Manadrin Spice Honey Chicken
Infuse your dinner routine with the vibrant, sweet, and aromatic flavors of Mandarin Spice Honey Chicken—a dish that’s as comforting as it is bold. Juicy, crispy-skinned chicken thighs are bathed in a luscious glaze of freshly squeezed mandarin orange juice, golden honey, and a medley of warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Elevating the dish even further, fresh ginger and garlic add aromatic depth, while soy sauce balances the sweetness with a savory umami kick. Perfectly caramelized and finished in the oven, the chicken emerges tender and flavorful, with a glossy, thickened sauce that’s irresistible when spooned over steamed rice or roasted vegetables. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh and nutty crunch, this dish is an elegant and easy-to-master fusion of citrusy brightness and rich spices. Ideal for weeknight dinners or an impressive dinner party centerpiece, this Mandarin Spice Honey Chicken will quickly become a favorite on your recipe rotation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 3 whole Mandarin oranges (juiced, plus zest of 1)
- 0.25 cup Honey
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger (grated)
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground star anise
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 2 stalks Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then season them with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the mandarin orange juice and zest, honey, soy sauce, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground star anise. Stir well until the mixture is combined.
Reduce the sauce for 2 minutes, then return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
While the chicken is baking, make the cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with water in a small bowl.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat, and stir in the slurry to thicken the sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the thickened sauce over the top, and let it warm through for 1 minute.
Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Serve hot with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2577 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 170.2 g | 218% | |
| Saturated Fat | 44.3 g | 222% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 729 mg | 243% | |
| Sodium | 4270 mg | 186% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 107.3 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.4 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 82.0 g | ||
| Protein | 169.7 g | 339% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 301 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 11.2 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 2434 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
