Tangerine Zest Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Tangerine Zest Chicken is a delightful twist on your standard chicken dish. With its bright, citrusy flavor and a hint of spice, it’s perfect for brightening up any meal. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner!

Ingredients for Tangerine Zest Chicken

The star of the show here is the tangerine juice, bringing a fresh and zesty flavor to the dish. The soy sauce adds a savory depth, while the rice vinegar provides a tangy balance. A touch of honey sweetens things up, complimenting the citrus. We use tangerine zest to intensify the citrus aroma further. Garlic and ginger are key players in adding warmth and spice. A bit of chili flakes gives the dish a gentle kick. The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency, and a finish of green onions and sesame seeds adds freshness and crunch.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you can't find fresh tangerines, mandarins work as a great substitute.
  • For an extra kick, increase the chili flakes to your liking.
  • Use a microplane for the tangerine zest to get the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa. A simple side of stir-fried vegetables would complement the vibrant flavors nicely. If you're feeling adventurous, try serving it with a light cucumber salad for added freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just be mindful that chicken breast can dry out more quickly, so adjust cooking times as needed.
Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Tangerine Zest Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by mixing the tangerine juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, tangerine zest, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a bowl. This will be your flavorful sauce, so make sure everything is well combined.

In another bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. This will thicken your sauce later on.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. While it's heating, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan. Cook until they're golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same pan, pour in your prepared tangerine sauce. Bring it to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, and keep stirring until the sauce thickens nicely.

Return the chicken to the pan, making sure to coat each piece evenly with the sauce. Let it cook for a couple more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Finally, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packs a punch of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
  • Uses fresh, seasonal tangerines for a vibrant taste.
  • Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
  • Perfect for impressing guests or a family dinner.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup fresh tangerine juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon tangerine zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix tangerine juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, tangerine zest, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
2. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
4. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, add to pan, and cook until golden brown on all sides.
5. Remove chicken and set aside.
6. Pour the tangerine sauce mixture into the same pan and bring to a simmer.
7. Add cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring constantly until thickened.
8. Return chicken to the pan and toss in the sauce to coat evenly.
9. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

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