Trader Joe’s Ingredient Orange Chicken Fried Rice Skillet – Oh my goodness, get ready to add a new favorite to your weeknight rotation! I am absolutely thrilled to share this recipe with you because it’s everything I love in one delicious package. What makes this dish so incredibly special is how it brilliantly brings together two Trader Joe’s superstars – their famous Orange Chicken and the concept of homemade fried rice – all in a single skillet, using those clever ingredients we all adore from our favorite neighborhood grocery store. You’re going to love this because it’s ridiculously easy to make, packed with those vibrant, sweet-and-savory flavors you crave, and the cleanup is a breeze thanks to the one-pan magic. Imagine tender, crispy chicken tossed in that signature zesty orange sauce, mingling with fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and scrambled egg, all harmoniously cooked together. It’s comforting, satisfying, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it’s a quick-prep wonder that’s perfect for any busy evening!

Ingredient Notes

Oh, you’re in for a treat with this Trader Joe’s Ingredient Orange Chicken Fried Rice Skillet! It’s one of my absolute favorite weeknight meals because it’s packed with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and truly a breeze to whip up thanks to our beloved Trader Joe’s staples. Here’s a rundown of the key ingredients you’ll need to make this magic happen, along with some handy substitutions.

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken: This is the star of our show, providing that irresistible sweet and tangy orange chicken flavor that makes the dish truly sing. You’ll use both the chicken pieces and the accompanying sauce.
Trader Joe’s Frozen Organic Jasmine Rice: For ultimate convenience and perfect fried rice texture, frozen rice is a game-changer. It thaws quickly and fries up beautifully without getting clumpy.
Large Eggs: Fried rice just isn’t fried rice without those lovely scrambled egg bits throughout!
Trader Joe’s Frozen Organic Peas and Carrots: A classic fried rice vegetable mix that adds color, nutrients, and a touch of sweetness.
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger will give your fried rice an aromatic punch that elevates all the other flavors. Trader Joe’s also offers frozen ginger and garlic cubes if you want an even quicker prep!
Sesame Oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end really brings out that authentic fried rice aroma and flavor.
Soy Sauce: I prefer a low-sodium soy sauce so I can control the saltiness, but use your favorite.
Green Onions: For garnish and a fresh, mild oniony bite.
Optional: Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce: While the orange chicken sauce is primary, sometimes I like to add an extra splash of Soyaki (or a similar stir-fry sauce) to the rice itself for an extra layer of savory depth, especially if I’m making a larger batch.

Substitutions and Variations:

For the Orange Chicken: If for some reason you can’t get your hands on Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken, you can use any pre-cooked, breaded chicken nuggets or strips, and then toss them with a good quality store-bought orange sauce or even a homemade one (soy sauce, orange juice, a touch of maple syrup, ginger, and garlic).
For the Frozen Rice: Day-old leftover cooked rice is actually ideal for fried rice as it’s drier and less likely to clump. If you’re cooking fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry for at least 30 minutes before using.
For the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the peas and carrots for other frozen TJ’s veggies like the stir-fry blend, edamame, corn, or even fresh chopped bell peppers or broccoli florets.
Extra Flavor: A tiny splash of rice vinegar (non-alcoholic) can add a nice tang, or a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get ready for a super straightforward and satisfying meal! This skillet recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for a busy weeknight. We’ll be leveraging the convenience of Trader Joe’s products to make this a breeze.

Prepare the Orange Chicken: First things first, let’s get our star protein ready. Preheat your oven (or air fryer, if preferred) according to the directions on the Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken package. Bake or air fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy, usually about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a bowl and pour the included orange sauce over them, tossing gently to coat. Set aside.
Scramble the Eggs: While your chicken is cooking, heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of sesame oil. Whisk your eggs in a small bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the eggs into the hot skillet and scramble until just cooked through but still soft. Remove the scrambled eggs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add another teaspoon of sesame oil to the same skillet. Add your minced garlic and ginger (or the frozen cubes). Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Add Vegetables and Rice: Add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Now, add the Trader Joe’s frozen jasmine rice directly to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up any large clumps. Continue to stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, pressing the rice against the bottom of the skillet occasionally to allow it to get slightly crispy. If using fresh day-old rice, it might take a bit less time.
Season the Rice: Once the rice is heated through and starting to crisp up, drizzle in your soy sauce and, if using, a splash of Trader Joe’s Soyaki sauce. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated and seasoned.
Combine Everything: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet. Gently fold in the sauced orange chicken pieces with the rice and vegetables. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through. You want the flavors to meld beautifully without overmixing.
Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Drizzle with a final touch of sesame oil and sprinkle generously with chopped green onions. Give it one last gentle toss. Serve immediately and enjoy your incredible Trader Joe’s Ingredient Orange Chicken Fried Rice Skillet!

