Onion-Fried Mandarin Orange Chicken
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This delightful dish brings together the savory goodness of caramelized onions and tender chicken, paired with a light, citrusy orange sauce that provides the perfect touch of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or something a little more special, this recipe is both delicious and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken and the vibrant flavor of mandarin oranges is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Inspired by the Pillsbury Fast and Healthy cookbook from June 1996, this healthy chicken recipe is a perfect fit for busy evenings.
Recipe Category
Chicken Breast
Keywords
Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Asian, Healthy, Free Of…, Less Than 30 Minutes, Beginner Cook, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving, 6 servings total)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185.5 kcal |
| Fat Content | 3.7 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 1.7 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 73.5 mg |
| Sodium Content | 252.4 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 8.9 g |
| Fiber Content | 1.2 g |
| Sugar Content | 6.2 g |
| Protein Content | 28.2 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 6 pieces |
| Dried basil leaves | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | 1 tsp |
| Butter (or margarine) | 1 tbsp |
| Onion (medium-sized, thinly sliced) | 1/2 onion |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
| Mandarin orange segments | 1 can (or 1 1/2 cups fresh) |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
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Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the boneless skinless chicken breasts with the dried basil, salt, and cayenne pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed over the chicken, helping it to absorb the flavors. Set aside while you prepare the skillet.
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Melt the Butter: In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter (or margarine) over medium-high heat. The butter will create a rich, flavorful base for the chicken and will help it cook without sticking to the pan.
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Cook the Chicken: Once the butter is melted, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on one side. You want the chicken to get a nice sear, but don’t worry about it cooking all the way through just yet.
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Add the Onion: After turning the chicken over, add the sliced onions to the skillet. Continue cooking the chicken for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is fork-tender and the juices run clear when pierced. The onions will caramelize and soften, adding sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. Stir occasionally to ensure the onions cook evenly without burning.
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Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, the reserved liquid from the mandarin orange segments, and cornstarch. Stir well to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This mixture will thicken into a velvety sauce when added to the skillet.
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Make the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the broth and cornstarch mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir the ingredients together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly.
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Add the Mandarins: Finally, gently stir in the mandarin orange segments, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the chicken and sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the oranges are heated through and the sauce is glossy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Plate the chicken with a generous spoonful of the caramelized onions and orange sauce. Serve over rice, noodles, or a bed of sautéed greens for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with steamed jasmine rice or a side of sautéed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. The slight tang from the mandarin oranges and the sweetness from the caramelized onions make this dish incredibly flavorful and well-balanced. For added crunch, you can garnish with a few chopped almonds or toasted sesame seeds.
This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight, but also impressive enough to serve guests. Its delightful combination of savory and citrusy flavors makes it an excellent choice for any occasion. Give it a try today, and enjoy a healthy, tasty meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare!
