Easy to Make Healthy Orange Mandarin Chicken Recipe

This easy Chinese recipe is perfect on those days when you want to order Chinese take out, but rather cook at home in only 15 minutes. A healthy version of orange Mandarin chicken, a recipe like from your favorite restaurant. Healthy dinner recipe, otherwise known as tangerine chicken.

This is my favorite healthy version of a popular takeout recipe that contains no refined sugar, is easy to make, and your family will love it.

This recipe pairs well with my mushroom & wild rice salad. If you love the umami flavor of mushrooms, this will become a favorite.

Jump to:

• 💖 Why You'll Love This Healthy Mandarin Chicken Recipe?
• 🥣 Ingredients For Tangerine Chicken Recipe
• 🧡 Learn How to Make Healthy Mandarin Chicken Recipe
• 📖 Recipe Card
• ⭐️ Top Tip
• 💙 Substitutions
• 🥚 Healthy Food Swaps Guide
• 🍴 Variations
• 🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• ❄️ Storage
• ⭐️ Pro Nutrition Tip
• 🍳 Equipment
• My Zester & Grater
• 🤔 ⁉️ FAQ - Common Questions
• 😀 Try This Mandarin Orange Chicken Recipe Today
• ❤️ You Might Also Love These
• 🤲 Pairing
• 💬 Comments

🥣 Ingredients For Tangerine Chicken Recipe

• Mandarin Oranges - Otherwise known as tangerines, Mandarin oranges are a rich source of vitamin C. It's best to add in the Mandarin oranges at the end before serving. This helps prevent the vitamin C from being destroyed through the cooking process.
• Chicken Breast - I recommend using skinless, boneless chicken breasts. a great source of protein, but rich in vitamins and minerals. Iron, B vitamins, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. Chicken is also a great source of B vitamins, which help in energy production, as well as help form red blood cells in the body.
• Coconut Aminos - This is a sauce similar to soy or teriyaki sauce. Coconut aminos are a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, with a lot less sodium content too.
• Chicken Broth - Since this is a healthy chicken recipe, I recommend using chicken broth for that added deep chicken flavor. However, if you only have vegetable broth, that will also work. I don't recommend beef broth, as the flavor profile will change slightly.
• Coconut Oil - I like this oil, but olive olive also works in this recipe. Use what you have in your pantry.
• Spices - I like a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cooking healthy doesn't have to be complicated, with a huge list of spices. I kept it simple in this recipe.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🧡 Learn How to Make Healthy Mandarin Chicken Recipe

Learn how easy it is to make a delicious Mandarin chicken recipe right at home.

📖 Recipe Card

💙 Substitutions

There are several easy swaps you can make to cater to dietary needs or preferences. Check out some easy substitutions and variations to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas.

• Chicken - Swap chicken breast with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option. For a plant-based alternative, use extra-firm tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas.
• Soy Sauce - Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative. Low-sodium soy sauce is another option for reducing salt.
• Mandarin Oranges - Fresh tangerines, clementines, or even canned mandarin oranges in natural juice can be used. Just be sure to drain canned options well.
• Honey - Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version.
• Cornstarch - Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch work well as a gluten-free thickening agent in the sauce.

🍴 Variations

Here are a few variations for my healthy version of a Mandarin chicken recipe.

• Vegetarian Alternative - Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes. Marinate and cook them similarly to absorb the flavorful sauce.
• Spice It Up - Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Nutty Addition - Sprinkle toasted cashews or almonds over the finished dish to introduce a crunchy texture and healthy fats.
• Citrus Twist - Experiment with different citrus fruits like tangerines or blood oranges to vary the flavor profile.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Over Whole Grains - Serve the orange Mandarin chicken atop brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for added fiber and nutrients.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables - Pair the dish with a medley of stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas to enhance its nutritional value.
• In Lettuce Wraps - Spoon the chicken into large lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb alternative.

❄️ Storage

This healthy orange Mandarin chicken makes tasty leftovers.

• Refrigeration - Store tangerine chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply reheat and serve for dinner a second or third night, especially if you double the recipe.
• Freezing - This healthy dinner is also perfect stored in the freezer. This makes for a quick meal prep recipe for the month. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to use a freezer safe container.

🍳 Equipment

Utilizing a zester or fine grater allows you to incorporate fresh orange zest into the sauce, intensifying the citrus flavor without additional calories or sodium.

🤔 ⁉️ FAQ - Common Questions

These FAQs should help address any common concerns or questions you may have about making your orange Mandarin chicken recipe.

By incorporating these variations and tips, you can customize the healthy tangerine chicken to suit your taste and dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire.

😀 Try This Mandarin Orange Chicken Recipe Today

Easier than ordering takeout delivery. This healthy orange chicken dinner is perfect for a busy night when you need a quick recipe on the table.

I am sure this Mandarin chicken will become part of your recipe rotation, especially for meal prep during the month.

You can also connect with me @EatYourNutrition on Instagram. I love seeing your photos. #EatYourNutrition #LauraVillanueva

❤️ You Might Also Love These

Looking for other chicken recipes like this? Try these:

🤲 Pairing

These are my favorite recipes to serve with this Mandarin chicken recipe: