Mandarin Chicken Recipe
This Mandarin Chicken recipe is reminiscent of classic sweet and sour chicken, yet it introduces a refreshing twist by incorporating mandarin oranges instead of pineapple, delivering a unique burst of sweetness and citrus flavor. Perfectly crispy chicken pieces mingle with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, rounded off with tender green pepper and onions. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal meal when you’re craving something both comforting and unique in under 30 minutes.
| Cook Time | Prep Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 30 minutes |
Recipe Category
One Dish Meal
Keywords
Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Under 30 Minutes
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Boneless chicken breast |
| ½ cup | Flour |
| ½ tsp | Salt |
| ½ tsp | Pepper |
| ½ tsp | Ginger (ground) |
| 2 | Eggs, beaten |
| 2 tbsp | Canola oil |
| ½ cup | Green pepper, chopped |
| ½ cup | Onion, chopped |
| 1 tbsp | Cider vinegar |
| 1 tbsp | Brown sugar |
| 3 tbsp | Ketchup |
| ½ tsp | Salt |
| 1 tbsp | Cornstarch |
| 1 can | Mandarin oranges, with syrup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 470.1 |
| Total Fat | 17.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 178.4 mg |
| Sodium | 1217.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 49.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g |
| Sugars | 30.6 g |
| Protein | 30.6 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the boneless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even pieces for uniform cooking.
-
Season and Dredge:
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and ground ginger.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
-
Fry the Chicken:
- In a large frying pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown, roughly 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Once golden, remove the chicken pieces from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
-
Prepare the Sauce Base:
- In another large skillet, heat an additional 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped green pepper and onion to the skillet, sautéing until they begin to soften, approximately 3-4 minutes.
-
Create the Sauce:
- Stir in the ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, and additional salt.
- In a small bowl, blend the cornstarch with the syrup from the mandarin orange can, stirring until smooth.
- Gradually add this cornstarch mixture to the pan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
-
Thicken the Sauce:
- Continue to cook the sauce, stirring regularly, until it begins to thicken, about 3 minutes.
-
Combine and Finish:
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring to coat each piece thoroughly. Heat the mixture through for an additional 3 minutes, ensuring everything is evenly combined.
- Gently fold in the mandarin orange slices, being careful not to break them up.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Mandarin Chicken over steamed rice or noodles, allowing the sauce to coat each bite perfectly.
- Garnish with extra mandarin slices or freshly chopped green onions for an added burst of color and flavor.
Enjoy this Mandarin Chicken recipe as a light, flavorful dish that combines the brightness of citrus with the warmth of ginger and the satisfying crispiness of fried chicken—an instant crowd-pleaser for any weeknight dinner or casual get-together.
