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!
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.