Mandarin Dijon Chicken Breasts
Juicy chicken breasts glazed with a tangy mandarin and Dijon sauce, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that pairs well with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 (4 oz.) boneless chicken breast halves, skinned ⓘ
- Dijon pepper to taste
- chicken soup mix to taste ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. orange juice
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. catsup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. Parisienne mustard ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp. chicken soup mix ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. Dijon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken breasts generously with Dijon pepper and chicken soup mix.
- Coat a large skillet with vegetable cooking spray.
- Add vegetable oil to the skillet.
- Place the skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of orange juice and Dijon mustard for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have Dijon pepper, regular black pepper can be used, though it won't provide the same tang. You can also substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mandarin Dijon Chicken with steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. For a more substantial dinner, consider adding mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. This dish is a great centerpiece for any weeknight dinner or special occasion, complementing American recipes beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Mandarin Dijon Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of orange juice to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mandarin Dijon Chicken Breasts contains roughly 101 calories, with 4g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 923mg per serving (40% 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
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to the Mandarin Dijon Chicken, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix. You could also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick.
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).