Unlock the Secret to Perfectly Cooked Orange Chicken from Costco – A Step by Step Guide

AvatarByErick Benitez How To Cook (Dishes)

Orange chicken has become a staple dish in American Chinese cuisine, loved for its tangy and sweet flavor that tantalizes taste buds. But what if we told you that you can recreate this delectable dish right in the comfort of your own home, using ingredients readily available at your neighborhood Costco? That’s right, forget ordering takeout or dining out – we’re here to show you how to cook orange chicken from Costco and have it on your dinner table in no time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering recipe that will have them asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!

The History of Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its tangy and sweet flavors. While it is commonly associated with the fast food chain Panda Express, the origins of orange chicken can be traced back to a Taiwanese immigrant chef named Andy Kao. In the late 1980s, Kao moved to America and began working as a chef at a Panda Express location in Hawaii.

Kao noticed that Americans loved eating fried chicken dishes, but he wanted to create something unique that would stand out from the traditional options on the menu. He experimented with different sauces and seasonings until he came up with a recipe for orange-flavored chicken. The dish was an instant hit among customers and soon became one of Panda Express’s most popular items.

As the popularity of both orange chicken and Panda Express grew over the years, other Chinese restaurants started adding their own versions of this dish to their menus. Today, you can find variations of orange chicken at numerous restaurants in America and beyond.

The Key Ingredients in Orange Chicken

The key ingredients in orange chicken include bite-sized pieces of chicken (usually breast meat), flour or cornstarch for coating, oil for frying, and a tangy orange sauce. Other common ingredients used in various recipes include soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, and green onions.

The method of preparation for orange chicken is fairly straightforward. The chicken pieces are typically coated in flour or cornstarch before being deep-fried until crispy. Then they are tossed in a sauce made by combining orange juice and zest with other seasoning ingredients. The result is succulent pieces of fried chicken coated in a sticky, sweet-and-sour sauce that has just the right amount of citrusy tanginess.

Why Costco Is The Go-To Place For Orange Chicken Lovers

Costco is known for selling bulk items at competitive prices, and it’s no different when it comes to orange chicken. The retail giant stocks a variety of frozen food options, including their own brand of orange chicken. So why is Costco the go-to place for orange chicken lovers?

Firstly, Costco’s orange chicken is made with quality ingredients and does not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives. This is an important factor for many customers who are looking for healthier options without compromising on taste. Additionally, Costco’s orange chicken is made with all-white meat chicken, providing a lean and protein-rich meal option.

Another reason why Costco’s orange chicken stands out is its affordability. A typical bag of frozen orange chicken from Costco costs around $15 and contains enough portions to feed a family of four multiple times. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those who love this dish and want to enjoy it on a regular basis.

How To Cook Orange Chicken From Costco At Home

If you’re a fan of Orange Chicken from Costco but prefer cooking at home instead of buying pre-made frozen meals, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how you can cook orange chicken from Costco in the comfort of your own kitchen:

  • Thaw the frozen bag of orange chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Take out the thawed pieces of chicken and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with foil.
  • Bake the chicken pieces for about 12-15 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
  • In the meantime, heat up the sauce that came with the bag in a small saucepan over medium heat until it thickens.
  • Once the chicken is done baking, toss them in the thickened sauce until evenly coated.
  • Serve with rice or your choice of sides and enjoy your homemade orange chicken from Costco!

With just a few simple steps, you can recreate the delicious orange chicken from Costco in your own kitchen. This way, you can control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to suit your personal taste.

Tips and Variations for Making Orange Chicken From Costco

While making orange chicken from Costco at home is easy, here are a few tips to take it to the next level:

  • For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour coating mixture before frying the chicken.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water to the sauce mixture and cook until desired consistency is reached.
  • To kick up the heat, add some red chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the sauce.

Additionally, there are also variations of this dish that you can try. For example, instead of deep-frying the chicken, bake it in the oven for a healthier option. You can also swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp if you want to make a vegetarian or seafood

What is Orange Chicken From Costco?

Orange chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, typically made with bite-sized pieces of chicken that are battered and deep-fried, then coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It is known for its vibrant color and bold flavors. However, not everyone has the time or skill to make orange chicken from scratch at home. That’s where Costco comes in – the wholesale retailer offers a pre-made, frozen version of this delectable dish that can be easily cooked at home.

Costco’s orange chicken consists of tender chunks of white-meat chicken smothered in a zesty sauce made from real orange juice, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. This convenient meal option has become a fan favorite among customers for its delicious taste and easy preparation. So whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner solution or just craving some authentic-tasting orange chicken, Costco has got you covered.

The History of Orange Chicken

While orange chicken may be commonly associated with American-Chinese cuisine, it actually originated from Hunan Province in China. In traditional Hunanese cooking, diced chicken is stir-fried with dried chili peppers, garlic, and aromatics before being smothered in a sweet and tangy sauce made from freshly squeezed oranges.

