The Easy Way To Elevate Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken

Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is a hit when made per label instructions, but you can elevate it further with a few ingredients: garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.

Next, all you need is an extra step. Instead of microwaving the sauce, you can enhance the flavor by mixing garlic and ginger directly into the sauce as it heats on the stovetop.

For an even deeper flavor and thicker texture, sauté the garlic and ginger in a hot pan first. Then, add the sauce to the pan and let it caramelize.

Finally, add the cooked chicken and finish it with a drizzle of sesame oil plus a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These extras create a richer, more flavorful coating for your chicken.

For an extra-crunchy texture, use an air fryer to cook the battered pieces. You can take it up another notch by adding sautéed veggies like onions, garlic, or peppers.