Chicken Mandarin with Rice

Chicken Mandarin with Rice Recipe from China - Ingredients and Preparation Method

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Mandarin with Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavors.

History

The origins of Chicken Mandarin with Rice can be traced back to Chinese cuisine, where the combination of chicken and citrus flavors is a popular and traditional dish. This recipe has been adapted and modified over the years to suit different tastes and preferences, resulting in a versatile and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

12 chicken pieces (about 2.5 lb or 1.13 kg)
salt and ground black pepper
1 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tbsp butter or margarine
0.25 cup catsup
0.33 cup orange marmalade
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 cup chicken broth
2 tsp dry mustard
1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
4 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place it in a lightly greased baking pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F (177°C).
Meanwhile, cook the onion and garlic in butter until tender. Add catsup, marmalade, soy sauce, broth, and mustard. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Return it to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Stir in the green pepper and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve the chicken and sauce over fluffy rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for chicken pieces for a different texture and flavor.
Add pineapple chunks or water chestnuts to the sauce for a tropical twist.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken well with salt and pepper before baking to enhance the flavors.

- Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.

- Adjust the amount of orange marmalade and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- Serve the dish with fresh herbs or green onions for added flavor and garnish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Mandarin with Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal. You can also garnish the dish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, simmering, and sautéing are the main cooking techniques used in this recipe. These methods help to develop the flavors and textures of the dish, resulting in a delicious and well-balanced meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honey or maple syrup instead of orange marmalade for a different sweetness.

- Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of margarine for a healthier fat alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before using.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Mandarin with Rice in a large serving dish or individual plates for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs, citrus slices, or edible flowers for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Mandarin with Rice with a crisp white wine, such as a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the citrus flavors of the dish. You can also serve it with a light beer or a fruity cocktail for a refreshing and enjoyable meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chicken Mandarin with Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Mandarin with Rice contains approximately 350 calories. This dish is a satisfying and filling meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Mandarin with Rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Mandarin with Rice contains approximately 10 grams of fat. Fat is essential for the body to function properly and can help absorb vitamins and minerals.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Mandarin with Rice contains approximately 25 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an essential nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Mandarin with Rice is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. These nutrients are important for immune function, vision health, and oxygen transport in the body.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens. Please be mindful of any food allergies or sensitivities when preparing and serving this dish.

Summary

Chicken Mandarin with Rice is a nutritious and delicious meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This dish is a great option for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Summary

Chicken Mandarin with Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Serve it with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy kitchen. Margaret was a fantastic cook, and I always admired her culinary skills. On that particular day, she had prepared a delicious dish called Chicken Mandarin with Rice. The aroma of the dish filled the room, and my mouth watered just thinking about it.

As Margaret plated the dish and served it to me, she shared the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had learned it from her mother, who had learned it from a friend many years ago. The dish was a fusion of Chinese and Western flavors, combining tender chicken with sweet mandarin oranges and fragrant rice. Margaret's mother had passed down the recipe to her, and now she was passing it on to me.

I took a bite of the Chicken Mandarin with Rice, and it was love at first taste. The flavors danced on my tongue, perfectly balanced and utterly delicious. I immediately asked Margaret for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to share it with me. As she wrote down the ingredients and instructions, I felt a surge of excitement. I couldn't wait to recreate this amazing dish in my own kitchen.

When I got home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients for Chicken Mandarin with Rice. I followed Margaret's instructions carefully, chopping the vegetables, marinating the chicken, and cooking the rice to perfection. The whole process was a labor of love, and I poured my heart and soul into each step.

Finally, the dish was ready, and I plated it just as Margaret had done. The aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste my creation. I took a bite, and it was perfect. The chicken was tender, the mandarin oranges added a sweet burst of flavor, and the rice was fluffy and fragrant. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as I enjoyed every bite.

From that day on, Chicken Mandarin with Rice became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I cooked the dish, I thought of Margaret and the special bond we shared over our love of cooking.

As the years passed, I continued to make Chicken Mandarin with Rice, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. I added a touch of ginger for extra warmth, a sprinkle of cilantro for freshness, and a splash of soy sauce for depth of flavor. Each variation brought new dimensions to the dish, and I reveled in the creative process of cooking.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit me in my kitchen. She watched me as I prepared Chicken Mandarin with Rice, curious and eager to learn. I smiled at her and handed her a spoon to taste the dish. Her eyes lit up with delight as she savored the flavors, and I knew that she had inherited my love of cooking.

I decided to pass down the recipe for Chicken Mandarin with Rice to my granddaughter, just as Margaret had done for me. I wrote it down on a yellowed piece of paper, stained with the marks of countless cooking experiments. I explained each step in detail, from marinating the chicken to fluffing the rice with a fork.

As I handed the recipe to my granddaughter, I saw a spark of excitement in her eyes. She thanked me with a hug and promised to try the dish in her own kitchen. I watched her leave, filled with a sense of happiness and contentment.

In that moment, I realized the true power of a recipe. It wasn't just a list of ingredients and instructions—it was a connection to the past, a bond between generations, and a way to share love and memories through the joy of cooking. And as I sat down to savor a plate of Chicken Mandarin with Rice, I knew that this recipe would live on in the hearts and kitchens of my family for generations to come.