Mandarin Orange Chicken Delight

Transform your dinner table with the vibrant and flavorful *Mandarin Orange Chicken Delight*, a fusion of crispy, golden chicken and a luscious, tangy-sweet mandarin orange sauce. This irresistible recipe combines tender, bite-sized chicken thighs, perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection, with a zesty glaze made from fresh mandarin orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger and garlic. Garnished with juicy mandarin orange segments, crunchy sesame seeds, and fresh scallions, this dish delivers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Quick and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, this crowd-pleaser pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables—ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Bring a burst of citrusy brightness to your plate and enjoy every bite of this homemade takeout classic!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Cornstarch
• 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
• 1 cup Mandarin orange juice (fresh or canned)
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Ginger, grated
• 1 cup Mandarin orange segments
• 2 tbsp Scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp Sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish and dredge the chicken pieces in it until evenly coated.

Step 3

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4

In a separate small saucepan, combine the mandarin orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the sauce mixture and continue to cook until thickened (about 2 minutes).

Step 6

Add the mandarin orange segments to the sauce and gently stir to coat them without breaking them apart.

Step 7

Return the fried chicken to the skillet or wok over low heat. Pour the mandarin orange sauce over the chicken and toss until evenly coated and warmed through.

Step 8

Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds before serving. Serve hot over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1201.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2419.2

Total Fat 160.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 69.3g
Cholesterol 567.0mg	0%
Sodium 3933.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 128.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.2g	0%
Total Sugars 81.3g
Protein 127.2g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 216.3mg	0%
Iron 6.7mg	0%
Potassium 2181.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.6%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 20.8%