This fan-favorite Trader Joe’s staple is more versatile than you think.

As a Tasty contributor, I write test-driven stories about grocery store staples, viral recipes, and cozy comfort foods, focusing on what’s actually worth making at home.

What You’ll Need: Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken + baguette or hoagie roll + shredded carrots + cucumber + mayo + cilantro

How to Make It: Cook the chicken according to package instructions. Lightly toast the bread, spread with mayo, then layer in chicken, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro.

Why I Love It: It pulls in those classic banh mi flavors, but with a fun shortcut that makes it weeknight-friendly.

What You’ll Need: Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken + butter lettuce + shredded carrots + sliced cucumber +  Sriracha

How to Make It: Cook the chicken, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Spoon it into lettuce leaves and top with veggies and Sriracha.

Why I Love It: So crunchy and sooo easy! Lettuce wraps always hit the spot.

What You’ll Need: Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken + noodles (ramen, lo mein, or spaghetti) + broccoli + soy sauce or chili crisp

How to Make It: Cook the chicken and boil the noodles according to package instructions. Steam or sauté the broccoli, then toss everything together with the Orange Chicken sauce and a splash of soy sauce if needed.

Why I Love It: It tastes like takeout-style noodles, but you can whip it up with what you already have at home.

What You’ll Need: Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken + rice + eggs + frozen peas + soy sauce

How to Make It: Scramble the eggs in a pan, then add cooked rice and peas. Stir in chopped chicken and soy sauce, and cook until everything is heated through.

Why I Love It: This one turns a few basics into a full and tasty dinner, and the egg gives it a nice extra boost of protein.

What You’ll Need: Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken + jasmine rice + broccoli + green onions

How to Make It: Cook the orange chicken according to package instructions. Heat the rice and steam (or roast) the broccoli. Add everything to a bowl and top with green onions.

Why I Love It: What's not to love about a rice bowl at home?

What You’ll Need: Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken + mixed greens + mandarin orange segments + sliced almonds + sesame or Asian-style dressing

How to Make It: Cook and slice the chicken. Toss the greens with dressing, then top with chicken, oranges, and almonds.

Why I Love It: It’s that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy. And, dare I say, it feels a little fancy. 

What You’ll Need: Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken + bagged coleslaw + large tortillas or wraps + spicy mayo

How to Make It: Cook and chop the chicken. Toss with the coleslaw and spicy mayo (mayo, Sriracha, and a little honey), then wrap everything tightly in tortillas.

Why I Love It: It’s slightly out of the norm, but I love anything in a tortilla. Plus, it works just as well for lunch as it does for dinner.

What You’ll Need: Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken + russet potatoes + broccoli + scallions or sesame seeds

How to Make It: Bake the potatoes until tender. Cook the chicken, then spoon it over the potatoes with broccoli and toppings.

Why I Love It: This one’s a little more unexpected than the others, but I’m a fool for a potato mashup dish (and I always seem to have extra potatoes on hand). 

What You’ll Need: Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken + quinoa or farro + roasted vegetables + avocado

How to Make It: Cook the chicken and grains. Roast your veggies. Add everything to a bowl and top with chopped avocado. 

Why I Love It: It’s just as good warm as it is straight from the fridge as leftovers the next day (mandarin orange chicken meal prep!). Plus, the flavor combo of avocados with orange chicken is a little creative and fun.

What You’ll Need: Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken + slider buns + coleslaw mix + mayo or ranch dressing

How to Make It: Cook the chicken, then pile it onto slider buns with slaw. Add a little mayo (spicy mayo is good) or ranch if you want it extra saucy.

Why I Love It: I'm convinced that putting things in slider form makes everything more delicious.