Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Coat chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
6. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
7. Add the orange juice mixture to the skillet with the chicken and stir to combine.
8. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
9. Add the mandarin oranges to the skillet and stir to combine.
10. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with tofu or shrimp.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- Mandarin oranges can be substituted with pineapple or peaches.
Variations:
- Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet with the chicken for added flavor and texture.
- Use orange zest instead of orange juice for a stronger orange flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the skillet to prevent excess oil from being added to the sauce.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a bowl with rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Pairings:
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed broccoli
- Stir-fried green beans
- Cucumber salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more orange juice or water to thin it out.
- If the chicken is not crispy enough, increase the heat and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Mandarin orange chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, often found on the menu at Chinese restaurants in the United States.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, tangy, and savory.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A