Mandarin Chicken Tenders

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly tangy, Mandarin Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on classic chicken strips. These tender bites are coated in a crunchy panko crust and tossed in a luscious mandarin glaze made from freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and a hint of rice vinegar. Perfectly balancing sweet and savory flavors, this dish is a hit for family dinners or easy entertaining. Whether baked for a healthier option or pan-fried for extra crispiness, they’re topped with vibrant green onions and optional sesame seeds for a flavorful and visually stunning finish. Serve these juicy chicken tenders with a side of steamed rice or a crisp salad for an unforgettable meal. This quick recipe takes just 40 minutes to prepare and promises a burst of citrusy flavor in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken tenders
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 Eggs
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Vegetable oil
• 3 Fresh mandarin oranges
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
• 1 tsp Cornstarch
• 2 tbsp Water
• 2 Green onions (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp Sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat if pan-frying.

Step 2

Season chicken tenders evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 4

Dredge each chicken tender in flour first, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.

Step 5

If frying: Add prepared chicken tenders to the hot oil in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. If baking: Place breaded tenders on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

Step 6

While the tenders cook, prepare the mandarin glaze. Juice the fresh mandarins to yield about 1/3 cup of juice. Add the juice to a small saucepan along with honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add this to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.

Step 8

Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm mandarin glaze over the tenders and gently toss to coat.

Step 9

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1152.4 grams (1152.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2715

Total Fat 149.20g	191%
Saturated Fat 27.30g	137%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.60g
Cholesterol 599mg	200%
Sodium 6731mg	293%
Total Carbohydrate 231.80g	84%
Dietary Fiber 13.90g	50%
Total Sugars 69.70g
Protein 124.90g	250%

Vitamin D 82IU	410%
Calcium 377mg	29%
Iron 14mg	77%
Potassium 2063mg	44%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.5%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 33.5%