Sweet and Tangy Mandarin Chicken Delight
Experience the irresistible flavors of this Sweet and Tangy Mandarin Chicken Delight, inspired by the popular dish from Panda Express. This delicious recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated and coated in a sticky-sweet sauce made from a blend of sugar, soy sauce, and fresh citrus. Perfect for sharing, this Asian-inspired dish comes together in just a few steps and is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside your favorite veggies for a complete meal!
2
Servings
450
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
2/3 cup (none)
skinless chicken thighs
6 (none)
soy sauce
1/4 cup (none)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
vegetable oil
1 teaspoon (for grilling)
minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon (fresh)
minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon (fresh)
water
1/4 cup (none)
arrowroot
4 teaspoons (mixed with water before use)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, vegetable oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Mix thoroughly.
2
In a separate small bowl, mix the water with the arrowroot starch until well combined and arrowroot is dissolved. Pour this mixture into the saucepan.
3
Place the saucepan over high heat. While stirring frequently, bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
4
Preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat. Lightly rub each chicken thigh with a bit of vegetable oil for grilling.
5
Once the grill is hot, place the chicken thighs on it. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
6
Remove the chicken from the grill, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
7
Transfer the chopped chicken into a large frying pan over medium heat. Let it sizzle for a couple of minutes, then reduce the heat and cover the pan.
8
When ready to serve, spoon the chicken into a medium bowl and pour the thickened sauce over the top. Toss gently until all pieces are well coated. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
45g
Carbs
28g
Protein
35g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Tangy Mandarin Chicken Delight?
It is an Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky-sweet sauce made from sugar, soy sauce, and fresh citrus, inspired by Panda Express.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What are the nutritional statistics per serving?
Each serving contains 450 calories, 12g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, 28g of protein, and 35g of sugar.
What ingredients are needed for the sauce?
The sauce consists of sugar, soy sauce, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vegetable oil, minced fresh garlic, and minced fresh ginger.
How do I thicken the mandarin sauce?
The sauce is thickened by adding a mixture of water and arrowroot starch and then simmering it for 4 to 6 minutes.
Can I substitute arrowroot with something else?
Yes, cornstarch is a common substitute for arrowroot starch and can be used in a similar fashion to thicken the sauce.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 skinless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and flavor.
How should the chicken be prepared for grilling?
You should lightly rub each chicken thigh with vegetable oil before placing it on a high-heat grill.
How long should I grill the chicken?
Grill the chicken thighs for 4 to 6 minutes on each side until fully cooked with visible grill marks.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to combine sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, vegetable oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan.
When do I add the sauce to the chicken?
After the chicken is grilled, chopped, and sizzled in a frying pan, pour the thickened sauce over the pieces and toss gently.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
No, this is a sweet and tangy recipe, though you could add chili flakes if you prefer a spicier kick.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe recommends freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best citrus flavor profile.
What type of ginger should I use?
The recipe specifies using fresh minced ginger for the most authentic taste.
What type of garlic is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of minced fresh garlic.
How do I prepare the arrowroot mixture?
Mix 4 teaspoons of arrowroot with 1/4 cup of water in a separate small bowl until the starch is fully dissolved.
Should the chicken be chopped before or after grilling?
The chicken should be grilled as whole thighs first, then removed from the grill and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
What side dishes go well with Mandarin Chicken?
It is best served over steamed rice or alongside your favorite stir-fry vegetables.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, though they may be slightly less juicy than the recommended thighs.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
According to the nutritional data, this specific recipe contains 0g of fiber.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of soy sauce.
What category of cuisine is this?
This recipe is categorized as Asian cuisine.
Is the chicken skin-on or skinless?
The recipe specifically calls for skinless chicken thighs.
How much sugar is in the sauce base?
The sauce base uses 2/3 cup of sugar.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill or grill pan should be preheated to high heat.
How do I finish the chicken in the frying pan?
Place chopped chicken in a frying pan over medium heat to sizzle for a few minutes, then reduce heat and cover before saucing.
What makes the sauce tangy?
The combination of lemon juice and soy sauce provides the signature tangy flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the chicken and sauce hold up well and can be stored for later use, making it great for meal sharing.
Should the sauce be boiling when I add the arrowroot?
No, you should pour the arrowroot mixture into the saucepan with the other ingredients before bringing the whole mixture to a boil.