Mandarin or Orange Chicken: What’s the Difference?

Mandarin chicken has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine with its delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Popular dishes typically feature tender chicken pieces coated in a light batter, then smothered in a tangy sauce that balances citrus notes with warming spices.

Many restaurants offer their own unique versions, some adding colorful vegetables or garnishing with sesame seeds for extra texture.

The preparation methods vary widely from region to region, yet the signature sauce remains the distinguishing element that fans crave.

After trying authentic mandarin chicken, most people understand why this delightful dish has earned its place on menus worldwide.

The following sections will guide you through everything about these mouthwatering chicken preparations.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Solutions

1. Can you eat mandarin chicken and orange chicken if you're allergic to citrus?

If you have a citrus allergy, be cautious with both dishes. Orange chicken contains actual orange juice or zest, while mandarin chicken might contain tangerine or mandarin orange flavoring. Always ask about ingredients when dining out.

2. Which dish is spicier - mandarin chicken or orange chicken?

Neither dish is particularly spicy in most American-Chinese restaurants. Mandarin chicken occasionally has a slight spicy kick, while orange chicken tends to be purely sweet-tangy. If you prefer spice, ask for your dish to be prepared with extra chili.

3. Are mandarin chicken and orange chicken healthy options?

Both dishes are typically deep-fried and coated in sweet sauces, making them higher in calories and sugar. For a healthier version, ask for the chicken to be stir-fried instead of deep-fried and request the sauce on the side.

What is Mandarin Chicken or Its Origin?

Mandarin chicken, a culinary gem from China, made its way to Western tables through Portuguese traders in the early 16th century, but only entered mainstream US menus two centuries later.

Its name comes from the star ingredient - mandarin oranges imported from China - and features tender chicken pieces coated in a mandarin-styled sauce.

Modern recipes have evolved from the original version due to practical concerns. Since mandarin oranges can be expensive imports in the US, many home cooks now use processed orange juices as a budget-friendly alternative to fresh fruit.

Recipes for this delicious dish vary widely among households and restaurants across America. Panda Express, the popular Asian fast-food chain, offers a distinctive version enhanced with sweet teriyaki sauce that many customers adore.

The Overview of Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish, often known by its Chinese name, Chen pi ji. It features battered chicken pieces coated in a spicy, tangy orange-flavored sauce.

Interestingly, orange chicken was created in the U.S., with Panda Express crediting chef Andy Kho for its invention in 1987. Inspired by General Tso’s chicken, this version was tailored to American tastes with a sweeter, bolder flavor.

Although widely associated with Chinese cuisine in North America, orange chicken is not commonly found in authentic Chinese restaurants or mainland China.

Mandarin vs Orange Chicken: A Flavorful Comparison

Both mandarin and orange chicken rank as top favorites at Asian fast food spots, but they're actually quite different meals.

This table will show you some key differences between them.

Ingredients

Mandarin chicken originally featured mandarin oranges, but modern recipes often substitute orange juice for cost and availability. Orange chicken, on the other hand, does not use mandarin oranges but relies on orange juice or zest and includes chili flakes for heat.

Both dishes use chicken, but mandarin chicken usually uses breast meat, while orange chicken uses breasts or thighs.

Color & Texture

Mandarin chicken has a darker, brownish color due to caramelized sugar in its sauce, while orange chicken is lighter with a brighter orange hue, reflecting its lighter ingredients and less cooking time.

Mandarin chicken is softer because it is simmered at a lower temperature, producing a thicker sauce.

Orange chicken is crispier on the outside from breading and deep frying, with a thinner, lighter sauce.

Flavor

Mandarin chicken offers a complex, sweet, and robust orange flavor with garlic and ginger but no spiciness. Orange chicken features a simpler, mildly sweet orange flavor with a savory kick from chili flakes, making it spicier than mandarin chicken.

Cooking Technique

Mandarin chicken is stir-fried without breading and simmered in sauce until thickened. Orange chicken is breaded, deep-fried, and tossed in sauce without simmering, resulting in a crispier texture.

Accessibility

Mandarin chicken is a traditional Chinese dish available in both China and the US. Orange chicken is an American-Chinese creation mostly found in the US and rarely seen in authentic Chinese restaurants in China.

Calories

Mandarin chicken is lighter with about 310 kcal per serving, while orange chicken is higher in calories at approximately 420 kcal per serving. Both are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, so moderation is advised.

Similarities Between Mandarin Chicken And Orange Chicken

Both dishes share key sauce ingredients like sugar and soy sauce, giving them a slightly sweet and savory flavor profile. Traditionally, they are served over steamed white rice with vegetables, reflecting their Chinese culinary roots.

Making Homemade Mandarin Chicken

Making Mandarin chicken at home might seem like more work than ordering takeout. With below recipe, let's create perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy chicken inside, all coated with a delicious orange sauce that rivals any restaurant version.

Gather Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned, drained)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instruction

• Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, orange juice, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic.

Set aside.

• Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet.

Let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors.

• Thicken (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Add mandarin oranges: Gently fold in the mandarin orange segments and cook for 1-2 more minutes, just to warm them through without breaking them up.
• Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot over steamed rice or alongside vegetables.

Simple Steps for Making Orange Chicken

Orange chicken has never been simpler to whip up at home. The addictive combination of crunchy fried chicken pieces smothered in tangy, sweet orange sauce will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredient List

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for breading)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar or honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry, for thickening)
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)