Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine

Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine Recipe - Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce. The dish is served with a side of rice almondine, which adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the meal.

History

Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine is a popular Chinese-American dish that has been enjoyed for many years. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in the dish has made it a favorite among food lovers around the world.

Ingredients

3 skinned and boned chicken breasts, halved (about 1-0.5 lb or 227 g)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
0.25 tsp ground white pepper
2 tbsp butter or margarine
2 tbsp dry sherry
2 tbsp brown sugar
1.5 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp ground ginger
0.5 tsp onion powder
1 cup chicken broth
1 11 oz or 312 g can mandarin orange segments (drained; reserve syrup)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 cup seedless green grapes (fresh or canned)

How to prepare

Season the chicken with salt, paprika, and pepper.
Cook the chicken in butter in a large skillet until browned, turning once.
Add sherry to the skillet.
In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and onion powder.
Stir in chicken broth, reserved syrup, and soy sauce.
Pour the mixture over the chicken and cook until thickened and clear, stirring frequently.
Add orange segments and grapes to the skillet.
Heat thoroughly.
Serve the chicken mixture over rice Amandine.
For rice Amandine: Cook almonds in butter in a small skillet over medium heat until golden.
Stir the almonds into the rice and season with pepper.
Serve the rice Amandine alongside the chicken.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Add some chopped bell peppers or water chestnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Use pineapple chunks instead of grapes for a tropical twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken well before cooking to enhance the flavor.

- Be sure to cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides for the best texture.

- Stir the sauce frequently while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides for the best texture.

- Stir the sauce frequently while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.

- Cook the almonds in butter until golden to enhance their flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil instead of margarine.

- Substitute orange juice for the dry sherry.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. Simply store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine on a bed of steamed jasmine rice for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine with a glass of chilled white wine, such as a Riesling or Chardonnay, for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish come from the brown sugar, cornstarch, and rice. One serving of Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the margarine, almonds, and chicken. One serving of Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the chicken. One serving of Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the oranges and grapes, and iron from the chicken. It also contains calcium from the almonds.

Alergens

This dish contains almonds and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please be mindful of any allergies when preparing or consuming this dish.

Summary

Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine is a well-balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With its sweet and savory flavors and crunchy texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my elders. My grandmother, who was a master in the kitchen, had acquired this recipe from a dear friend who had traveled to the exotic land of China.

I remember watching in awe as my grandmother carefully prepared all the ingredients, from the juicy chicken breast to the fragrant mandarin oranges. She explained to me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients in order to create a dish that would truly dazzle the taste buds.

As she cooked, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of the mandarin oranges and the savory scent of the chicken sizzling in the pan. I couldn't wait to taste the final result, and when she plated up the Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine, I knew I was in for a treat.

The chicken was tender and succulent, coated in a sticky, tangy sauce that was bursting with flavor. The mandarin oranges added a hint of sweetness, while the almonds sprinkled on top gave the dish a delightful crunch. And the rice almondine, with its nutty undertones and fluffy texture, was the perfect accompaniment to the dish.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine, and she graciously agreed. Together, we spent hours in the kitchen, perfecting the recipe and adding our own unique twists to make it truly our own.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine from generation to generation. And each time I cook it, I am reminded of that magical day in my grandmother's kitchen, where my love for cooking was first ignited.

I have since learned that recipes are more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – they are a way to connect with the past, to honor the traditions of those who came before us, and to create something truly special to share with the ones we love.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, why not give Mandarin Chicken with Rice Almondine a go? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass the recipe down to your own grandchildren, just like I did.