Description
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.
Ingredients
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)
For the 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 (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
Instructions
1. Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest.
Bring to a gentle simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Stir in chili flakes (optional).
Mix the cornstarch slurry and slowly whisk into the sauce until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
Dip chicken pieces in beaten egg, then coat with the dry mix.
Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy (about 5–6 minutes).
Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Stir-Fry the Veggies
In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high.
Add broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
4. Combine Everything
Add the fried chicken to the wok.
Pour in the orange sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Stir in green onions and drizzle with sesame oil.
5. Serve
Serve immediately over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or extra orange zest if desired.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, garnish your stir-fry with freshly sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1½ cups)
- Calories: 420
Keywords: homemade orange chicken stir-fry, copycat orange chicken recipe, crispy orange chicken stir-fry, Trader Joe's orange chicken