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If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, you’ve probably heard of Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken. This delicious dish has become a staple in many households, thanks to its sweet and tangy flavor and crispy texture.
While you could easily buy a bag of frozen Orange Chicken from Trader Joe’s and pop it in the oven, there’s something special about making it from scratch. Not only do you have control over the ingredients, but the end result is incredibly satisfying.
So, if you’re ready to take your culinary skills to the next level and wow your family and friends with a homemade version of Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken, follow these simple steps. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
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Prepare the ingredients
Before you begin cooking Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure everything is within reach when you need it.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of water (for cornstarch slurry)
These ingredients can be found at your local Trader Joe’s store or any other supermarket that carries Trader Joe’s products.
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Thaw the chicken
Before cooking Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken, it is important to ensure that the chicken is properly thawed. Thawing the chicken reduces the risk of uneven cooking and allows the flavors to penetrate the meat evenly.
There are two main methods for thawing chicken:
Refrigerator thawing
Place the frozen chicken in a refrigerator for approximately 24 hours. Ensure that the chicken is stored in a leak-proof container to avoid cross-contamination. This method allows for safe and gradual thawing while keeping the chicken at a safe temperature.
Cold water thawing
If you need to thaw the chicken more quickly, you can use the cold water method. Start by placing the chicken in a sealed plastic bag to prevent water from entering. Submerge the bagged chicken in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure it stays cold. Thawing time using this method typically takes 1-2 hours.
It is important to note that thawed chicken should never be re-frozen. Once the chicken is completely thawed, you can proceed with the next steps of the cooking process for Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken.
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Cook the chicken
Once you have the Trader Joe’s orange chicken package ready, it’s time to cook the chicken. Here are the steps to follow:
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the chicken.
- Arrange the chicken: Empty the contents of the chicken package onto a baking sheet or a baking dish.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken in the preheated oven and cook for 18-20 minutes.
- Flip the chicken: Halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken pieces to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken has reached a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven: Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven carefully using oven mitts.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on your oven, so it’s always a good idea to check the chicken towards the end of the recommended cooking time to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.
Prepare the sauce
One of the key components of Trader Joe’s orange chicken is the delicious tangy sauce that coats the chicken. Making the sauce from scratch is easy and will give your homemade version that authentic taste.
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Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Heat the sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the saucepan and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Pour the orange juice mixture into the saucepan and whisk to combine.
- Add the red pepper flakes and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Continue to simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before using.
Note: If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
Once the sauce is prepared, you’re ready to move on to the next step of cooking the Trader Joe’s orange chicken. The sauce will add the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors to the dish, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Combine the chicken and sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the Trader Joe’s orange sauce. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated with the delicious sauce.
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Note: You can adjust the amount of sauce according to your preference. If you like your orange chicken with lots of sauce, add more. If you prefer a lighter coating, use less sauce.
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Pro tip: While combining the chicken and sauce, you can also add some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrition.
Once the chicken and sauce are combined, you can serve it immediately. The combination of crispy chicken and tangy orange sauce is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.
Serve and enjoy
Once your Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are a few tips to make your meal even more delicious:
- Transfer the Orange Chicken to a serving plate or platter. Make sure to include some of the sauce for added flavor.
- Garnish the dish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and added texture.
- Pair the Orange Chicken with steamed white rice or fried rice to complete your meal.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also serve the Orange Chicken with noodles or stir-fried vegetables.
- For an extra spicy kick, drizzle some Sriracha sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top.
- Don’t forget to have some chopsticks or forks ready for your guests to easily enjoy the meal.
Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and savor every bite of your homemade Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken. Enjoy!
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Q&A
What ingredients do I need to cook Trader Joe’s orange chicken?
To cook Trader Joe’s orange chicken, you will need the following ingredients: Trader Joe’s orange chicken, vegetable oil, and cooked rice.
Can I cook Trader Joe’s orange chicken in the oven?
No, Trader Joe’s orange chicken is meant to be cooked on the stovetop.
How long does it take to cook Trader Joe’s orange chicken?
Cooking Trader Joe’s orange chicken typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
What are some tips for cooking Trader Joe’s orange chicken?
Some tips for cooking Trader Joe’s orange chicken include preheating the pan and adding extra vegetables or spices for added flavor.
Can I cook Trader Joe’s orange chicken without oil?
No, it is recommended to use vegetable oil when cooking Trader Joe’s orange chicken to ensure it gets crispy and golden brown.
How long does it take to cook trader joe’s orange chicken?
Cooking trader joe’s orange chicken should take around 20-25 minutes. This includes both the stovetop heating and the oven baking steps.