Fakeout Kitchen

Trader Joe's-Style Mandarin Orange Chicken

This clean version replaces deep-frying with a light almond crust and uses fresh fruit juice instead of high-fructose syrups for a nutrient-rich meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb organic chicken breast, cubed
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ginger powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice (from 3-4 oranges)
  • 1 tsp fresh orange zest
  • 2 tbsp raw honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup sliced mandarin oranges
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

  • Canola oil (typical restaurant) → Avocado oil — Eliminates inflammatory industrial seed oils.
  • White sugar → Raw honey — Provides natural sweetness without refined cane sugar spikes.
  • Wheat flour breading and deep frying → Almond flour sear — Avoids gluten-heavy additives and reduces excessive oil absorption.

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry and toss in a bowl with almond flour, garlic powder, ginger powder, and salt until evenly coated.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken pieces to the pan and sear until golden brown and cooked through (approximately 6-8 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Lower the heat and add the remaining avocado oil and minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds.
  5. Pour in the fresh orange juice, honey, orange zest, and chili flakes.
  6. Simmer the sauce for 4-5 minutes until it begins to reduce and thicken slightly.
  7. Add the cooked chicken and sliced mandarin oranges back into the skillet, tossing well to coat every piece in the glaze.
  8. Serve immediately over steamed organic broccoli or cauliflower rice.

FAQ

Is this Trader Joe's-Style Mandarin Orange Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, because we use almond flour instead of traditional wheat breadcrumbs.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

You can simmer the sauce for an extra 2 minutes or whisk in a teaspoon of arrowroot starch if needed.

Cooked it?

Mark it made — add a photo if you like.