Looking for a tasty and easy dinner? You’ll love these Savory Mandarin Orange Chicken Rice Bowls! Combining tender chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, and fluffy jasmine rice, this dish balances flavor and fun. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a meal that impresses everyone at the table. Ready to mix up your dinner plans? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes - 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained (juice reserved for sauce) - 1 cup jasmine rice - 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred) - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (preferably low sodium) - 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option) - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - Toasted sesame seeds for garnish - Salt and pepper, to taste Gather these ingredients to make your Mandarin orange chicken rice bowls. You will enjoy a fresh mix of flavors. The chicken gives protein, while the rice adds heartiness. The mandarin oranges bring a sweet touch. Soy sauce adds depth, and ginger and garlic provide warmth. Green onions and sesame seeds add crunch. Each ingredient plays a part in creating a tasty meal. You can change some items based on what you have on hand. That way, you'll always have a great dish ready to serve. Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps the rice cook evenly. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This will make the rice tender. Afterward, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. While the rice cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little cooking oil or use a non-stick spray to coat the pan. Place the cubed chicken in the skillet. Season it well with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the pieces to turn golden brown and be fully cooked. When the chicken is cooked, add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir and sauté for about 1 minute until you smell the wonderful aroma. Now, pour in soy sauce, honey, and the reserved mandarin orange juice. Add the mandarin segments too. Stir everything well and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors combine nicely. After simmering, add the cornstarch slurry to the pan. This is just cornstarch mixed with water. Stir continuously for about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch as the sauce begins to thicken. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up a bit. Now it's time to put everything together! Fluff the cooked jasmine rice with a fork. Divide the rice evenly among your serving bowls. Generously spoon the mandarin orange chicken mixture over the rice in each bowl. Make sure everyone gets a good mix of chicken and sauce. Finish off your bowls by garnishing with sliced green onions. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch. These small touches add flavor and make the dish look even better! - Importance of rinsing: Rinsing jasmine rice is key. It washes away extra starch. This step helps keep the rice fluffy and light. Always rinse until the water runs clear. - Simmering techniques: Use chicken broth for flavor. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This method makes sure the rice cooks evenly. - Avoiding overcooking: Cook the chicken just right. It should be golden brown and no longer pink inside. This takes about 5-7 minutes on medium heat. - Using non-stick cookware: A non-stick pan helps prevent sticking. You can use less oil and keep the chicken from burning. This keeps the meal healthy and easy to clean. - Adjusting sweetness and saltiness: Taste the sauce before serving. Add more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness. This helps you get the flavor just right. - Enhancing flavor with spices: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or black pepper. This gives your dish a nice kick. You can also add a dash of sesame oil for extra depth. {{image_4}} If you want a vegetarian dish, you can skip the chicken. Tofu or tempeh makes great substitutes. These protein-rich options soak up flavors well. - Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Press it before cooking to remove excess water. Cube it and sauté until crispy. - Tempeh: Tempeh has a nutty flavor. Slice it thin and cook it in the same way. Add it to your sauce for flavor. You can change up the flavors easily. Try using different citrus fruits for a fun twist. - Citrus Options: Use oranges, lemons, or limes for a new taste. Each fruit brings a unique zing. - Extra Veggies and Nuts: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for crunch. Toss in some cashews or peanuts for added texture. You don't have to stick with bowls. You can get creative with how you serve this dish. - Wraps or Salads: Use large lettuce leaves to make wraps. Or, serve the chicken and rice on a bed of greens for a salad. - Side Dishes: Pair the rice bowls with steamed veggies or a light soup. This adds balance to your meal. To keep your Mandarin Orange Chicken Rice Bowls fresh, store leftovers in airtight containers. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, separate the rice from the chicken mixture. This helps keep both parts fresh and tasty. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, use the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If you choose a skillet, add a splash of water to keep moisture. This helps maintain the dish's texture. Stir often to heat evenly. Aim for a warm and inviting meal! To freeze your bowls, pack them in airtight containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to eat them, move the bowls to the fridge overnight to thaw. Reheat as mentioned before, and enjoy a delicious meal again! It takes about 30 minutes to prepare these rice bowls. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking. The jasmine rice cooks in 15 minutes. Meanwhile, you can sauté the chicken and make the sauce. Yes, you can use other types of rice. Brown rice adds more fiber but takes longer to cook. You can also try basmati or even quinoa for a twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed. Store leftover rice bowls in airtight containers. Keep the rice and chicken separate if you can. This helps maintain texture. They can last in the fridge for up to three days. When ready, just reheat and enjoy. To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free option. Be sure the chicken broth is also gluten-free. With these swaps, you can still enjoy great flavors. Absolutely! Fresh mandarin oranges are a great choice. Just peel and segment them. Use their juice to make the sauce. This adds a fresh taste that enhances the dish. Enjoy the bright flavor they bring! You can make delicious Mandarin Orange Chicken Rice Bowls with ease. We covered key ingredients, sauces, and tips for cooking. Follow the steps for tasty rice and chicken. Don’t forget the garnishes for extra flavor. You can even adjust the recipe for different diets or preferences, making it versatile. If you store and reheat properly, these bowls remain just as good. Enjoy your cooking adventure and share it with friends!$

