Copycat Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken Recipe

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Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken is quick, flavorful, and perfect for those “I-need-dinner-in-15-minutes” nights. But here’s the thing—I recently found myself wondering, Could I recreate the magic of this dish at home?

How to make Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken

Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken is a frozen, ready-to-cook meal sold by Trader Joe’s — the U.S. grocery chain known for its affordable private-label foods — inspired by the classic Chinese stir-fried dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Vegetables:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 medium onion, sliced into chunks
• 1 small zucchini (optional), diced
• ½ cup water chestnuts, sliced (you can find these canned at most grocery stores)
• ½ cup roasted peanuts (unsalted or lightly salted)
• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

For the Kung Pao Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (this adds sweetness and depth)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or adjust for your preferred sweetness level)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger as a shortcut)
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1½ tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust for spice preference)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken for 15-30 minutes in a mix of 1 tablespoon soy sauce and ½ teaspoon cornstarch, but this step is optional.

2. Make the Kung Pao Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili garlic sauce. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside on a plate.

4. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another 1 tablespoon of oil if needed. Toss in the bell peppers, onions, zucchini (if using), and water chestnuts. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender but still crisp.

5. Combine Everything: Reduce the heat to medium. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the Kung Pao sauce over everything and toss to coat evenly. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.

6. Add the Peanuts: Toss in the roasted peanuts for the final minute of cooking. These add the classic crunch and nutty flavor found in the Trader Joe’s version.

7. Serve: Serve your homemade Kung Pao Chicken over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Kung Pao Chicken

• Use a Hot Wok or Skillet: Kung Pao Chicken is all about quick and high-heat stir-frying. A hot skillet helps give everything a slightly charred, smoky flavor.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Love heat? Add extra chili garlic sauce or even dried red chilies for that authentic spicy kick. If you prefer mild spice, reduce the chili sauce to 1 teaspoon.
• Work in Batches: If your skillet or wok is small, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns evenly without steaming.
• Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to get creative! Broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms also work well in this Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken if you’d like to mix it up.

What to serve with

Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken is a bold, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with crunchy peanuts and a tangy-spicy sauce. While it can certainly shine as a standalone meal, pairing it with the right side dishes can take your dinner to the next level.

1. Steamed or Fried Rice

Rice is the classic pairing for Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken and soaks up the delicious, savory sauce perfectly. Choose from the following options:

• Steamed White Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice is perfect for its neutral flavor that complements the dish’s boldness.
• Brown Rice: For a slightly nuttier flavor and a healthier option, brown rice works just as well.
• Fried Rice: Trader Joe’s even sells a pre-made Vegetable Fried Rice, or you can whip up your own at home with scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and scallions.
• Cauliflower Rice: If you’re aiming for a low-carb meal, cauliflower rice is a fantastic alternative that doesn’t overpower the sauce. Trader Joe’s offers frozen cauliflower rice for extra convenience.

2. Noodles

If you’re a noodle fan, Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of noodles for a Chinese-inspired meal.

• Lo Mein Noodles: Toss cooked noodles in sesame oil, soy sauce, and a bit of garlic as a quick side dish.
• Rice Noodles: Light and chewy, rice noodles absorb the sauce well, keeping the dish gluten-free.
• Chow Mein: Crispy stir-fried noodles can add an extra texture element to the meal.
• Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): Similar to cauliflower rice, zoodles give you a lighter, lower-carb alternative.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes, you might want to whip up a homemade version of Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken but realize you don’t have all the ingredients on hand. The good news? It’s a versatile dish, and most ingredients have easy substitutions that still deliver the same bold, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Substitutions for the Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts

Substitute with:

• Pork: Thinly sliced pork shoulder or pork loin can be cooked similarly for a slightly richer flavor.
• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp work exceptionally well as an alternative if you want a seafood twist.
• Firm Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan option, extra-firm tofu cubes make a great protein replacement. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then pan-fry it until crispy before combining with the sauce.
• Seitan or Tempeh: Both are excellent plant-based proteins for a vegan swap, and they hold up well with the sauce.

Substitutions for the Vegetables

The classic version often includes bell peppers, onions, and water chestnuts. However, you can swap or add vegetables based on your preferences or what you have in the fridge.

