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This super easy take-out style Tangerine Chicken is packed with the sweet tanginess of fresh tangerines, paired with amazing umami flavors. Taking only 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is quick, easy and just so incredibly delicious!
I don't know about you guys, but with the holidays coming to an end, I am all about quick, somewhat healthy, weeknight meals - like our favorite Shanghai chicken. But I am definitely not about sacrificing flavor.
That's not what this site is about. It's all about the flavor. Like the amazing flavors in this Tangerine Chicken. It may be a healthier dish, but certainly does not lack any flavor.
The sweetness from the tangerine and savory from the soy sauce complement each other perfectly. And the spicy, slightly tongue-numbing quality from the Szechuan (Sichuan) peppercorns is like no other.
**if you like a quick stir fry, you'll love this Kimchi Udon Stir Fry or these Spicy Szechuan Braised Green Beans**
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Why This Recipe Works
Coating the chicken in flour before browning it helps it brown easier, and also helps the sauce thicken when we add the remaining ingredients.
Cooking the chicken first then adding it back in at the end keeps it from getting dried out while we cook the vegetables.
Stir frying the vegetables over high heat helps them to keep their crispness.
Using tangerines adds a sweetness to the dish that complements the savory flavors of the other ingredients.
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The Ingredients
Don't be intimidated by the long list - this recipe really does only take about 20 minutes to make. It's not hard.
I find that chicken thighs are far superior to chicken breasts in the recipe, but you can substitute if you'd like. Just note it will have a small impact on the final dish.
If you like a very spicy dish, I recommend adding several dried hot chilies when stir frying the rest of the vegetables.
I recommend using freshly toasted and ground Sichuan peppercorns for the best results. If you've never had Szechuan peppercorns, they have a slightly lemony flavor with just a hint of sweetness, and are not really considered spicy as many would believe. What they do have is a tongue numbing quality that can feel a little strange. But in a good way. I've also included a link in the recipe card where you can buy them if you can't find them locally.
Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese cooking wine that is used quite often in Chinese cooking. If you plan on cooking many Chinese dishes (I have many of them on this site), I highly recommend buying a bottle. If not, you can substitute it with a dry sherry.
Step By Step Instructions
Heat the oil over medium high heat in a large skillet or wok. Coat the chicken in the salt, pepper and flour.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
**Cook the chicken in batches so it browns up nicely. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken may steam instead of brown. You want it crisp on the outside.
Add the red bell pepper, jalapeno, garlic and ginger. Stir fry for 1-2 minutes, or until red pepper starts to soften slightly. Add the green onion. Stir fry 1 minute.
Add the orange juice, soy sauce, broth, Shaoxing wine, and sichuan peppercorns. Cook for about 1 minute, deg-lazing the pan.
Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until sauce has thickened and chicken is coated.
Add the tangerine pieces and mix to coat with sauce. Add additional salt to taste if desired. Serve over white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Cook's Tips
Swap mandarin oranges for the tangerines of they are easier to find.
Keep the pan heated at medium high to high heat so your meat and veggies cook quickly.
Cook the chicken in batches so it browns up nicely. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken may steam instead of brown. You want it crisp on the outside.
How Long Will Tangerine Chicken Keep?
You can keep leftover tangerine chicken in a covered container in the fridge for about 3 days.
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave.
Tools Used
- Carbon Steel Wok
- Wok Spatula
- Chef's Knife
Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
Recipe
Sweet & Spicy Tangerine Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut in 1-2" pieces
- 2 tbsp. flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 2 tbsp. oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp. ginger paste
- 1 jalapeno, halved and sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced in ½" pieces
- 2 tbsp. chicken broth
- 2 tbsp. tangerine juice
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 tbsp. shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp. Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
- 2 tangerines separated in bite sized pieces
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok. Coat the chicken in the salt, pepper and flour. Add the the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add the red bell pepper, jalapeno, garlic and ginger. Stir fry for 1-2 minutes, or until red pepper starts to soften slightly. Add the green onion. Stir fry 1 minute.
