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Crispy Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken Hack with Easy Homemade Sauce Recipe

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A quick and easy hack to elevate Trader Joe’s frozen Mandarin Orange Chicken with a fresh, tangy homemade sauce that keeps the chicken crispy and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken (frozen crispy battered chicken pieces)
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30 ml), preferably low sodium
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (25 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • ½ cup water (120 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5 ml)
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced thinly
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Arrange the frozen Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Alternatively, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
  3. While the chicken bakes, prepare the homemade sauce: In a small saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Whisk together over medium heat.
  4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Mix the cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Slowly pour this into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
  6. Continue simmering the sauce for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil.
  7. Once the chicken is crisp and golden, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the homemade sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat every piece evenly.
  8. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Do not thaw the chicken before baking to keep it crispy. Use a wire rack on the baking sheet if available for even crisping. Toss the chicken gently with the sauce to preserve the crust. If sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of water to loosen. Fresh orange juice is preferred for best flavor. For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mandarin orange chicken, Trader Joe’s hack, homemade sauce, crispy chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/crispy-trader-joes-mandarin-orange-chicken-hack-with-easy-homemade-sauce-recipe/