Name: Chinese Mandarin Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts; oil (for pan-frying); scallion (chopped, for garnishing); 4 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons sugar; 3 slices ginger (peeled)

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Ever had one of those days when all you want is to savor something truly delicious? That’s exactly how I felt when I first tried Chinese Mandarin Chicken. The moment those tender pieces of chicken hit my taste buds, mixed with that sweet and tangy sauce, I knew I had found a dish to fall in love with. It’s a little bit of sweetness, a little bit of spice, and a whole lot of flavor. Imagine coming home after a long day and whipping up this easy and satisfying meal in no time. It reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone gathers around the table, sharing stories and laughter. The vibrant flavors of Chinese Mandarin Chicken have a way of lifting the spirits and bringing comfort, making it a dish worth savoring and sharing with loved ones.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
20 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
Skillet, Frying Pan, Peeler, Chef’s Knife

What’s Great About This Chinese Mandarin Chicken

It’s Quick and Easy

One of the things I love about Chinese Mandarin Chicken is its simplicity. In just a few easy steps, you can have a satisfying meal on the table. With ingredients that are often staples in our kitchens, this recipe makes for a convenient weeknight dinner. You don’t need any special culinary skills to impress your family or guests.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The combination of salty, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors in this dish is simply irresistible. The rich and savory notes of the soy sauce, paired with the sweetness of sugar and the freshness of lemon juice, create a harmony of taste that dances on your palate. Each bite of Chinese Mandarin Chicken feels like a burst of flavor, making it a delight for any occasion.

Versatile Pairing Options

This dish pairs beautifully with various sides. Whether it’s a bed of steamed rice, fluffy jasmine rice, or even a fresh salad, you can customize your meal to suit your cravings. You can easily switch things up by adding vegetables or serving it with noodles for a different twist. The versatility of Chinese Mandarin Chicken makes it a fantastic choice for any meal.

Great for Entertaining

Thinking of hosting a dinner party? Chinese Mandarin Chicken is a fantastic centerpiece for your menu. It looks vibrant and appetizing when plated nicely. Plus, your guests will be impressed by the amazing flavors and aromas wafting through your kitchen. It’s a winner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

A Taste of Home

Cooking this dish always brings back fond memories of family gatherings for me. There’s something incredibly comforting about enjoying a home-cooked meal together. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a festive occasion, Chinese Mandarin Chicken brings a sense of warmth and happiness that’s hard to beat.

What to Buy for Chinese Mandarin Chicken

The ingredients for Chinese Mandarin Chicken are not only simple but also work beautifully together to create a harmonious flavor profile. Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life. From the succulent pieces of chicken to the aromatic notes of ginger and the sweetness of sugar, they combine to create a memorable meal.

2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts: These are the star of the dish. Their tender texture soaks up the sauce beautifully, providing a satisfying bite.
Oil, for pan-frying: A little oil helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust on the chicken while keeping it juicy inside.
Scallion, chopped, for garnishing: Adding a sprinkle of scallions not only enhances the dish’s appearance but also adds a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
4 tablespoons soy sauce: This is essential for the umami flavor that ties the dish together. It gives that savory depth that we all crave.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of acidity to brighten the dish, balancing out the richness of the sauce.
2 tablespoons sugar: This helps create that signature sweet and savory combination that makes Chinese Mandarin Chicken so addictive.
3 slices ginger, peeled: Ginger adds warmth and a hint of spice, elevating the overall flavor profile.

Instructions for Chinese Mandarin Chicken

Making Chinese Mandarin Chicken is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful meal ready to enjoy. Let’s get started!

Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and let it heat up until shimmering. This is key to achieving a delectable sear on the chicken.
Next, add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet. You’ll want to pan-fry them on both sides, cooking until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Look for a nice sear; this adds wonderful flavor!
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to cool for a moment on a cutting board. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy.
While the chicken cools, you can prepare your sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, lemon juice, ginger slices, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce slightly thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
Once the sauce has thickened, carefully discard the ginger slices. They’ve done their job, adding flavor to the sauce.
Now, return to the chicken. Slice it into pieces against the grain. This helps maintain tenderness.
Drizzle the sauce generously over the sliced chicken. Make sure every piece is coated in that delicious sauce.
Finally, garnish with the chopped scallions. This adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh crunch.
Serve your Chinese Mandarin Chicken immediately with a side of steamed rice. Enjoy every bite!

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t rush the cooking: Taking your time to pan-fry the chicken ensures it gets a nice sear and remains juicy inside.
Adjust the sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness in the sauce.
Experiment with textures: You can add some vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the skillet for added crunch and nutrition.
Let the sauce cool: If preparing the sauce ahead of time, allow it to cool before storing it in the fridge to prevent condensation from forming.

Substitutions and Tips

Here are some tips to elevate your experience while making Chinese Mandarin Chicken. These pointers can help improve your dish or provide alternatives if you’re out of certain ingredients.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to retain moisture.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken with sauce for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pairing: Consider serving with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to add some color and nutrition to your meal.
Variations: For a spicier version, add a dash of chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to the sauce.
Serving Suggestion: This dish also works well with fried rice or noodles if you want to switch things up.

What to Serve With Chinese Mandarin Chicken

When it comes to serving Chinese Mandarin Chicken, you have plenty of delicious options to choose from. Here are some ideas to complement this tasty dish:

Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
Fried Rice: For a heartier meal, serve with fried rice loaded with veggies for added texture and flavor.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas add freshness and crunch to your plate.
Salad: A light, crisp salad can balance the richness of the chicken. Think cucumber and carrot slaw with a sesame dressing.
Noodles: Pair with rice noodles tossed in a light soy and sesame sauce for a different twist.
Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or even as a comforting meal during the week.

FAQ

When it comes to serving Chinese Mandarin Chicken, classic pairings include steamed rice or fried rice, which soak up the savory sauce beautifully. You can also add stir-fried vegetables for a healthy touch. Fresh salads or a side of noodles are great options to balance the dish’s flavors. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences!

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For the chicken, pan-fry it, slice it, and store it separately until you’re ready to serve. Just reheat the chicken and drizzle the sauce before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prepping during busy weeks.

Not typically. Chinese Mandarin Chicken is more focused on sweet and savory flavors rather than heat. However, if you like a bit of spice, you can easily add red pepper flakes or fresh chili to the sauce for an extra kick. This way, you can customize it to fit your taste buds!

Yes! While chicken is the classic choice, you can substitute it with tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for a seafood twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through but remains tender and juicy.

Conclusion

In summary, Chinese Mandarin Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in a quick and easy manner. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress your guests. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a taste of home and create lasting memories around the dinner table.