Mandarin Chicken Saute: A Flavorful & Easy Weeknight Dinner

Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Mandarin Chicken Saute! This recipe is bursting with bright citrus flavors, tender chicken, and crisp-tender vegetables, all coated in a luscious mandarin-infused sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes. Forget takeout – this homemade version is far superior, healthier, and much more satisfying.

This dish perfectly balances sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. The juicy mandarin oranges provide a natural sweetness that complements the savory chicken and vegetables beautifully. A touch of soy sauce adds umami depth, while ginger and garlic contribute a warm, aromatic complexity. The overall effect is a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

## Why You’ll Love This Mandarin Chicken Saute

* **Quick and Easy:** Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep time and cooks up in a flash.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables, this dish is a healthy and satisfying meal option.
* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The combination of mandarin oranges, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a vibrant and irresistible flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable to your liking – swap out vegetables, adjust the sauce, or add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of this dish.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses readily available ingredients that won’t break the bank.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

* **Chicken Breast:** 1.5 pounds, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. Chicken thighs can also be used, but cooking time may need to be adjusted. Ensure the chicken is cut into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
* **Mandarin Oranges:** 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained, plus 1/4 cup of the juice reserved. Fresh mandarin oranges can also be used; you’ll need approximately 4-5 medium-sized mandarins. Peel them, segment them, and reserve the juice from a few segments.
* **Vegetables:**
* 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced. Red bell peppers add sweetness and vibrant color.
* 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced. Green bell peppers offer a slightly more bitter flavor than red bell peppers, adding complexity.
* 1 medium onion, sliced. Adds savory depth to the dish.
* 1 cup broccoli florets. Adds a healthy dose of nutrients and a satisfying crunch.
* (Optional) 1/2 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas. For added sweetness and crispness.
* (Optional) 1/2 cup sliced carrots. Adds a sweet and crunchy element.
* **Sauce Ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup soy sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. Adds a tangy brightness to the sauce.
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup. Sweetens the sauce and balances the savory elements.
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Thickens the sauce to a glossy consistency.
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Fresh ginger is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but ground ginger can be used in a pinch (use about 1/2 teaspoon).
* 2 cloves garlic, minced. Adds aromatic depth to the sauce. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). For a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
* **Oil:** 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil. For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
* **Garnish (Optional):**
* Sesame seeds. For added texture and nutty flavor.
* Chopped green onions. For a fresh and vibrant garnish.
* Cooked rice or noodles. For serving.

## Equipment Needed

* Large skillet or wok
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Small bowl (for mixing the sauce)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious Mandarin Chicken Saute:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a good sear.
* Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Ensure the pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
* In a bowl, you can optionally marinate the chicken for 15-20 minutes. A simple marinade of 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon ginger, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch will tenderize the chicken and enhance its flavor. However, this step is not essential, and you can proceed directly to the next step if you’re short on time.

**Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.
* Slice the bell peppers and onion.
* Cut the broccoli into florets.
* Prepare any other vegetables you are using (snow peas, carrots, etc.).

**Step 3: Make the Mandarin Sauce**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and the reserved mandarin orange juice. Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch. Set aside.

**Step 4: Saute the Chicken**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot before adding the chicken. You can test this by flicking a few drops of water into the skillet; if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the skillet is ready.
* Add the chicken cubes to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
* Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 5: Saute the Vegetables**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. If the skillet is dry, add a little more oil.
* Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet and saute for 3-5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
* Add the broccoli florets (and any other vegetables you are using, such as snow peas or carrots) to the skillet and saute for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. The vegetables should still have a slight bite to them.

**Step 6: Combine and Simmer**

* Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
* Pour the mandarin sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
* Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and is glossy. Stir constantly to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

**Step 7: Add the Mandarin Oranges**

* Gently stir in the drained mandarin oranges. Be careful not to break them apart.
* Heat through for another minute.

**Step 8: Serve and Garnish**

* Serve the Mandarin Chicken Saute immediately over cooked rice or noodles.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** When sautéing the chicken and vegetables, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent them from browning properly and will result in steamed, rather than sautéed, food. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Use high heat:** Sautéing requires high heat to quickly cook the food and create a nice sear. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the ingredients.
* **Stir frequently:** Stir the chicken and vegetables frequently to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn.
* **Don’t overcook the vegetables:** The vegetables should be crisp-tender, not mushy. Cook them until they are slightly softened but still have a bite to them.
* **Adjust the sauce to your liking:** Feel free to adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness of the sauce to your personal preference. Add more honey for a sweeter sauce, more rice vinegar for a tangier sauce, or more red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce.
* **Use fresh ingredients:** Fresh ginger and garlic will provide the best flavor for the sauce. If you don’t have fresh ginger or garlic on hand, you can use ground ginger or garlic powder, but the flavor won’t be as intense.
* **Marinate the chicken (optional):** Marinating the chicken for 15-20 minutes will tenderize it and enhance its flavor. A simple marinade of soy sauce, ginger, and cornstarch will do the trick.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Protein:** You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to use any vegetables you like, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bok choy.
* **Sauce:** Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish. You can also add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
* **Nuts:** Add a handful of chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Citrus:** Try using other citrus fruits, such as oranges or tangerines, instead of mandarin oranges.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve over cooked rice (white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice all work well).
* Serve over noodles (egg noodles, ramen noodles, or udon noodles are all great options).
* Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans.
* Serve with a side salad.
* Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or chopped cilantro.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover Mandarin Chicken Saute in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the Mandarin Chicken Saute in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 25-30g
* Fiber: 3-5g

*(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)*

## Conclusion

This Mandarin Chicken Saute is a delightful and easy recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its bright citrus flavors, tender chicken, and crisp-tender vegetables, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. So, ditch the takeout menu and give this homemade version a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Mandarin Chicken Saute! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Happy cooking!

## FAQ

**Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the skillet.

**Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

**Q: Can I freeze this dish?**
A: Yes, you can freeze this dish, but the texture of the vegetables may change slightly after thawing. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it completely before reheating.

**Q: What if I don’t have rice vinegar?**
A: You can substitute rice vinegar with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

**Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener?**
A: Yes, you can use other sweeteners such as brown sugar, agave nectar, or stevia instead of honey or maple syrup. Adjust the amount to your liking.

**Q: My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?**
A: If your sauce is too thin, you can whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the skillet. Cook for a minute or two, until the sauce thickens.

**Q: My sauce is too thick. How can I thin it?**
A: If your sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or broth to the skillet. Stir until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

**Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?**
A: While this recipe is designed for quick sauteing, you could adapt it for a slow cooker. However, the vegetables will be softer. Brown the chicken first, then add all ingredients except the mandarin oranges to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the mandarin oranges during the last 30 minutes of cooking.