Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken (Air Fryer Frozen Orange Chicken)

Are you in need of an insanely delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes? Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is the ultimate lazy meal that will wow the entire family.

Below, we’re sharing our review of this Trader Joe’s Must Have Item! Plus, ideas for the perfect side dishes to make.

Frozen Orange Chicken air fryer instructions included below in this article and yes it’s amazing in the air fryer. If you choose the air fryer method you’ll be pleasantly surprised on how easy, mess free, faster cooking time and has a delicious crunchy texture.

Trader Joe's Orange Chicken

Why we love TJ’s Mandarin Orange Chicken

This post is long over due. I’ve been buying this amazing orange chicken for, at least, the past 15 years. This still remains my favorite Trader Joe’s frozen item ever. It’s delicious, juicy and tender chicken, coated in a crispy and crunchy breading. Then tossed with an irresistible orange ginger sauce that leaves you want more. There is no need to order take out with this home cooked ridiculously tasty option.

Trader Joe's Orange Chicken

How to make Trader Joe’s Frozen Orange Chicken

There are a multitude of ways to make this delectable bag of tastiness. Whether you decide to oven bake, pan fry or use an air fryer, you just can’t go wrong. You can find Trader Joe’s orange chicken air fryer instructions below.

How long to cook Trader Joe’s orange Chicken in the air fryer?

Preheat air fryer to 400F/205C. Once preheated, evenly Distribute the entire bag of chicken (remove the 2 sauce packets) into the air fryer. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes and coat with warmed orange sauce. Toss the chicken half way through cooking this ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Suggestions for baking Frozen Orange Chicken

One suggestion, when baking the frozen orange chicken in the oven, line the baking pan with foil or parchment paper. This step is not necessary but aids for an easier clean up. The orange sauce you can heat in a small sauce pan or microwaved in a small bowl.

What sides to make

Click on the links below for easy side dish ideas

Featured in this image above and below is our favorite way to serve this meal. This include Instant Pot White Rice and Easy Roasted Snow Peas Recipe (with a few shredded carrots mixed in).

Trader Joe's Orange Chicken

Does Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken contain MSG

The short answer, Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken has no added MSG. Although, MSG is naturally occurring in some foods, even healthy foods like tomatoes and cheese. If MSG is a concern you may not want to add soy sauce to this meal. Soy sauce contains high levels of naturally occurring glutamate

How to Store Leftovers

When needed, you may refrigerate leftover orange chicken in an air tight container for up to 3 days. When storing the chicken keep in mind that it will lose some crispiness. 

Suggestion on serving size

Trader Joe’s states that 1 bag of Mandarin Orange Chicken serves 5. Personally, I think that one bag serves 2 or 3 people. When cooking for your family of 4 or more you may need to purchase multiple bags.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Trader Joe's Orange Chicken

Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken Recipe


Description

Trader Joe’s Must Have Item in your cart!


Ingredients

Scale

1 bag Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange chicken


Instructions

Preheat oven to 400F

Line a baking pan with parchment paper

Open bag and place the chicken onto the lined baking pan and place aside the 2 packets of orange sauce

Bake the chicken for 18-20 minutes

Heat the orange ginger sauce in a small bowl and microwave for 60-90 seconds or until heated through or heat in a small saucepan on stovetop over medium heat until warmed

Pour the orange sauce right oven the chicken on the pan and toss to coat well

Serve immediately with side dish of choice

  • Prep Time: 1
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Category: Main Dish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 330mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
What are Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken Ingredients?

Battered chicken dark meat chunks (chicken dark meat, water, corn starch, flour [unbleached enriched wheat flour, barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], whole eggs, vegetable oil, salt, white pepper, green onion, garlic, ginger). sauce (sugar, water, vinegar, light soy sauce [soybean, water, salt, wheat flour], modified food starch, dark soy sauce [soybean, water, straw mushroom extractives, salt, wheat flour]. garlic, green onions, ginger white pepper, sake, mandarin orange peel, orange juice, red chile), soybean oil.

