Mandarin Chicken
Savor the sweet and savory balance of this Mandarin Chicken recipe, a mouthwatering dish that captures the vibrant flavors of juicy mandarin oranges, tangy soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Tender, skillet-seared chicken thighs are lovingly coated in a luscious mandarin orange glaze spiced with garlic and ginger, creating a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Finished with a bright garnish of green onions and optional sesame seeds, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready in just 40 minutes and served best with steamed rice or sautéed veggies, this recipe is a delightful blend of citrusy sweetness and umami goodness. Perfect for fans of quick and flavorful Asian-inspired chicken recipes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 15 ounces mandarin oranges (canned, with juice)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 stalks green onions (chopped for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the mandarin orange juice from the canned mandarins, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until well blended.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Pour the mandarin orange sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and return the chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes.
Gently fold in the mandarin orange segments to warm them without breaking apart.
Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Serve hot with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
357 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.8 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.3 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 127 mg | 42% | |
| Sodium | 657 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.0 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.4 g | ||
| Protein | 30.1 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 49 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 488 mg | 10% | |
*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.
