Mandarin Chicken is a delightful twist on classic Chinese takeout—sweet, savory, and perfectly sticky with a citrusy orange glaze that clings to crispy bites of golden chicken. This dish features bite-sized chicken pieces, lightly breaded and fried to perfection, then tossed in a glossy mandarin orange sauce made with real juice, soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of ginger. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner or want to impress with a flavorful homemade alternative to your favorite restaurant dish, Mandarin Chicken brings that signature balance of tangy sweetness and savory depth to your plate.

What Makes This Mandarin Chicken Special?

The magic of Mandarin Chicken lies in its sauce—bright, tangy, and bursting with real orange flavor. The combination of freshly squeezed mandarin juice, honey, and savory soy sauce creates a crave-worthy glaze that coats each bite. It’s less heavy than traditional orange chicken, with a fresher, more natural citrus taste. Plus, the dish is simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying

For the Mandarin Sauce:

¾ cup mandarin orange juice (fresh-squeezed or from a can)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Zest of 1 mandarin orange (optional for extra flavor)
Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For Serving:

Steamed white rice or jasmine rice
Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Mandarin orange segments (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, mix cornstarch and flour. Dip each chicken piece in egg, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.

2. Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Mandarin Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the mandarin juice, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 1–2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

4. Combine and Toss

Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss to coat all pieces evenly. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes to soak up the flavor.

5. Serve

Serve the Mandarin Chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and extra orange segments if desired.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy version.
Baked Option: Bake breaded chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes instead of frying for a lighter dish.
No Bread Crumbs: Use just cornstarch for a lighter, thinner crust.
Veggie Boost: Toss in sautéed broccoli, snow peas, or red bell peppers.

Equipment You’ll Need

Deep skillet or frying pan
Mixing bowls
Saucepan
Tongs or slotted spoon
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories: 430
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 18g
Protein: 30g
Sugar: 14g

Storage Tips

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken separately from sauce for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm chicken in the oven and sauce in a saucepan for best texture.

My Cooking Experience

Mandarin Chicken became a staple in my kitchen during weeknights when I wanted something bold and comforting. The sweet orange flavor reminds me of family takeout nights, but with the freshness and control of a homemade meal. The sauce is so addictive I sometimes double it just to drizzle extra over rice and veggies!

Conclusion

Mandarin Chicken is the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory—delivering all the satisfaction of your favorite Chinese restaurant dish, right from your own kitchen. Easy to prepare, family-friendly, and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.

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