor profile, similar to dishes like Moo-Goo-Gai-Pan (Wok Chicken).
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Orange Mandarin dish over a bed of fluffy white steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, pair with a simple side of steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables. A fresh cucumber salad can also complement the dish nicely, adding a refreshing crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with other chicken recipes, such as Oriental Chicken And Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through for best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Orange Mandarin contains roughly 318 calories, with 11g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2300mg per serving (100% 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 other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as shrimp cooks faster than chicken. For tofu, ensure it's well-pressed and cubed to achieve a nice texture. Both alternatives will absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add some heat by incorporating sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the skillet with the vegetables. For a more intense flavor, consider adding a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. Adjust according to your spice preference for a delightful kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Cut the chicken and vegetables and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply combine and follow the recipe. This saves time on busy nights and allows you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal quickly.
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).