- Add the orange juice, soy sauce, broth, Shaoxing wine, and sichuan peppercorns. Cook for about 1 minute, deg-lazing the pan.
- Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until sauce has thickened and chicken is coated. Add the tangerine pieces and mix to coat with sauce. Add additional salt to taste if desired.
Expert Tips:
- Chicken breast can be substituted for chicken thighs.
- Substitute orange juice for tangerine juice if you don't have tangerine juice. Same for the tangerine slices.
- Add additional dried hot chilies when stir frying the rest of the vegetables if you want a spicier dish.
- Use freshly toasted and ground Szechuan peppercorns for the best results.
- Dry sherry can be substituted for the Shaoxing wine.
- Cook the chicken in batches so it browns up nicely. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken may steam instead of brown. You want it crisp on the outside.
Nutrition
Kelly Anthony
We love cooking takeout type food at home especially when it taste this good. The flavors in this dish have me excited to cook this tangerine chicken.
Danielle
Homemade takeout is the best!!
Amanda
What a cozy-sounding dish! It makes me want to grab a big bowl and enjoy it by the fire with a good movie. Definitely trying this soon!
Danielle
Thanks Amanda - hope you get the chance to try it!
Fred N
Wow Danielle, I wouldn't thought in a thousand years tangerine chicken was this super-easy? They do look great, I would love to try them with some Basmati Rice.
Danielle
It would be great with basmati rice!
Lathiya
I love the tangy taste and chicken..both in one dish is awesome..This tangerine chicken looks lip smacking...Will definitely try this
Danielle
Thanks Lathiya!
Jenni LeBaron
This sounds absolutely delicious. I love that you've added plenty of ginger and jalapenos to warm this dish right up and balance out the lovely citrus flavors!
Danielle
Thanks Jenni!
Catalina
It's great to make the Tangerine Chicken at home. I love Chinese flavors so much. I am sure this will be a HIT in my house!
Danielle
Thanks Catalina!
Marisa Franca
What a gorgeous looking recipe. You've got my mouth watering just thinking about the citrus with the chicken. We love our stir fry and this has a bit of difference from our usual mix. And needless to say we love spicy so the hot peppers would be just the right balance with the sweet orange. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
Danielle
Thanks so much marisa! Citrus is always delicious with chicken 🙂
Candiss
I love this as a healthier and looks much tastier of orange chicken! The Szechuan Peppercorn sounds like a great addition as well, I love the tang they give!
Danielle
Love szechuan peppercorns! Thanks Candiss 🙂
Cheese Curd In Paradise
This sounds so good and it is ready in 20 minutes!? That is a recipe that I need in my life- I can't wait to make this one!
Danielle
Thanks Ashley!
Gloria
You never need takeout when you can make this at home. Plus, it would taste SOOOO much better too. I know my family would love this for dinner any night of the week.
Danielle
Right? And it's cheaper!!
Mahy Elamin
Looks really good! We cook with chicken all the time & love finding new recipes for chicken. Pinning for later!
Danielle
Thanks Mahy!
Claudia Lamascolo
I love how citrus compliments any meat and tenderizes. I ususally use lemon this is a must try!
Danielle
I love using lemon too 🙂
Nathan Wyper
This looks so delicious with the Tangerines! I love Sweet and spicy Food! Definitely one to try!
Danielle
Sweet and spicy is the best! Thanks Nathan!
Mary Bostow
I bet this is incredible and I will have to try it as soon as I get chicken! All the ingredients are perfect for me.
Danielle
It's so simple and flavorful Mary! Hope you love it!
Demeter
Wow, this sounds like it's bursting with flavor! Love how quickly it all comes together.
Danielle
Thanks Demeter!
Kacie Morgan
Lovely, I have tried chicken with oranges before but never with tangerines. I wonder how the flavour would compare!
Danielle
It's very similar, just a little more sweet from the tangerines 🙂