Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is one of the most delicious and healthy takeout options. But do you know how to microwave Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken? If your answer is no, then today is your lucky day.
As a mom of 3 kids, I am often busy. But I do not want to get unhealthy snacks for my kids. So, Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is one of the best options.
Before I knew how to microwave it properly, sometimes the leftovers went to waste. After a few trials and errors, I have finally found out the best way to microwave Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken.
So, let’s begin.
Can you microwave Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken?
Yes, you can microwave the Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken. There is no issue with that. But, the manufacturer recommends only microwaving the sauce of the chicken.
The Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is precooked. Hence, it doesn’t need to be microwaved. However, if the chicken gets cold, you can reheat it in the microwave.
Furthermore, chicken needs to be reheated at 165 °F to be safe for consumption. And as a microwave can get hotter than that, you can quickly reheat a Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the microwave.
How do you microwave Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken?
To microwave a Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken:
- Take out the chicken from its original packaging. The packaging is not microwave-safe and should not be heated.
- Now place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the chicken with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave the chicken for 2 minutes on a medium heat setting.
- After 2 minutes, check the chicken for its doneness.
- If the chicken is not done yet, microwave it for 30 seconds until thoroughly reheated.
After microwaving the chicken, it is time to microwave the sauce.
Pour the sauce into a microwave-safe bowl. And nuke it for 1-2 minutes. After the microwaving process is done, stir the sauce to ensure even heating.
As you can see, microwaving the Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is relatively easy. But if you miss one step, you can mess up the entire process.
One thing to never forget is to take off the plastic packaging of the Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken. This packaging is not microwave-safe. And heating it can cause the chemical to leach to the chicken.
Also, always cover the chicken with a damp paper towel. The moisture from the paper towel keeps the chicken moist and prevents drying out.
Is it safe to microwave Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken?
Yes, it is safe to microwave the Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken if you follow the proper instructions. Furthermore, if you are reheating the chicken, ensure that you stored it properly before.
Usually, if you do not properly store the leftover Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken, it can get contaminated. Eating such chicken can be harmful to you. But if you microwave it till its internal temperature reaches 165 °F, it is safe to eat.
So, if you are left with Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken that you cannot finish, you need to put it in a ziplock bag or an airtight bag and freeze it. The cold temperature will prevent bacterial growth and enhance the chicken’s shelf life.
How long does it take to microwave Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken?
The length of time it takes to microwave Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken depends on a few factors. For example, the microwave wattage, the amount of chicken, etc. But generally, it takes 2-3 minutes to reheat evenly in the microwave.
The Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken comes precooked. There is no need to leave it in the microwave to be cooked properly. Just microwave it till the chicken is warm enough.
On average, 2-3 minutes is an excellent time to reheat the Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken. But sometimes, the process may take longer due to low-wattage microwaves. Similarly, the chicken will heat up faster if you have a high wattage microwave.
How do you know when Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is done microwaving?
When the Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is done microwaving, its internal temperature is the most obvious sign. Chicken properly heats up at 165 °F. When the chicken reaches that temperature, turn off the microwave.
The easiest way to check the internal temperature of the Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is by using a food-grade thermometer. After the microwaving time is over, check the temperature of the chicken. If it hasn’t reached 165 degrees F, microwave it for another 30 seconds.
If you do not have a food-grade thermometer, you can touch the chicken to check its temperature. Just be careful because the chicken would be warm and can even burn your fingertips.
How to store Trader Joe’s orange chicken?
To store the Trader Joe’s orange chicken, put it in a ziplock bag and place it in the freezer. The chicken will last for up to 3 days using this method.
You can also use an airtight container. First, wrap the chicken in plastic or aluminum foil and then place it in the container. This will enhance the Trader Joe’s orange chicken’s shelf life.
Tips to Microwave Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken
Microwaving the Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken might look like a straightforward process. But it is far more complicated than just putting the chicken in the microwave.
To ensure that you do not mess up the process, the following are some of the best tips for microwaving Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken.
- The Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken packaging is not microwave-safe. So, take out the chicken from its packaging before microwaving it.
- If the chicken is frozen, you can put it in the fridge to thaw for a few minutes before microwaving it.
- Microwave only the portion of chicken that you are planning to eat. This way, the process would be quicker, and you can save the rest of the chicken for later.
- The easiest way to check the doneness of the chicken is by checking its internal temperature. When it reaches 165 °F, the chicken is done.
- If you do not own a food-grade thermometer, just touch the chicken to see if it is warm enough.
- Be careful when removing the damp paper towel from the chicken. It will be hot and can quickly burn your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Trader Joe’s mandarin orange chicken fully cooked?
Yes, the Trader Joe’s mandarin orange chicken is fully cooked. You can eat it right after buying it.
However, if the chicken gets cold before you get a chance to eat it, you can microwave it. As the chicken is already cooked, you only need to microwave it for 2-3 minutes to warm it up.
Do I have to defrost Trader Joe’s orange chicken?
Technically, the manufacturer does not advise microwaving or defrosting the chicken. But if you stored the Trader Joe’s orange chicken at freezing temperature, you should thaw it in the fridge first.
Thawing will allow the chicken to defrost. And it will help you to microwave the chicken faster.
Some microwaves also feature a thawing option. If your microwave features this option, you can use it as well.
How long does Trader Joe’s orange chicken last?
The Trader Joe’s orange chicken lasts for 3-4 days when stored at optimum conditions. In other words, if the chicken is stored in an airtight container at a low temperature, then it will be safe to eat for up to 4 days.
On the other hand, if you left the uncovered chicken on the kitchen counter for a few hours, it might have gotten contaminated. So, ensure to store the chicken as fast as possible.
Final Words
You know how to microwave the Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken. Always remember to microwave the chicken only to get it warm. It is precooked and only needs to be in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
So, turn on the microwave and reheat the Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken.