Tangy Mandarin Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This Tangy Mandarin Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a flavorful and vibrant dish that comes together in no time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken and crunchy broccoli coleslaw tossed in a delectable teriyaki-soy sauce is sure to please everyone at the table. The addition of sweet mandarin oranges adds a refreshing contrast to the savory elements, while the pre-packaged coleslaw mix eliminates the need for chopping, ensuring you can whip up this delicious meal quickly and easily. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a comforting finish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 (Cut into 1-inch cubes)
teriyaki marinade
1/2 cup (Commercial or homemade)
soy sauce
1/2 cup (Low sodium for a healthier option)
mandarin oranges
1 (11 ounce) can (Drained, reserve juice)
broccoli coleslaw mix
2 cups (Pre-packaged mix containing shredded carrots and broccoli hearts)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and set them aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the teriyaki marinade, soy sauce, and the juice from the can of mandarin oranges. Add the cut chicken and broccoli coleslaw mix into the marinade and toss to coat well.
3
If time allows, marinate the chicken and coleslaw mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can skip this step.
4
Heat a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, pour in the marinated chicken and coleslaw mixture. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the coleslaw is slightly tender yet still crisp.
5
Finally, gently fold in the mandarin oranges and heat for an additional minute until warmed through. Remove from heat and serve immediately, savoring the delicious flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Mandarin Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry?
It is a flavorful and vibrant Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken cubes, crunchy broccoli coleslaw, and sweet mandarin oranges tossed in a savory teriyaki-soy sauce.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include boneless skinless chicken breasts, teriyaki marinade, soy sauce, canned mandarin oranges, and a pre-packaged broccoli coleslaw mix.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be cut into 1-inch cubes before marinating and cooking.
What is in the broccoli coleslaw mix?
The mix typically contains shredded broccoli hearts and carrots, which provides a crunch without the need for manual chopping.
Can I use homemade teriyaki marinade?
Yes, you can use either a commercial brand or a homemade version of teriyaki marinade.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating is recommended for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor, but if you are in a hurry, you can skip this step and cook it immediately.
What do I do with the juice from the mandarin oranges?
The reserved juice from the canned mandarin oranges is mixed with the teriyaki sauce and soy sauce to create the flavorful marinade.
What kind of soy sauce is best for this stir-fry?
Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended if you are looking for a healthier option to control the salt content.
How long does the stir-fry take to cook?
The chicken and coleslaw mixture should be stir-fried for approximately 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat.
When do I add the mandarin oranges?
The mandarin oranges are gently folded in at the very end and heated for about one minute until warmed through.
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges?
While canned oranges are used for the reserved juice, you can use fresh segments, though you may need a separate source of orange juice for the marinade.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is specifically designed for busy weeknights as it uses pre-packaged slaw and cooks very quickly.
What should I serve with this dish?
This stir-fry is best served over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete, comforting meal.
Can I substitute the chicken with another meat?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with thin strips of beef, pork, or even shrimp, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
Is the broccoli coleslaw supposed to be soft?
The goal is to cook it until it is slightly tender but still retains a crisp texture.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this dish is tangy and savory. If you prefer heat, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha during the cooking process.
What equipment is required?
A large wok or a deep skillet is needed to properly stir-fry the ingredients over high heat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and may offer a juicier result.
How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
Ensure the chicken cubes are no longer pink in the center and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Snap peas, bell peppers, or sliced water chestnuts would complement the existing ingredients well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and a certified gluten-free teriyaki marinade.
Can I freeze this meal?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the mandarin oranges and coleslaw may become softer upon thawing and reheating.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What provides the 'tangy' flavor in the recipe?
The tanginess comes from the combination of the mandarin orange juice, soy sauce, and the acidity in the teriyaki marinade.
Is this a high-protein meal?
Yes, with three chicken breasts as the base, it provides a significant amount of lean protein.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of the slaw mix?
You can, but the texture will be different. Thaw and drain frozen broccoli thoroughly before adding it to avoid a watery sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the pan during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I add nuts for crunch?
Sliced almonds or cashew halves would be excellent additions to add extra crunch and flavor.
Can I use fresh ginger or garlic?
Yes, adding minced ginger or garlic when heating the oil will enhance the aromatic profile of the stir-fry.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can chop the chicken and prepare the marinade in advance to save even more time on the day of cooking.