What is the price for Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken?

22-ounce package of Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken for the WOW price of $4.99*, everyday.
Note: Since posting, the details of this item may have changed due to fluctuating market prices, federal regulations, currency rates, drought… Contact Trader Joe’s for current price and availability.

Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken Instructions?

Bake the chicken in a 400º oven; once the chicken is cooked through, add the sauce to a skillet; when the sauce becomes hot, add the chicken and toss together until the sauce adheres to the chicken and caramelizes a bit. You can also microwave the sauce and toss it with the chicken.

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken nutrition

SERVING SIZE 1 cup(140g)
CALORIES PER SERVING 320
SERVES ABOUT 5

Can you microwave Trader Joe’s orange chicken?

You can technically heat the Mandarin orange chicken sauce with the use of the microwave, but, Trader Joe’s orange chicken should be either cooked in the air fryer or the oven, as it will lose much of its crispy texture in the microwave. Long story short, don’t do it.

What are Trader Joe’s stores hours?

Most Trader Joe’s stores are open daily from 8am-9pm. A few stores may very and it’s best to check with your local Trader Joe’s store.

What days are Trader Joe’s stores closed?

Trader Joe’s stores are closed on New Years Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Other holidays such as, Easter, Independence Day and Christmas Eve will have reduced store hours.

Other Delicious Recipes to Try

Trader Joe’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Chips

Have you tried these seasonal Thanksgiving stuffing chips from Trader Joe’s? If not I’m highly recommending you run to your […]

Trader Joe’s Double Chocolate Muffins

Literally, the best gluten free cake/muffin that I’ve ever had! Trader Joe’s Gluten free Double Chocolate Muffins are a must […]

Trader Joe’s Brownie Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches

DELICIOUS Trader Joe’s Brownie Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches comprehensive and honest review inside this article! Honest Review TJ’s Brownie Coffee […]

Trader Joe's Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Spinach and Artichoke TikTok Pasta

Have you heard of the baked feta TikTok pasta phenomenon? It’s all over the internet and ridiculously yummy. Trader Joe’s […]

Trader Joe's spinach artichoke dip

Trader Joe’s Spinach Artichoke Dip Grilled Cheese

Trader Joe’s spinach artichoke dip puts an elegant twist to your typical grilled cheese. This sandwich is creamy, cheesy and […]

Trader Joe’s Spinach Artichoke Dip

Inside this article you’ll find our honest review of Trader Joe’s Spinach Artichoke Dip and incredibly delicious recipe ideas. Trader […]

Trader Joe’s Blueberry Muffin Mix

We’re breaking down this NEW Trader Joe’s Blueberry Muffin Mix. Below you’ll find our honest review and the slight modifications […]

Trader Joe's Fusilli Corti Bucati

Trader Joe’s Fusilli Corti Bucati Pasta

Trader Joe’s Organic Fusilli Corti Bucati Pasta paired with an incredibly easy and tasty alfredo sauce turns this impressive noodle […]

Trader Joe's Dunkers

Trader Joe’s Dunkers Review

This Trader Joe’s Dunkers review is breaking down the 3 delicious cookies that are featured below. Keep reading to find […]

Spring Rolls

Trader Joe’s Chicken Spring Rolls

Trader Joe’s sells an assortment of delicious spring rolls. This review for Chicken Spring Rolls includes my families honest review, […]

Trader Joe's Chicken Cilantro Wonton Soup

Trader Joe’s Chicken Cilantro Wonton Soup

We’re taking 3 Trader Joe’s items and transforming them into a Wonton Soup that will warm your soul. 25 minutes […]

Trader Joe's Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls

Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Rolls

Trader Joe’s Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls are something special. Swirls of cinnamon, rich frosting and exceptional flavor come together to produce […]

3 Comments

  1. Finally gave this a try and WOW! Perfect meal with white rice and broccoli!!!

  2. Please add me to your email/posts

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.