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

– 1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained (juice reserved for sauce)

– 1 cup jasmine rice

– 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

Sauces and Seasonings

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (preferably low sodium)

– 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnishes and Optional Add-ons

– 2 green onions, thinly sliced

– Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

– Salt and pepper, to taste

Gather these ingredients to make your Mandarin orange chicken rice bowls. You will enjoy a fresh mix of flavors. The chicken gives protein, while the rice adds heartiness. The mandarin oranges bring a sweet touch.

Soy sauce adds depth, and ginger and garlic provide warmth. Green onions and sesame seeds add crunch. Each ingredient plays a part in creating a tasty meal. You can change some items based on what you have on hand. That way, you’ll always have a great dish ready to serve.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Rice

Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps the rice cook evenly. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This will make the rice tender. Afterward, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.

Cooking the Chicken

While the rice cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little cooking oil or use a non-stick spray to coat the pan. Place the cubed chicken in the skillet. Season it well with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the pieces to turn golden brown and be fully cooked.

Preparing the Sauce

When the chicken is cooked, add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir and sauté for about 1 minute until you smell the wonderful aroma. Now, pour in soy sauce, honey, and the reserved mandarin orange juice. Add the mandarin segments too. Stir everything well and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors combine nicely.

Thickening the Sauce

After simmering, add the cornstarch slurry to the pan. This is just cornstarch mixed with water. Stir continuously for about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch as the sauce begins to thicken. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up a bit.

Assembling the Bowls

Now it’s time to put everything together! Fluff the cooked jasmine rice with a fork. Divide the rice evenly among your serving bowls. Generously spoon the mandarin orange chicken mixture over the rice in each bowl. Make sure everyone gets a good mix of chicken and sauce.

Adding Final Touches

Finish off your bowls by garnishing with sliced green onions. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch. These small touches add flavor and make the dish look even better!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for Perfect Rice

– Importance of rinsing: Rinsing jasmine rice is key. It washes away extra starch. This step helps keep the rice fluffy and light. Always rinse until the water runs clear.

– Simmering techniques: Use chicken broth for flavor. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This method makes sure the rice cooks evenly.

Chicken Cooking Tips

– Avoiding overcooking: Cook the chicken just right. It should be golden brown and no longer pink inside. This takes about 5-7 minutes on medium heat.

– Using non-stick cookware: A non-stick pan helps prevent sticking. You can use less oil and keep the chicken from burning. This keeps the meal healthy and easy to clean.

Sauce Improvement Suggestions

– Adjusting sweetness and saltiness: Taste the sauce before serving. Add more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness. This helps you get the flavor just right.

– Enhancing flavor with spices: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or black pepper. This gives your dish a nice kick. You can also add a dash of sesame oil for extra depth.

Variations

Vegetarian Option

If you want a vegetarian dish, you can skip the chicken. Tofu or tempeh makes great substitutes. These protein-rich options soak up flavors well.

– Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Press it before cooking to remove excess water. Cube it and sauté until crispy.

– Tempeh: Tempeh has a nutty flavor. Slice it thin and cook it in the same way. Add it to your sauce for flavor.

Flavor Variations

You can change up the flavors easily. Try using different citrus fruits for a fun twist.

– Citrus Options: Use oranges, lemons, or limes for a new taste. Each fruit brings a unique zing.

– Extra Veggies and Nuts: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for crunch. Toss in some cashews or peanuts for added texture.

Serving-style Variations

You don’t have to stick with bowls. You can get creative with how you serve this dish.

– Wraps or Salads: Use large lettuce leaves to make wraps. Or, serve the chicken and rice on a bed of greens for a salad.

– Side Dishes: Pair the rice bowls with steamed veggies or a light soup. This adds balance to your meal.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To keep your Mandarin Orange Chicken Rice Bowls fresh, store leftovers in airtight containers. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, separate the rice from the chicken mixture. This helps keep both parts fresh and tasty.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, use the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If you choose a skillet, add a splash of water to keep moisture. This helps maintain the dish’s texture. Stir often to heat evenly. Aim for a warm and inviting meal!

Freezing Tips

To freeze your bowls, pack them in airtight containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to eat them, move the bowls to the fridge overnight to thaw. Reheat as mentioned before, and enjoy a delicious meal again!

FAQs

How long does it take to prepare Mandarin Orange Chicken Rice Bowls?

It takes about 30 minutes to prepare these rice bowls. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking. The jasmine rice cooks in 15 minutes. Meanwhile, you can sauté the chicken and make the sauce.

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of rice. Brown rice adds more fiber but takes longer to cook. You can also try basmati or even quinoa for a twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed.

What is the best way to store leftover rice bowls?

Store leftover rice bowls in airtight containers. Keep the rice and chicken separate if you can. This helps maintain texture. They can last in the fridge for up to three days. When ready, just reheat and enjoy.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free option. Be sure the chicken broth is also gluten-free. With these swaps, you can still enjoy great flavors.

Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh mandarin oranges are a great choice. Just peel and segment them. Use their juice to make the sauce. This adds a fresh taste that enhances the dish. Enjoy the bright flavor they bring!

You can make delicious Mandarin Orange Chicken Rice Bowls with ease. We covered key ingredients, sauces, and tips for cooking. Follow the steps for tasty rice and chicken. Don’t forget the garnishes for extra flavor. You can even adjust the recipe for different diets or preferences, making it versatile. If you store and reheat properly, these bowls remain just as good. Enjoy your cooking adventure and share it with friends!

Mandarin Orange Chicken Rice Bowls

Savor the flavors of Mandarin Orange Chicken Rice Bowls with this easy recipe! Perfectly cooked chicken and jasmine rice come alive with a sweet and tangy sauce made from fresh mandarin oranges, garlic, and ginger. This quick dish is ready in just 30 minutes and makes for a delicious meal any night of the week.

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Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

1 cup mandarin orange segments, drained (juice reserved for sauce)

1 cup jasmine rice

2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

1 tablespoon soy sauce (preferably low sodium)

1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)

2 green onions, thinly sliced

Salt and pepper, to taste

Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Rice: Begin by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold running water until the water is clear, which removes excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and allow it to simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to fluff.

Prepare the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cooking oil or a non-stick spray to coat the pan. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked all the way through.

Make the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the soy sauce, honey, reserved mandarin orange juice, and the mandarin segments. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.

Thicken the Sauce: After the mixture has simmered, add the cornstarch slurry to the pan. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water to loosen it.

Assemble the Bowls: Fluff the cooked jasmine rice with a fork to separate the grains. Divide the rice evenly among serving bowls. Generously spoon the mandarin orange chicken mixture over the rice in each bowl, ensuring everyone gets a good mix of chicken and sauce.

Garnish: Finish by garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, adding a delightful crunch and freshness to your dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Presentation Tips: Serve the rice bowls with additional lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick, and consider placing the bowls on a colorful placemat to enhance visual appeal. Enjoy your delicious creation!