Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry

Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry is a dish that instantly brings back memories of family gatherings and busy weeknights. I remember the first time I tried a similar recipe at a friend’s house. The bright, tangy flavor of the mandarin oranges combined with the savory chicken was something I had never experienced before. As I stood there, watching the vivid colors come together in a beautiful stir fry, I knew I needed to recreate this at home. This dish has since become a staple in my kitchen for its vibrant flavors and quick preparation time. It’s perfect for those evenings when I want something comforting yet easy to make. Besides, who doesn’t love a quick dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant? When I serve it, I can feel the love and effort that went into creating each bite. Now, let’s dive into making your own delicious Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry!

Everything You Need for Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry

The ingredients for Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry are a harmonious blend that not only complements each other but also creates a flavor explosion in your mouth. Each ingredient plays a significant role, from the sweetness of the mandarin oranges to the savory depth of the soy sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil – Adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the stir fry.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Provides a great base for cooking and adds a fruity note.
• about 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into small pieces – The protein powerhouse of this dish.
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed – Adds a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor.
• 1 to 2 teaspoons ground ginger – Brings a warm, spicy kick to the stir fry.
• one 14 to 16-ounce bag coleslaw mix – A convenient way to add crunch and color.
• ½ cup to 2/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce – Provides the essential umami flavor.
• 2 to 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce – Adds sweetness and complexity.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste – Enhances all the flavors combined.
• about 1.5 to 2 cups sugar snap peas – Adds a sweet crunch that balances the dish.
• two 10.5-ounce cans mandarin oranges, drained – The star of the dish, providing sweetness and acidity.
• 1 tablespoon honey, optional and to taste – Adds an additional layer of sweetness if desired.
• about 2 to 3 green onions, sliced for garnish – Adds freshness and a pop of color.

Step by Step Guide for Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry

Getting started on your Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry is a breeze! Follow these easy steps to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Let’s get cooking!

1. In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil and olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced chicken and season it with a pinch of salt. Cook for about five minutes, flipping the chicken intermittently to ensure even cooking. You want it golden brown and cooked through.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about one minute, or until you can smell the fragrant aroma wafting through your kitchen. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Next, stir in the coleslaw mix. It may look like a lot, but it wilts down quickly. Toss it well with the chicken to combine.
4. Evenly drizzle in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce. If you prefer a saucier dish, feel free to use the full 2/3 cup of soy sauce. Sprinkle in the black pepper and stir everything together. Cook for about five minutes, or until the cabbage is wilted and tender. Stir intermittently to ensure even cooking.
5. In the final two minutes of cooking, add the sugar snap peas. Stir-fry until they are crisp-tender, adding a vibrant pop of color to the dish.
6. Remove the skillet from heat, and gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges. This is where the magic happens! The oranges add a bright flavor that balances the savory notes.
7. Optionally, drizzle in the honey to enhance the sweetness even further. Give everything a final stir to combine.
8. To serve, evenly sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions. This adds a fresh, crisp note to the finished dish!
9. Enjoy your Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry immediately while it’s still warm. The flavors are best enjoyed fresh out of the skillet!
10. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Ways to Customize

If you’re excited to put your own spin on the Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry, here are some great ideas to explore:

• Protein Options: Use grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option.
• Add More Veggies: Try incorporating bell peppers, snap peas, or even baby corn for extra crunch.
• Fruit Variations: Experiment with other fruits such as pineapple or peaches to change up the flavor profile.
• Spice it up: For those who love heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dish.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil for an aromatic touch.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Accompaniments for Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry

• Serve with Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully.
• Noodles: Pair the stir fry with noodles for a hearty option; try rice noodles or whole wheat for added nutrition.
• Perfect for Lunch: This dish makes a fantastic lunch option, either hot or cold!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare a batch on Sunday to have quick lunches ready for the week ahead.
• Occasions: This dish is great for casual family dinners or even for festive gatherings!
• Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy this stir fry as a light meal during spring and summer months when fresh produce is abundant.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry truly captures the essence of vibrant, quick cooking. With its delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, it’s a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings a sense of joy to your dinner table. I encourage you to try making this recipe tonight; you won’t regret it! It’s an easy way to impress your family or even yourself with a gourmet experience right in your kitchen.

Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry

The ultimate comfort food, Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry is an easy weeknight dinner that bursts with flavor. Fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and sweet mandarins combine for a dish that's as delightful to look at as it is to eat. This vibrant recipe is perfect for satisfying those cravings tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic
• 1 to 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 14 to 16 ounces coleslaw mix
• 0.5 to 0.67 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 to 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Or to taste
• 1.5 to 2 cups sugar snap peas Snow pea pods may be substituted.
• 10.5 ounces mandarin oranges Drained (I use the ones in juice rather than in light syrup).
• 1 tablespoon honey Optional and to taste.
• 2 to 3 pieces green onions Sliced into thin rounds, for garnishing.

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil and olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced chicken and season it with a pinch of salt. Cook for about five minutes, flipping the chicken intermittently to ensure even cooking. You want it golden brown and cooked through.
• Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about one minute, or until you can smell the fragrant aroma wafting through your kitchen. Be careful not to burn them!
• Next, stir in the coleslaw mix. It may look like a lot, but it wilts down quickly. Toss it well with the chicken to combine.
• Evenly drizzle in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce. If you prefer a saucier dish, feel free to use the full 2/3 cup of soy sauce. Sprinkle in the black pepper and stir everything together. Cook for about five minutes, or until the cabbage is wilted and tender. Stir intermittently to ensure even cooking.
• In the final two minutes of cooking, add the sugar snap peas. Stir-fry until they are crisp-tender, adding a vibrant pop of color to the dish.
• Remove the skillet from heat, and gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges. This is where the magic happens! The oranges add a bright flavor that balances the savory notes.
• Optionally, drizzle in the honey to enhance the sweetness even further. Give everything a final stir to combine.
• To serve, evenly sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions. This adds a fresh, crisp note to the finished dish!
• Enjoy your Mandarin Orange Chicken Stir Fry immediately while it’s still warm. The flavors are best enjoyed fresh out of the skillet!
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
• Tip 2: This dish freezes well, allowing you to enjoy it later; just reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
• Tip 3: Consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.
• Tip 4: Serve over rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
• Tip 5: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey as per your taste.

Keyword chicken stir fry recipe, easy weeknight dinner, healthy stir fry, Mandarin Orange Chicken

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Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.