This is part 2 of the Trader Joe’s packaged dinners critiques. Kung Pao Chicken is all dark meat which makes the Hunka-hunka very happy. It has a spicy kick that makes me very happy. This first time I make something, I always make it exactly as the instructions state. The next time, sky’s the limit.
This dinner is much saucier than the Chicken Chow Mein option. As a result, I usually serve it with rice. And not just any rice, Niko-Niko of course. I love sticky rice. Having lived in Hawaii and been minimally exposed to Asian cultures, sticky rice is the only way to go for me. To give you a point of reference, this is the kind of rice sushi would be made from. I’ve been buying this brand for a very long time. I’ve tried several and this one is consistently my favorite.
I add different things to this dinner. I don’t want to overload the ginger sauce and cover up the peanuts, but I can always use more peppers. Red onion is also a nice addition to this one. I never add leftover chicken. There’s something special about the packaged dinner chicken and I don’t want to take away from it.
I don’t know if there is less content in this dinner or if the Hunka-hunka simply loves the thigh meat, but there is rarely (that means never) a leftover to be had the next day for lunch. Plan accordingly when you have others for dinner.
Trader Joe’s has done an amazing job with these dinners. They are all together in the freezer aisle. I hope you give them a try and enjoy them as much as we have. $5.00 and less than 10 minutes, how could you go wrong?
and remember what Elizabeth Kubler-Ross said: I believe that we are solely responsible for our choices, and we have to accept the consequences of every deed, word and thought throughout our lifetime. Big kiss, Lynn
From the Recipe Box 