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!
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.
Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish and dredge the chicken pieces in it until evenly coated.
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.
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.
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).
Add the mandarin orange segments to the sauce and gently stir to coat them without breaking them apart.
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.
Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds before serving. Serve hot over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2419 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 160.6 g | 206% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.4 g | 147% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 69.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 567 mg | 189% | |
| Sodium | 3933 mg | 171% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 128.4 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.2 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 81.3 g | ||
| Protein | 127.2 g | 254% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 216 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 2182 mg | 46% | |
*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.
