5 Ways to Make Trader Joe's Iconic Mandarin Orange Chicken Taste Even Better

Explore all of the ways you can use your favorite frozen TJ’s meal to have dinner ready in minutes.

Scoping out new products at Trader Joe's is always an exciting venture—so much so that it’s become increasingly popular for food bloggers to share their weekly hauls and taste tests . And while it’s always thrilling to load your cart up with the latest releases, there are certain snacks and meals that have proven to be a staple year after year.

If you’ve been shopping at TJ's for some time, you already know how irresistible the Mandarin Orange Chicken is. I mean, what’s more delicious than juicy breaded chicken, smothered in a sweet and spicy citrus sauce? It’s the most convenient and fast weeknight dinner because it can be whipped up on a whim in just a few minutes (this is your cue to stock your freezer with a few bags). But what you may not know is that TJ’s Orange Chicken is the perfect base for creating other innovative meals, too. Here are a few ways to take one of TJ’s famous frozen meals to the next level.

Related: 12 Items You Shouldn't Buy at Trader Joe's

Orange Chicken Fried Rice

Skip the Chinese takeout and make your own chicken and rice at home! All you need is a bag of TJ’s frozen Vegetable Fried Rice and Mandarin Orange Chicken. Cook them both separately, according to the instructions on the bag, and then once they're ready to eat, simply plate them both alongside your favorite green. Bok choy or steamed broccoli are both great additions to this classic takeout meal. If you'd rather make your own fried rice, try this recipe instead.

Orange Chicken Salad

The key to the perfect salad is creating texture with different ingredients. A satisfying salad always has some sort of delicious protein , fresh vegetables , and a crunchy topping. To make the world’s easiest Asian-inspired salad, throw together some chopped romaine and radicchio, Mandarin orange segments, cucumbers, and sliced carrots. Then, top the salad with TJ’s Mandarin Orange Chicken, some crispy wontons, and a drizzle of sesame ginger dressing. Just be sure to let the chicken cool before adding it, this way it doesn’t wilt any of the vegetables.

Orange Chicken Burrito

To create your burrito, start by cooking the chicken as you normally would (sans sauce), either in a skillet, the oven, or an air fryer . Then, cook cauliflower rice on high heat to get the moisture out. Once both components of the burrito are done, add the chicken to the pan with the cauliflower rice (separating the two) and coat them both in that scrumptious orange sauce. Finally, throw everything in a warm tortilla and enjoy! For an on-the-go option, make your burrito in a mason jar.

Orange Chicken Grain Bowl

Whether you need to throw together a quick lunch or dinner, grain bowls are a great option because they’re easily customizable and are always satisfying. To assemble your bowl, use quinoa, farro, or wild rice as a base, and then add any vegetables you have on hand. Roasted sweet potato, broccoli, and peas work well, but you can really use whatever is leftover in the fridge. Prepare some TJ’s Mandarin Orange Chicken, according to the instructions on the bag, and add it to the bowl for a filling and tasty meal.

Related: 8 of the Highest-Protein Foods Every Well-Balanced Diet Should Include

Orange Chicken Flatbread

Flatbreads are basically mini pizzas that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or as a meal when paired with a side salad. It’s a super convenient meal because all you need is some store-bought naan and whatever you choose to top it with. To make an Orange Chicken flatbread, add some chopped TJ’s Mandarin Orange Chicken, sliced red onion, and fresh parsley. Drizzle a bit of extra sauce on top of the chicken and you’re ready to devour!

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