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.
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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!
Serve Mandarin Chicken with:
For a wholesome dinner, make the following dishes.
How Many Calories Per Serving?
This recipe is only 165 calories per serving.
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Mandarin Chicken Recipe
Mandarin Chicken – popular Chinese chicken dish with sweet and savory Mandarin sauce. Crazy good just like Panda Express or the malls.
Ingredients
- 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
- Oil, for pan-frying
- Chopped scallion, for garnishing
- Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 slices peeled ginger
Directions
- 1
Heat up a skillet and pan-fry the chicken on both sides until cooked. You may grill the chicken or pan-fry using a cast-iron grill pan. Cool off and sliced into pieces, set aside.
- 2
Mix all the ingredients in a small sauce pan. Heat up on medium heat until the sauce slightly thickens. Discard the ginger slices.
- 3
Drizzle the Sauce on top of the chicken and garnish with the scallion. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Alex
So, why does it called “mandarin” chicken?
Nothing mandarin in the sauce. Or is it lemon juice that makes it mandarine?
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Alex, I have no idea either. Chinese food has names that don’t make sense sometimes. ;)
Amanda
My mouth was watering looking at your picture. Going to try this weekend!
Scotty
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.
Rengelica Balajadia
how many servings this meal?
Kaela Glenn
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.
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Kaela!
Amira
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 :).
Rasa Malaysia
Thanks Amira. :)
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom
This looks and sounds wonderful, Bee! And your pictures are gorgeous – I can practically taste how juicy it is!
Rasa Malaysia
Aww Kathleen, thanks. Yes this is a great and super easy recipe. Very delicious! :)
Susan M. Nichols
Clear, informative, simple. Love your post!
Avril
Definitely going to try this but first please confirm if 2 tablespoons sugar is not too sweet
Rasa Malaysia
No, not too sweet. 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, too. If you don’t like it too sweet, use slightly less than 2 tablespoons.