The History of Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken

It’s consistently ranked among the most beloved Trader Joe’s offerings, but just how this fan-favorite frozen meal got its start is a bit of a mystery. Back in the early 2000s, an anonymous chef pitched a recipe for orange chicken to Trader Joe’s. The retail chain puts all potential new products through a rigorous testing process, and the panel loved the recipe unanimously. In 2004, frozen bags of Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken were made available to the public for the first time. With its moist, crispy bites of chicken and umami-rich, zesty sauce, the offering quickly became a fan favorite among Trader Joe’s shoppers. In fact, the product earned the top spot in nine consecutive Customer Choice Awards surveys! Today, Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken remains a frozen food aisle favorite with avid fans all over the country.