Bell Peppers

Substitute with:

• Broccoli florets: Add for more crunch and to absorb the sauce well.
• Snap Peas or Sugar Snap Peas: These naturally sweet veggies are perfect for stir-frying and give a fresh spring-like touch.
• Carrots: Julienne or thinly sliced carrots add color and crunch.
• Yellow Squash or Zucchini: Both work as replacements, providing a slightly tender texture.

Onions

Substitute with:

• Shallots: They have a slightly mellower flavor but work well in stir-fry dishes.
• Scallions (Green Onions): Use the white parts for a similar flavor, and save the green tops for garnish.

Water Chestnuts

Substitute with:

• Celery: Thinly sliced celery provides a similar crisp texture.
• Jicama: This root vegetable can be diced or sliced for an equally crunchy texture.
• Radishes: If sliced thin, radishes can mimic the texture of water chestnuts, though they’ll add a spicier flavor.

Substitutions for Peanuts

Peanuts are a famous ingredient in Kung Pao Chicken, providing that signature crunch. But if you can’t (or don’t want to) use them, try these alternatives:

Substitute with:

• Cashews: Slightly creamier than peanuts but just as tasty roasted and tossed into the dish.
• Almonds: Slivered or chopped almonds deliver crunch without overpowering the dish.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can be sprinkled on top for a nutty flavor without the bulk.
• Sunflower Seeds: A nut-free alternative for those with allergies.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Also nut-free, roasted pumpkin seeds offer a satisfying crunch.
• Skip entirely: If crunch isn’t a priority, you can omit the peanuts without sacrificing too much flavor.

Substitutions for Kung Pao Sauce Ingredients

Soy Sauce

Substitute with:

• Tamari: A gluten-free alternative with a similar flavor to soy sauce.
• Coconut Aminos: A soy-free, slightly sweeter option for those with soy allergies.
• Liquid Aminos: Another soy-free option that’s mild and works well in stir-fries.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce adds sweetness and depth.

Substitute with:

• Oyster Sauce: While less sweet, it offers a similarly rich caramelized flavor.
• Teriyaki Sauce: In a pinch, teriyaki sauce can add sweetness and depth, but it will result in a slightly different flavor profile.
• DIY Hoisin Replacement: Mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of peanut butter or tahini, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and a dash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to mimic hoisin’s flavor.

Rice Vinegar

This ingredient adds tanginess and balances the sauce’s sweetness and saltiness.

Substitute with:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: A great alternative with mild acidity.
• White Vinegar: Slightly harsher but works as a quick replacement.
• Lime or Lemon Juice: For a citrusy tang, use fresh lime or lemon juice instead.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil gives the dish its nutty fragrance, but it can be replaced if you’re out.

Substitute with:

• Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: These lack the nuttiness, but they will still work as cooking oils.
• Peanut Oil: If peanuts aren’t an issue, this nutty oil is a good substitute.
• Tahini: While not an oil, a small scoop of tahini (sesame paste) can replicate the flavor when combined with the sauce.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds sweetness to the sauce, balancing the spice and acidity.

Substitute with:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Both add natural sweetness and blend well into the sauce.
• Coconut Sugar: A healthier and minimally refined sweetener.
• White Sugar + Molasses: Combine 1 cup white sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses to mimic the flavor of brown sugar.

Chili Garlic Sauce

This provides the heat for Kung Pao Chicken.

Substitute with:

• Sriracha: A widely available option with a similar spicy and tangy profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle them to taste for a milder substitution.
• Fresh Chilies or Jalapeños: Finely minced, they can replicate the heat and texture.
• Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): For a spicier, slightly fermented flavor.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch thickens the sauce, giving it that glossy, clingy texture.

Substitute with:

• Arrowroot Powder: Works the same way as cornstarch and is gluten-free.
• Potato Starch: Another excellent thickening alternative.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour as a last resort; note that you may need slightly more flour than cornstarch to achieve the same effect.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken is a bold and versatile dish, giving you plenty of options for sides. 

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Copycat Trader Joe’s Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
• Homemade Trader Joe’s Soyaki Recipe