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Mandarin Chicken - popular Chinese chicken dish with sweet and savory Mandarin sauce. Crazy good just like Panda Express or the malls.
Mandarin chicken is one of the most requested Chinese recipes on my website. My readers started emailing me a couple of year ago when popular Chinese joint Panda Express removed Mandarin chicken from their menu.
So, for those who have been waiting to replicate this dish at home, I’ve got you the easiest and most delicious recipe that tastes like Panda Express or the malls, if not better.
This is a super quick, healthy and simple recipe to make and takes only 5 ingredients: chicken, ginger, soy sauce, lemon juice and sugar.
First, you pan-seared the chicken (breast or thighs), then you make the sauce. Slice the chicken into pieces and drizzle a load of the citrusy sauce on the chicken and serve with rice.
In the United States, another type of Mandarin Chicken served at Chinese restaurants is practically Orange Chicken.
I know it’s confusing, but both are well loved by many people, including the pickiest eaters and kids. Try out both my recipes and see what you like. Happy eating!
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is only 165 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Mandarin Chicken
For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
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Other Recipes You Might Like
Mandarin Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
- oil, for pan-frying
- scallion, chopped , for garnishing
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 slices ginger, peeled
Instructions
- Heat a skillet and pan-fry the chicken on both sides until cooked through. You can also grill the chicken or use a cast-iron grill pan. Allow to cool, then slice into pieces and set aside.
- Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sauce slightly thickens. Discard the ginger slices.
- Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and garnish with scallions. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Maybe it is because its Mandarin is because its Chinese
So, why does it called “mandarin” chicken?
Nothing mandarin in the sauce. Or is it lemon juice that makes it mandarine?
Hi Alex, I have no idea either. Chinese food has names that don’t make sense sometimes. ;)
It’s from a Tibetan area of China where the language is Chinese mandarin. Nothing to do with oranges
I see!
My mouth was watering looking at your picture. Going to try this weekend!
This is amazeballs! Made this for myself tonight along with my own fried rice, tasty simple and far better than any takeaway! Thanks loving your recipies.
how many servings this meal?
Wow, that sauce looks so good! I can’t believe how simple this is – I’m definitely going to have to whip it up for a weeknight dinner! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Hi Kaela!
I will be making this soon for sure, I love Chinese dishes and hubby loves them as well. Thanks for the easy recipe… Pinned for future reference :).
Thanks Amira. :)
This looks and sounds wonderful, Bee! And your pictures are gorgeous – I can practically taste how juicy it is!
Aww Kathleen, thanks. Yes this is a great and super easy recipe. Very delicious! :)
Clear, informative, simple. Love your post!
Definitely going to try this but first please confirm if 2 tablespoons sugar is not too sweet
No, not too sweet. 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, too. If you don’t like it too sweet, use slightly less than 2 tablespoons.