This Chinese Mandarin Chicken is a healthy, homemade dish with tender, juicy chicken breast slices in a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet soy-based sauce. Skip mall takeout and enjoy this quick, flavorful meal with simple ingredients.
Mandarin chicken a fusion of Chinese and American flavors, has become a staple takeout dish across the United States. With its crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet tangy and slightly spicy sauce, it’s easy to see why this dish is so crave-worthy. But what exactly is in mandarin chicken that gives it such distinctive and irresistible flavor? Let’s take a closer look at the origins and essential ingredients that comprise this beloved meal.
A Brief History of Mandarin Chicken
While its name implies a connection to traditional Mandarin cuisine, mandarin chicken is actually an American invention. Chinese immigrants adapted their cooking techniques to appeal to Western tastes, resulting in dishes like General Tso’s chicken, sesame chicken and mandarin chicken
The origins of mandarin chicken can be traced back to the 1960s in North America. Its name likely came from marketing tactics to make the dish sound sophisticated and exotic. While the chicken itself isn’t authentically Mandarin, the sauce does draw inspiration from Chinese flavors. Over the years, mandarin chicken has evolved based on local tastes and interpretations.
The Crucial Components: Chicken and Sauce
There are two vital components that make up every order of mandarin chicken:
The Chicken
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Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs are most commonly used. Chicken breast tends to be leaner and cooks quickly. Chicken thighs offer more moisture and flavor.
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The chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
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Soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, and ginger are often mixed together and added to chicken before it is breaded and fried. This infuses the meat with extra taste.
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To achieve the signature crispy texture, the chicken is dredged in a cornstarch batter before frying. Some recipes opt for a double dredge, with an egg wash in between for extra crunch.
The Sweet and Savory Sauce
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A base of soy sauce, rice vinegar and garlic provide saltiness, sweetness and umami depth.
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Sugar or honey give the sauce its signature sticky sweetness to balance the savory elements.
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Ginger, garlic and scallions add aromatic flavors.
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A touch of spice comes from red chili flakes or sriracha.
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Cornstarch thickens and binds the sauce, while sesame oil provides nutty richness.
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Orange juice or zest can provide subtle citrus notes.
Putting It All Together
As soon as the chicken is golden brown and the sauce starts to bubble, it’s time to put it all together:
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The crispy chicken pieces are tossed thoroughly in the warm sauce until evenly coated.
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Sesame seeds and sliced scallions are used to garnish the dish and provide texture.
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Steamed white rice or lo mein noodles are often served with mandarin chicken so that the tasty sauce can soak up all the noodles.
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Broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers or carrots are commonly added as vegetable sides.
No matter what ingredients you prefer in your mandarin chicken, half of the magic lies in the contrast of the crispy, juicy fried chicken against the sweet, savory and slightly spicy sauce. This balance of flavors and textures is what makes this Chinese-American classic such a crowd-pleasing dish.
Regional Variations to Try
While the basic formula remains the same, mandarin chicken can vary from restaurant to restaurant and region to region. Some versions worth sampling:
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West Coast style tends to use minimal breading for a lighter crispness and a thinner, more fluid sauce. More fresh orange flavor comes through.
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East Coast versions often have an intense sweetness from extra sugar or honey balanced by more vinegar. The sauce is stickier.
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Midwestern mandarin chicken features extra crunch with heavily breaded chicken and chopped peanuts or almonds mixed into the sauce.
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Southern mandarin chicken sometimes incorporates a touch of heat from cayenne pepper. The sauce has a subtle smoky note from grilled chicken.
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Hawaiian-style includes pineapple and coconut milk in the sauce for tropical flair. Macadamia nuts are mixed in for crunch.
No matter how you craft it, mandarin chicken brings the satisfying flavors of sweet, salty, tangy and crunchy together in one sauce-smothered dish. It’s no wonder this Chinese-American favorite has stood the test of time.
Mandarin Chicken Vs. Orange Chicken
I get this question a lot from my readers: “What’s the difference between Mandarin Chicken and Orange Chicken?” Well, here’s the scoop!.
In a lot of U. S. Chinese restaurants, Mandarin Chicken and Orange Chicken are pretty similar, but there are a couple of key differences. Orange Chicken is almost always deep-fried, crispy, and coated in that super sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce. Think of Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken—chunks of crispy chicken drenched in that amazing orange glaze.
Now, my version of Mandarin Chicken is a little different. It’s inspired by Panda Express, with tender, juicy chicken breasts that are pan-fried (or grilled, if you want that smoky flavor) and topped with a simple, savory Mandarin sauce. It’s lighter, but still packs tons of flavor.
I know it’s hard to tell because both are loved by a lot of people, from kids to picky eaters. Don’t know which recipe you like better? Try both and see which one you like better. Happy cooking!
Be sure to check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the details on each ingredient.
Pro Tip #1: Why Chicken Breast Works So Well Chicken breast is perfect here—it cooks quickly and stays tender and juicy. Since the sauce is light, it soaks up all that sweet and savory flavor without overpowering the dish. Plus, it’s a lean, healthier option that still tastes amazing.
Pro Tip #2: Sugar Balances It Out Sugar helps balance the soy sauce, adding just the right hint of sweetness to round out the flavors. It’s not too sweet—just enough to make the sauce taste complete and a little bit addictive.
Pro Tip #3: Lemon Juice Instead Of Orange Juice There’s no orange juice here—just lemon for a brighter, cleaner tang. It adds a little zing to the sauce without stealing the show. Fresh lemon juice works best if you’ve got it on hand.
Authentic Chicken Mandarin Recipe With Gravy
Mandarin Chicken is one of the most requested Chinese recipes on my site, especially since Panda Express took it off their menu. I’ve been getting emails from readers asking for a way to make this dish at home. So, for anyone missing that classic Chinese Mandarin Chicken, I’ve got the easiest and most delicious copycat recipe that might even be better than the original!
This dish is made with a sweet and savory Mandarin-style sauce, just like the one you’d find at Panda Express or in mall food courts. But, when you make it at home, it’s healthier, fresher, and packed with even more flavor. Whether you’re craving Chinese takeout or need a quick dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes—simple, tasty, and perfect for busy nights.
Mandarin Chicken Recipe
FAQ
What is mandarin chicken made of?
Mandarin Chicken – This healthy Chinese recipe inspired by take out from Panda Express. Chicken breast chunks coated in a sweet/salty brown glaze made of orange juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
Is mandarin chicken healthy?
Whether Mandarin chicken is healthy depends on how it’s prepared and the portion size. Some versions, like those from Panda Express or Trader Joe’s, are high in calories, fat, and sodium due to breading, frying, and sugary sauces.
What’s the difference between orange chicken and mandarin chicken?
To sum up, orange chicken is usually deep-fried and has a sweet and sour orange sauce. Mandarin chicken, on the other hand, has a more savory flavor profile with less emphasis on sweetness and usually has more vegetables.
What’s in mandarin combination?
Red