Tips & Suggestions

To make sure your Trader Joe’s Ingredient Orange Chicken Fried Rice Skillet turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my go-to tips and suggestions:

Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: This is a golden rule for any fried rice! If your skillet is too full, the ingredients will steam instead of fry, resulting in a soggy dish. If you’re making a double batch, I recommend cooking it in two separate batches or using an extra-large wok.
Heat is Your Friend: Use a hot skillet or wok. High heat helps to create that desirable slightly crispy texture on the rice and ensures quick cooking, which is key for fried rice.
Prep Ahead: While this recipe is already super quick, having your garlic and ginger minced, and green onions chopped before you start makes the cooking process even smoother.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your fried rice before serving. You might want to add a little more soy sauce, a dash of rice vinegar for brightness, or a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. Every palate is different!
Add More Veggies: Trader Joe’s has a fantastic array of frozen veggies. Feel free to toss in some frozen edamame, corn, or even their stir-fry vegetable blend for more texture and nutrients. Just make sure to cook them through before adding the rice.
Spice it Up: For those who love a bit of a kick, a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch right before serving is absolutely divine.

Storage

This Trader Joe’s Ingredient Orange Chicken Fried Rice Skillet is so delicious, you might not have any leftovers! But if you do, here’s how to properly store and reheat it to keep it tasting great.

Cool Completely: Before storing, make sure your fried rice has cooled down to room temperature. This is important to prevent bacterial growth and to keep your food safe. Never put hot food directly into the refrigerator, as it can raise the internal temperature of your fridge.
Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled fried rice into airtight containers. This prevents it from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in your refrigerator.
Refrigerator Life: Stored properly in the refrigerator, your orange chicken fried rice will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days. It makes for a fantastic quick lunch or dinner later in the week!
Reheating:
- Microwave: This is the quickest and easiest method. Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a tiny splash of water or a few drops of chicken broth over the rice (this helps prevent it from drying out), and cover loosely. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly hot.
- Skillet: For a slightly crispier texture, reheat in a skillet. Heat a tablespoon of oil (like sesame or a neutral cooking oil) in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add your fried rice and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, breaking up any clumps, until it’s heated through and the rice starts to get a little crispy again. You can add a splash of soy sauce or a little water if it seems too dry.
Freezing: While technically possible, I generally don’t recommend freezing fried rice, especially with the breaded chicken. The texture of the rice can become mushy, and the chicken breading might get soggy upon reheating. However, if you absolutely must, freeze cooled portions flat in airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using the skillet method for best results, being mindful that the texture may be compromised.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! I truly believe the Trader Joe’s Ingredient Orange Chicken Fried Rice Skillet is a game-changer for your weeknight meals. It’s the perfect harmony of convenience and incredible flavor, all thanks to those fantastic Trader Joe’s finds. I love how it takes the irresistible sweet and savory notes of classic orange chicken and transforms them into a hearty, comforting, and unbelievably easy one-pan fried rice. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience that delivers big on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a dish that will quickly become a family favorite, packed with vibrant flavors and comforting textures, then the Trader Joe’s Ingredient Orange Chicken Fried Rice Skillet is an absolute must-try. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!

One-Pan Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken Fried Rice Skillet

Print Recipe

This One-Pan Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken Fried Rice Skillet combines the irresistible flavors of orange chicken with homemade fried rice for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy evenings, all while keeping cleanup to a minimum!

Author: Bluebella
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken
Trader Joe’s Frozen Organic Jasmine Rice
Large Eggs
Trader Joe’s Frozen Organic Peas and Carrots
Garlic
Ginger
Sesame Oil
Soy Sauce
Green Onions
Optional: Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Orange Chicken: Preheat your oven (or air fryer, if preferred) according to the directions on the Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken package. Bake or air fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy, usually about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a bowl and pour the included orange sauce over them, tossing gently to coat. Set aside.
Scramble the Eggs: While your chicken is cooking, heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of sesame oil. Whisk your eggs in a small bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the eggs into the hot skillet and scramble until just cooked through but still soft. Remove the scrambled eggs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add another teaspoon of sesame oil to the same skillet. Add your minced garlic and ginger (or the frozen cubes). Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Add Vegetables and Rice: Add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Now, add the Trader Joe’s frozen jasmine rice directly to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up any large clumps. Continue to stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, pressing the rice against the bottom of the skillet occasionally to allow it to get slightly crispy. If using fresh day-old rice, it might take a bit less time.
Season the Rice: Once the rice is heated through and starting to crisp up, drizzle in your soy sauce and, if using, a splash of Trader Joe’s Soyaki sauce. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated and seasoned.
Combine Everything: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet. Gently fold in the sauced orange chicken pieces with the rice and vegetables. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through. You want the flavors to meld beautifully without overmixing.
Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Drizzle with a final touch of sesame oil and sprinkle generously with chopped green onions. Give it one last gentle toss. Serve immediately and enjoy your incredible Trader Joe’s Ingredient Orange Chicken Fried Rice Skillet!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 500
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 200 mg

Keywords: Don't overcrowd the skillet to avoid steaming instead of frying. Use high heat for a crispy texture and prepare garlic, ginger, and green onions ahead of time for smoother cooking. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.