Mandarin Chicken with Caramelized Onions

So I had this can of mandarin oranges in the pantry, and needed to use them. I also had chicken and onions. That was my uninspiring inspiration for this recipe…but it worked. Be warned – if you aren’t an onion lover, this recipe isn’t for you. Maybe it should be titled Caramelized Onions with Mandarin Chicken.

Mandarin Chicken with Caramelized Onions
1 1/2 lbs. chicken breast tenders, cut into 2″ cubes
2 T olive oil
2 onions, sliced
1 can mandarin oranges
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
4-6 jalapeno pepper rings
1 T Soy sauce
Salt & pepper
Green onions / chives for garnish
(serve with rice)

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until brown and soft. Meanwhile, cut and season chicken with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Deglaze pan with 1 T. mandarin orange juice (from can) when onions are finished.  Remove onions from pan and add chicken. Cook until done. Add onions and pepper back into pan, along with 1/3 C. mandarin orange juice and soy sauce (you may want to add more soy suace to taste). Simmer on medium-low heat for five minutes. Stir in 1/2 can of oranges. Garnish with chopped green onion. Serve with rice.

Because I love caramelized onions so very much, here is a before and after. Mmmm.