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Homemade Mandarin Chicken photo

Mandarin Chicken

This Mandarin Chicken is a vibrant, sweet, and tangy dish that's sure to impress!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: Chicken, Easy, Quick
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed for easy cooking
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for sautéing the chicken

For the Sauce:

  • ¾ cup orange juice freshly squeezed is best
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce to balance the sweetness
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar for that rich sweetness
  • 2 tablespoons water to mix with the cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening the sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced for aromatic flavor
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger adds a zing to the dish
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper for a subtle kick

For Serving:

  • Steamed rice the perfect base for your chicken
  • Steamed broccoli a nutritious side
  • Sliced green onions for garnish
  • Sesame seeds for a delightful crunch

Instructions

Method:

  • Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
  • In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cubed chicken. Season with ground black pepper and sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Mix well.
  • In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Pour the orange juice mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and allow the sauce to thicken, stirring constantly.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the thickened sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Serve the Mandarin Chicken over a bed of steamed rice and steamed broccoli. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon
  • Steamer Basket

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; this can cause it to steam instead of sear.
  • Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor; bottled juice can be overly sweet and lack depth.
  • Be careful with the cornstarch; too much can make the sauce gummy. Start with a small amount and add more if necessary.