Tangerine chicken is a delightful dish that combines the zesty sweetness of tangerines with tender chicken for a flavorful meal. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s sure to impress everyone at the table. With a balance of savory and citrus notes, tangerine chicken not only satisfies your taste buds but also fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma that brings warmth to any gathering.
Why We Love This Tangerine Chicken
This tangerine chicken recipe stands out because of its unique combination of flavors. The juicy tangerines provide a sweet and tangy glaze that elevates the chicken to a new level. You will enjoy the ease of preparation, making it a great choice for busy evenings. The vibrant color of the dish adds visual appeal, making it a favorite for family dinners or entertaining guests. The balance of sweetness and seasoning means you can cater to various taste preferences, ensuring everyone finds joy in this dish. Whether you are serving it over rice or alongside vegetables, tangerine chicken creates a delightful dining experience.
Ingredients for Tangerine Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh tangerine juice
- Zest of 2 tangerines
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
Begin by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix the tangerine juice, tangerine zest, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for a few hours to enhance the flavors.
After marinating, remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid. In a small bowl, combine the reserved marinade with cornstarch and stir until smooth. This mixture will create a thick sauce.
Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. In the same skillet, pour in the marinade mixture and bring it to a simmer, stirring until it thickens.
Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet, coating it with the thickened sauce. Allow it to heat together for another minute.
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
How to Serve Tangerine Chicken
You can serve tangerine chicken in a variety of ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. A popular choice is to pair it with a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce. Alternatively, you can serve it alongside steamed broccoli or snap peas for a colorful, nutritious plate. For a lighter option, consider using a fresh salad mix and placing the sliced chicken on top, drizzling the sauce as a dressing.
If you want to add an Asian twist, you can serve tangerine chicken with stir-fried vegetables. Just sauté bell peppers, carrots, and bok choy in a bit of sesame oil and add them alongside the chicken. For those who enjoy noodles, you might like to toss this flavorful chicken over lo mein or soba noodles, adding some herbs and chili flakes for an extra kick. Offering a few garnishes, like thinly sliced cucumbers or extra tangerine slices, will brighten the plate and invite your guests to dig in.
Expert Tips for Tangerine Chicken
Making tangerine chicken can be straightforward, but a few expert tips can take your dish to the next level. First, ensure you use fresh tangerines rather than bottled juice for the best flavor. The zest, in particular, will heighten the aromatic notes of the dish. Taste your marinade before adding the chicken. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your preference.
When cooking chicken, try to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming rather than searing. Cook in batches if necessary. This helps achieve a beautiful golden crust and keeps the chicken tender. If you have leftover marinade, make sure to boil it to kill any bacteria before using it as a sauce, or you could set apart part of your marinade to avoid cross-contamination.
Consider letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This method allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each piece remains juicy and flavorful. Finally, feel free to experiment by adding a dash of chili sauce to the marinade for a hint of heat. This balance of sweet and spicy can elevate the dish even further.
How to Store Tangerine Chicken
Storing your tangerine chicken correctly ensures you can enjoy it later without losing its delicious flavor. Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, tangerine chicken will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the chicken. Allow it to cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of fresh juice if needed to revive its flavor and moisture.
Variations of Tangerine Chicken
You can easily adapt tangerine chicken to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. For a more tangy version, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar to the marinade. This addition will brighten the flavors and provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the tangerines. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, marinating and cooking it using the same method.
Another variation is to make a tangerine chicken stir-fry. Instead of cooking whole chicken breasts, slice them into bite-sized pieces. Sauté with a medley of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and green beans, adding the sauce towards the end to coat everything evenly.
For those who love dishes with a crunch, toss some chopped cashews or almonds into the finished dish right before serving. This addition brings a delightful texture contrast and adds nutritional value. You could also experiment with different citrus fruits—try using mandarin oranges or even lemon for a different take on this beloved chicken dish.
FAQ about Tangerine Chicken
If you have questions regarding tangerine chicken, you’re not alone. One common inquiry is about the best type of chicken to use for this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best because they maintain their moisture and cook evenly. If you have chicken thighs, they’re also a great option due to their rich flavor.
Another frequent question is regarding how to enhance flavor. Feel free to add different herbs and spices to the marinade, such as a pinch of five-spice powder or some crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Many people also wonder about the best way to serve leftover tangerine chicken. You can simply reheat it and serve it over grains, or chop it up and use it in wraps or salads for a quick meal.
If you’re wondering about substituting tangerines, other citrus fruits can work, though they will change the flavor profile slightly. You might also ask if you can prep the marinade ahead of time. The answer is yes! You can make the marinade the day before and let your chicken soak overnight for a deeper flavor. Enjoy experimenting with this delicious and versatile dish!
Tangerine Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh tangerine juice Use fresh juice for best flavor.
- 2 pieces tangerines, zest
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Low sodium option can be used.
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch To thicken the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For cooking the chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix the tangerine juice, tangerine zest, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for a few hours.
Cook the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid.
- In a small bowl, combine the reserved marinade with cornstarch and stir until smooth.
- Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, pour in the marinade mixture and bring it to a simmer, stirring until it thickens.
- Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet, coating it with the thickened sauce. Heat together for another minute.
Serve
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
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