Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken Casserole Recipe

This sticky, crispy Trader Joes Orange Chicken Casserole is made with just three key freezer staples and ready in under 30 minutes. The hero moment arrives when you drizzle the glossy, tangy mandarin sauce over the golden chicken and fluffy rice, creating a perfect glaze in every bite. I love how this hack turns a simple bag of frozen chicken into a complete, comforting family meal with almost zero effort.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to make Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken exactly as the package described—baking the chicken and tossing it in a bowl—but I always felt it needed to be a more cohesive meal. By turning it into a casserole style dish with jasmine rice and steamed broccoli, the flavors meld together beautifully, and the rice soaks up that addictive ginger-orange sauce.

One mistake I made early on was mixing the breaded chicken into the moist rice before baking, which made the coating soggy and unappealing. The secret I learned is to bake the chicken separately until it’s extra crispy, then layer it on top of the rice and vegetable base just before serving to maintain that essential crunch.

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Trader Joes Orange Chicken Casserole Ingredients

• 1 bag (22 oz) Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken (frozen)
• 2 bags (20 oz total) Trader Joe’s Frozen Jasmine Rice (or 3 cups cooked white rice)
• 1 bag (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Broccoli Florets (frozen)
• 1 tbsp Trader Joe’s Soy Sauce (optional, for the rice)
• 1 tsp Sesame oil (optional)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

How To Make Trader Joes Orange Chicken Casserole

1. Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen chicken chunks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden and crispy.
2. Prepare the Base: While the chicken bakes, microwave the frozen jasmine rice and broccoli according to package instructions. If using fresh broccoli, steam it until tender-crisp.
3. Warm the Sauce: Place the sauce packets from the chicken bag in a bowl of hot water to thaw, or empty them into a small saucepan and simmer on low heat until warm and slightly thickened.
4. Assemble the Casserole: In a large 9×13 baking dish or serving platter, spread the cooked rice in an even layer. Toss the steamed broccoli with the soy sauce and sesame oil (if using), then arrange it over the rice.
5. Finish the Dish: Remove the crispy chicken from the oven and place it on top of the rice and broccoli. Drizzle the warm mandarin orange sauce generously over the entire dish. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Crispier Chicken: For the best texture, air fry the chicken at 400°F for 10-12 minutes instead of baking it. This ensures the breading stays crunchy even after adding the sauce.
• Sauce Distribution: Don’t pour all the sauce directly onto the rice, as it can become too salty; drizzle it specifically over the chicken pieces and let it trickle down.
• Vegetable Variations: If you don’t like broccoli, this casserole works perfectly with Trader Joe’s Stir-Fry Vegetables or green beans.
• Rice Texture: Fluff the microwave rice with a fork immediately after heating to prevent it from clumping together in the casserole dish.

What To Serve With Trader Joes Orange Chicken Casserole

This dish is quite heavy on its own, so I like to pair it with some frozen vegetable spring rolls or gyoza for a crunchy side. A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing also cuts through the sweetness of the orange sauce perfectly.

How To Store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, it is best to use an air fryer or oven to crisp up the chicken again, as the microwave will make the breading soft.

FAQs

• Can I make this with other frozen chicken brands? Yes, you can use any brand of frozen orange chicken, but the cooking times and sauce consistency may vary slightly.
• Is this dish spicy? The Trader Joe’s mandarin sauce has a very mild kick from ginger and red pepper, but it is generally considered family-friendly and sweet.
• Do I have to bake the casserole together? No, this is designed as an assembly-style casserole to keep the chicken crispy; baking it all together makes the breading mushy.
• Can I use brown rice? Absolutely, Trader Joe’s sells frozen brown rice that works just as well and adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
• How do I make the sauce thicker? If the sauce feels too thin, simmer it in a saucepan with a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water for a minute.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 75g
• Protein: 22g