In the 1980s, this dish was brought to the United States by chef Andy Kao who combined the classic Hunan flavors with American-style deep-fried chicken. The result was an instant hit and gained popularity among customers across Chinese restaurants in America. Today, many variations of this dish exist and can be found on menus at popular Chinese fast-food chains such as Panda Express.

How to Cook Orange Chicken From Costco

Cooking orange chicken from Costco couldn’t be easier – it only takes three simple steps! First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, lay the frozen orange chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Once the chicken is fully cooked and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. While waiting, you can prepare some white rice and steam some vegetables to make it a complete meal. When the chicken is ready, simply toss it in the included orange sauce and serve with your sides of choice. It’s that easy!

Tips for Perfecting Your Orange Chicken

While cooking orange chicken from Costco is simple, there are a few tips that can help you take your dish to the next level:

– To achieve extra crispy chicken, place the baking sheet on the top rack of your oven.
– For added flavor, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of the chicken before baking.
– Feel free to add some more fresh garlic or ginger to enhance the flavors in the Costco sauce.
– If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can mix in some soy sauce or rice vinegar to balance out the sweetness.

Variations of Orange Chicken From Costco

While Costco’s pre-made orange chicken offers all the classic flavors and convenience, there are also ways to make it your own. Here are some fun variations you can try:

– Add some heat: If you like spicy food, add in some dried chili flakes or Sriracha to your orange sauce to give it an extra kick.
– Use cauliflower instead: For a healthier alternative, try making this dish using cauliflower bites instead of chicken. Simply cook them according to package instructions and coat them in the orange sauce.
– Make it vegetarian: You can also try making this dish completely vegetarian by using tofu or meatless substitutes such as Beyond Meat Chicken Strips or Quorn Crispy Tenders.

Storing Leftover Orange Chicken From Costco

If you can’t finish the whole bag of orange chicken in one sitting, you’ll be happy to know that it’s easy to store for later. Simply let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also heat it up in the microwave; just be sure to check and stir every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

In this fast-paced world, having a convenient meal option like pre-made orange chicken from Costco is a lifesaver. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student on a budget, or simply craving some delicious Chinese food at home, this dish has got you covered. Plus, with some simple tips and variations, you can take this already tasty dish to new levels. So next time you’re grocery shopping at Costco, don’t forget to grab a bag of orange chicken – your taste buds will thank you!

Q: What ingredients do I need to cook orange chicken from Costco?
A: To cook orange chicken from Costco, you will need a package of frozen orange chicken from Costco, vegetable oil, chopped green onions, and cooked rice.

Q: How do I properly thaw the frozen orange chicken before cooking?
A: The best way to thaw the frozen orange chicken is to remove it from the packaging and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can defrost it in the microwave on the “defrost” setting for a few minutes.

Q: Can I use a different type of oil instead of vegetable oil?
A: Yes, you can use any type of cooking oil such as canola oil or peanut oil. Just make sure to not use olive oil as it has a low smoke point and may burn when cooking at high heat.

Q: Do I need to add any additional seasoning or sauce to the orange chicken?
A: No, the frozen orange chicken from Costco comes with a flavorful sauce that is enough to season the dish. However, you can add extra soy sauce or red pepper flakes if you prefer a bolder flavor.

Q: How long will it take to cook the orange chicken?
A: Typically, it takes about 15-20 minutes to cook the orange chicken in a skillet on medium-high heat. Make sure to flip the pieces occasionally for even cooking.

Q: Can I air fry or bake the orange chicken instead of pan-frying it?
A: Yes, you can air fry or bake the orange chicken according to your preference. Follow the instructions on your air fryer or oven for best results.

In conclusion, cooking orange chicken from Costco is a simple and convenient way to enjoy a delicious meal at home. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. From preparing the chicken to creating the perfect glaze, mastering this recipe takes practice and patience, but the end result is well worth it.

One of the key takeaways from this topic is the importance of careful preparation and timing when cooking orange chicken. By marinating the chicken beforehand and using a hot skillet for frying, you can achieve maximum flavor and a crispy exterior. Additionally, creating bold and well-balanced flavors through the use of ingredients like garlic, ginger, and citrus juice is crucial for creating an authentic orange chicken dish.

Another key point to keep in mind is the versatility of this recipe. You can customize it to fit your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of spice or sweetness in the glaze or experimenting with different vegetables or protein sources. Moreover, using Costco’s pre-made orange sauce saves time without sacrificing taste.

In addition to its delicious taste and convenience, cooking orange chicken at home allows for control over ingredients and portion sizes. With knowledge about which ingredients are going into your meal, you can make healthier choices while

Author Profile

Erick Benitez
Erick Benitez
In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.