Trader Joe’s Recipe – Easy Orange Chicken with Pineapple and Vegetables
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Some nights you just need a quick win for dinner. Something easy, filling, and guaranteed to make everyone happy. This easy orange chicken recipe checks every box. With Trader Joe’s famous frozen orange chicken, colorful veggies, sweet pineapple, and their frozen jasmine rice, you’ve got a full meal on the table in under 30 minutes. And if you’ve ever wondered how to make homemade orange chicken without the fuss, this recipe is the perfect shortcut.
It’s one of those Trader Joe’s meal ideas I come back to again and again because it’s simple but feels a little more special than takeout. I make this a lot on Sunday evenings because, not only am I extra lazy on Sundays and fighting against the Sunday scaries, but it also makes leftovers to either send with my kids for lunch the next day, or I can eat it for lunch or dinner for a few days. Plus, it’s kid-approved, and I love that it sneaks in some extra veggies.
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s all you need to make this Trader Joe’s orange chicken recipe:
- Trader Joe’s Frozen Orange Chicken – The hero of the recipe. Crispy, tangy, and so easy.
- Red bell pepper – Adds sweetness and color.
- Green bell pepper – For crunch and balance.
- Onion – A must for stir-fry flavor.
- Pineapple – Juicy, sweet, and makes the orange chicken sauce taste even better.
- Trader Joe’s Frozen Jasmine Rice – My go-to for quick dinners.
That’s just six ingredients, and they’re all Trader Joe’s staples that I typically have on hand anyway.
How to Make Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken with Pineapple and Vegetables
This recipe is fast and forgiving on a weeknight. Here’s how I pull it together:
Step 1: Bake the chicken – Trader Joe’s orange chicken can be cooked either in the oven or in the microwave. I usually bake it so it is extra crispy. Plus, it gives me time to cook the veggies while the chicken is in the oven. Warm the sauce packet in hot water while the chicken cooks.
Step 2: Sauté the veggies and pineapple – While the chicken is cooking, slice the pineapple, peppers, and onion. Sauté them in a skillet with a drizzle or spray of oil until tender-crisp.
Step 3: Add sauce – When the chicken is done, add it to the pan with the veggies and pour over the warmed orange sauce. Stir everything together until coated.
Step 4: Cook the rice – Microwave the frozen jasmine rice according to the package directions so it’s ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy – Spoon the orange chicken, veggies, and pineapple over jasmine rice and serve hot. SO GOOD.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Trader Joe’s staples make it quick and stress-free.
- Colorful veggies + pineapple = more flavor and freshness.
- Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Kid-approved, veggied-up, family-friendly dinner.
- A healthier, fresher take on classic takeout.
- A quick homemade orange chicken hack using Trader Joe’s frozen favorite.
Easy Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken with Pineapple and Vegetables
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 package Trader Joe’s Frozen Orange Chicken
- 1/2 to 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 to 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1/2 to 1 onion diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned, drained
- 1 package Trader Joe’s Frozen Jasmine Rice
Instructions
- Bake the chicken according to package instructions.
- Warm the sauce packet in hot water while the chicken cooks.
- While the chicken is cooking, slice or dice the pineapple, peppers, and onion.
- In a sauté pan or skillet, drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil or spray the pan with oil. Add the veggies to the pan, and cook until tender.
- When the chicken is done, add it to the pan with the veggies and pour over the orange sauce. Stir everything together until well-coated.
- Microwave the frozen jasmine rice according to the package directions so it’s ready to serve.
- Step 7: Spoon the orange chicken, veggies, and pineapple over jasmine rice and serve hot.
Notes
- Frozen stir-fry veggies from Trader Joe’s also work as an easy swap. Every few weeks, I buy this orange chicken, rice, and frozen stir-fry veggies from Trader Joe’s. I keep them in the freezer until I need them, so I always have a quick and easy meal on hand.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day.
- This is a great meal prep recipe or recipe for one with leftovers!
FAQ’s About This Orange Chicken Recipe
This recipe is high-protein and fairly healthy already, but I think if you wanted to cut calories, you could only use one of the sauce packets, eliminate the rice, and add more vegetables. Adding a container of Trader Joe’s Stir-fry vegetables would be delicious.
Definitely! Trader Joe’s orange chicken turns out extra crispy in the air fryer. Cook according to air-fryer instructions instead of baking, then follow the rest of the recipe.
Absolutely! This is one of my go-to single mom recipes for nights that I don’t have my kids. It’s comforting, delicious, and makes enough for 3-4 meals. Just divide it into 3 or 4 separate meal prep containers and take it with you for lunch each day!
Sound Bite – This Orange Chicken Recipe Pairs Well With One Week by Barenaked Ladies
Make sure to pin the image below, tag me @foundre.life on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make this recipe. ENJOY!
