Pineapple Mandarin Chicken
A flavorful pineapple mandarin chicken dish featuring tender baked chicken topped with sweet pineapple and orange segments, perfect for a tropical-inspired meal that's easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless chicken parts (skin removed) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup canned crushed pineapple (unsweetened) ⓘ
- 1 small orange, peeled and sectioned or 1 small can Mandarin oranges
- 1/4 cup orange juice (unsweetened) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced onion flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place chicken in a baking dish that has been sprayed with a nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread crushed pineapple and orange sections evenly over chicken.
- In a small bowl, combine orange juice and cornstarch, stirring to dissolve the cornstarch.
- Add soy sauce, dry mustard, vinegar, minced onion flakes, and garlic powder to the mixture and pour over the chicken.
- Cover and bake for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors, consider marinating the chicken in the soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking. If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Experiment with adding bell peppers or snap peas for extra veggies, similar to those in German Pork And Celery Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pineapple Mandarin Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Root Vegetables With Chicken for a colorful and nutritious dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Mandarin Chicken contains roughly 210 calories, with 3g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1124mg per serving (49% 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 fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just make sure to chop it into small pieces to ensure even cooking. Fresh pineapple will add a vibrant flavor and texture to the dish, enhancing the overall taste experience.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with apple juice or even a splash of lemon juice mixed with a bit of water to avoid overly sour flavors. This will provide a different but still pleasant acidity to the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the chicken. You can also serve it with sliced fresh jalapeños 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).