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Trader Joe's Orange Chicken

Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken (copycat)

Craving Trader Joe's Orange Chicken? Try our delicious copycat recipe! Quick, simple, and bursting with flavour, it's perfect for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
For the Sauce:
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  2. Fry the Chicken:
    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (around 350°F/175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    In a medium saucepan, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
    Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.