Costco's orange chicken is a beloved crowd-pleaser, but sometimes you just want a smaller portion or a more convenient cooking method than dealing with a massive, frozen brick. This guide provides simple steps to cooking Costco orange chicken perfectly, whether you're aiming for crispy perfection or a saucy, tender delight.
Understanding Your Costco Orange Chicken
Before we dive into cooking methods, let's talk about the product itself. Costco's orange chicken typically comes frozen in a large package. Knowing what you're working with is key to achieving optimal results. The package usually contains pre-breaded chicken pieces and a separate packet of orange sauce.
Method 1: Oven-Baked for Crispy Chicken
This method delivers a delightfully crispy exterior while ensuring the chicken cooks thoroughly.
Ingredients:
- One package of Costco frozen orange chicken
- Cooking spray (optional, for extra crispiness)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Arrange the frozen chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Avoid overcrowding; use two baking sheets if necessary. Lightly spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Sauce it up: Once cooked, pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat. You can also heat the sauce separately in a saucepan for a warmer, richer sauce.
Method 2: Pan-Fried for a Juicy Interior
This method is perfect if you prefer a more tender, juicy chicken with a slightly less crispy exterior.
Ingredients:
- One package of Costco frozen orange chicken
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or your preferred type)
Instructions:
- Heat the oil: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the frozen chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the sauce: Once cooked, pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
Method 3: Air Fryer for Quick & Easy Cooking
For the speediest method, an air fryer is your best friend!
Ingredients:
- One package of Costco frozen orange chicken
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Air fry the chicken: Arrange the frozen chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauce it up: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and pour the orange sauce over it, tossing to coat.
Tips for Perfect Costco Orange Chicken
- Don't overcrowd the pan or baking sheet: This ensures even cooking and browning.
- Use a meat thermometer: This guarantees the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust cooking times: Depending on your oven, air fryer, or stovetop, you may need to adjust the cooking times slightly.
- Add some spice: For a spicier kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your delicious Costco orange chicken while it's hot and crispy!
By following these simple steps, you can easily transform a frozen Costco orange chicken package into a satisfying and delicious meal. Enjoy!
