Mandarin Chicken Tenders
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly tangy, Mandarin Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on classic chicken strips. These tender bites are coated in a crunchy panko crust and tossed in a luscious mandarin glaze made from freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and a hint of rice vinegar. Perfectly balancing sweet and savory flavors, this dish is a hit for family dinners or easy entertaining. Whether baked for a healthier option or pan-fried for extra crispiness, they’re topped with vibrant green onions and optional sesame seeds for a flavorful and visually stunning finish. Serve these juicy chicken tenders with a side of steamed rice or a crisp salad for an unforgettable meal. This quick recipe takes just 40 minutes to prepare and promises a burst of citrusy flavor in every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken tenders
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Vegetable oil
- 3 Fresh mandarin oranges
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Water
- 2 Green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat if pan-frying.
Season chicken tenders evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken tender in flour first, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.
If frying: Add prepared chicken tenders to the hot oil in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. If baking: Place breaded tenders on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
While the tenders cook, prepare the mandarin glaze. Juice the fresh mandarins to yield about 1/3 cup of juice. Add the juice to a small saucepan along with honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add this to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.
Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm mandarin glaze over the tenders and gently toss to coat.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2715 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 149.2 g | 191% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.3 g | 136% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 33.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 599 mg | 200% | |
| Sodium | 6731 mg | 293% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 231.8 g | 84% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.9 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 69.7 g | ||
| Protein | 124.9 g | 250% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 376 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 13.9 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 2063 mg | 44% | |
*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.
