Trader Joe’s has made a name for itself with its unique and delicious food offerings, and one of the fan favorites is their Mandarin Orange Chicken. However, if you’re craving this crispy and tangy treat and want to recreate it from the comfort of your home, this Copycat Orange Chicken Stir-Fry recipe is the perfect choice. It not only saves you time but also lets you control the quality of ingredients while replicating that beloved flavor.
What Is This Recipe?
This Trader Joe’s Copycat Orange Chicken Stir-Fry recipe is a delicious and homemade alternative to the famous frozen dish sold by Trader Joe’s. By combining crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy homemade orange sauce, stir-fried veggies, and served over steamed rice, you get a meal that’s healthier and can be customized to your preference. This recipe offers the perfect balance of crunchy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty orange sauce that will make you feel like you’re dining at a restaurant.
Origin of This Recipe
While this recipe is a copycat version of Trader Joe’s famous Mandarin Orange Chicken, it has been adapted to make it fresher and healthier by using whole, unprocessed ingredients. The dish draws inspiration from Chinese-American cuisine, where orange chicken is a popular choice in many Chinese-American take-out menus. The combination of crispy chicken and sweet, citrusy sauce is a classic favorite, making it easy to fall in love with this homemade version.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade Trader Joe’s Copycat Orange Chicken Stir-Fry:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Neutral oil (for frying, e.g., canola or avocado oil)
Orange Sauce:
- ¾ cup orange juice (fresh is best)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1–2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for finishing)
- Cooked jasmine or brown rice, for serving
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Make the Orange Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in chili flakes if you like a little heat with your orange sauce.
- Mix the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. This will be the coating for the chicken.
- Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the dry flour mixture.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil for frying.
- Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring each batch is fried for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried chicken pieces and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
3. Stir-Fry the Veggies
- In the same skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the broccoli florets, red bell pepper slices, and snap peas (or snow peas). Stir-fry the vegetables for 3–4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender and vibrant in color.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the crispy fried chicken to the stir-fried vegetables in the wok.
- Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing everything to coat evenly in the tangy-sweet sauce.
- Stir in the sliced green onions and drizzle sesame oil over the top to finish the dish with a touch of nutty flavor.
5. Serve
Serve the Trader Joe’s Copycat Orange Chicken Stir-Fry immediately over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. For an extra touch, you can garnish the dish with sesame seeds or a little more orange zest for added flavor and decoration.
Variations: crispy orange chicken stir-fry
If you want to experiment with this recipe, there are a few easy variations you can try to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Coat the tofu in the same cornstarch-flour mixture and fry until crispy.
- Spicy Option: Increase the amount of chili flakes or add a small diced jalapeño to the stir-fry for extra heat.
- Additional Vegetables: You can add other vegetables such as carrots, snow peas, or baby corn for more flavor and texture.
- Honey Orange Sauce: For a different flavor profile, replace some or all of the brown sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
FAQs About copycat orange chicken recipe
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, which is why they’re preferred for this dish.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with gluten-free flour and use a gluten-free soy sauce.
Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the orange sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before using it in the stir-fry.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken crispy.
Conclusion: Trader Joe’s Copycat Orange Chicken Stir-Fry
This Trader Joe’s Copycat Orange Chicken Stir-Fry recipe brings the magic of the frozen food aisle into your kitchen, with a fresh, homemade twist. The crispy chicken, tangy-sweet orange sauce, and vibrant stir-fried veggies create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or opt for a shortcut, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over rice for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
By following this simple yet detailed recipe, you can recreate one of your favorite Trader Joe’s dishes, and with a little customization, make it even better. Enjoy your homemade orange chicken stir-fry today, and don’t forget to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!
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