Best 4 Authentic Chinese Mandarin Chicken Recipes

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Authentic Chinese Mandarin Chicken, a dish that harmoniously blends sweet, tangy, and savory notes. This popular dish, also known as Orange Chicken, features crispy fried chicken coated in a glossy, citrus-infused sauce. The sauce, made with fresh orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of honey, creates a perfect balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions for creating this classic dish from scratch, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience. Additionally, this article offers variations on the traditional Mandarin chicken recipe, including a healthier baked version and a spicy Szechuan-inspired variation. Dive into the world of Chinese cuisine and elevate your taste buds with this delectable dish.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

MANDARIN ORANGE CHICKEN

Mandarin Orange Chicken image

A pretty and tasty dish that's easy and quick! Serve with rice.

Provided by Tammie Bickar

Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Chicken Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup hoisin sauce
⅓ cup orange juice
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 tablespoon chopped green onions
¼ cup chopped cashews

Steps:

Place flour in a small bowl. Dredge chicken in the flour to lightly coat.
Heat olive oil and butter in a medium skillet over medium heat, and saute the chicken breasts until no longer pink and juices run clear. Set aside, and keep warm.
Stir hoisin sauce and orange juice into the skillet, and scrape up the browned bits. Mix in mandarin oranges, green onions, and cashews, Return chicken to the skillet. Continue cooking until all ingredients are heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 402.8 calories, Carbohydrate 27.7 g, Cholesterol 84.3 mg, Fat 18.8 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 30.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 518.6 mg, Sugar 14.8 g

MANDARIN CHICKEN

Mandarin Chicken image

This is very similar to the Mandarin chicken served in the malls, except I use white meat chicken. Boneless chicken thighs are what the restaurant uses. It's quick, easy and delicious. Sometimes I'll make this, then a quick trip to the local Chinese take-out for vegetable lo mein and eggrolls for a cheap, tasty Chinese meal that's almost homemade. You'll be amazed at how authentic this tastes! *Note: I have adjusted the amount of sugar to reflect comments written in reviews. If you like it sweet, use the full 2/3 cup.

Provided by msboogie

Categories Chicken

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 whole boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 4 equal pieces (1lb)
vegetable oil cooking spray
2/3 cup sugar (or less, according to taste)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/4 cup water
4 teaspoons cornstarch

Steps:

Spray chicken breasts with vegetable oil spray.
Grill chicken breasts 4-6 minutes per side or until done (chicken should be brown in spots).
Chop chicken into bite size pieces, set aside.
Combine sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, oil, garlic and ginger in a small saucepan.
Heat over medium until sugar is dissolved, stirring often.
Bring to boil.
Combine cornstarch and water.
Add to sauce pan, stirring often.
Reduce heat and simmer 4-6 minutes or until sauce thickens.
Pour chicken into a large frying pan over medium heat.
Heat until chicken sizzles, then reduce heat and pour sauce over the chicken.
Heat through.
Serve over white rice.

MANDARIN CHICKEN

Mandarin Chicken image

Prompted by a visit from my husband's orange-loving grandmother (she spends winters in Florida), I planned an orangy dinner. Even the main dish fit the theme, with mandarin oranges and orange juice in this savory chicken and rice bake. -Susan West North Grafton, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 pound)
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cups orange juice
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
Paprika and minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

Spread rice in a greased shallow 3-qt. baking dish. Top with chicken and mushrooms. Pour orange juice and broth over all. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. , Cover and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until chicken juices run clear and rice is tender. Garnish with oranges, paprika and parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 519 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 734mg sodium, Carbohydrate 86g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CRISPY MANDARIN CHICKEN

Crispy Mandarin Chicken image

Make and share this Crispy Mandarin Chicken recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Diana Adcock

Categories Chicken

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1 egg white
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 cup Bisquick baking mix
1/3 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoons sesame seeds
4 cups vegetable oil
1 (8 ounce) can mandarin orange segments, drained reserving juice
2 medium carrots, sliced thin
2 large green peppers, sliced thin
1 small red onion, sliced into thin wedges
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granule

Steps:

In a large mixing bowl combine the egg white, 2 T's cornstarch, and soy sauce.
Whisk well.
Add chicken pieces.
Toss well to coat, set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl combine the bisquik, water and sesame seeds.
Mix well.
Add to chicken mixture, stirring well to coat.
In a large, deep skillet heat oil, or plug in your deep fryer.
Combine mandarin juice and enough water to make 1 and 1/4 cups.
Pour into a large skillet and bring to a boil.
Add carrots.
Cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
Cook for 3 minutes.
Add peppers and onions.
Cook 1 minute.
Combine ketchup, sugar, cornstarch, vinegar and bouillon granules,, mixing well.
Stir into vegetable mixture.
Stir well and remove from heat.
Cook chicken pieces in batches, drain on paper towels.
When chicken is cooked, heat vegetable mixture, allow to thicken then add chicken.
Serve over hot rice.
I like this over a spinach and mushroom salad-the heat wilts the spinach "just right".
Serves 4.

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish. Look for organic, free-range chicken, and fresh vegetables.
Marinate the chicken overnight: This will help to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. If you don't have time to marinate the chicken overnight, you can marinate it for at least 30 minutes.
Use a light touch when coating the chicken in cornstarch: Too much cornstarch will make the chicken tough. Just a light coating is all you need.
Fry the chicken in hot oil: This will help to create a crispy crust. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will not cook evenly.
Make the sauce while the chicken is frying: This will save you time and ensure that the chicken and sauce are ready at the same time.
Serve the chicken immediately: Mandarin chicken is best served hot and fresh. If you need to make it ahead of time, you can reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion:

Mandarin chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its crispy chicken, flavorful sauce, and fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give Mandarin chicken a try. You won't be disappointed!