Thursday, July 28, 2011

7 Minute Meal - Citrus Glazed Chicken with Toasted Cashews over Rice

Wanna know a secret?
I love Trader Joe's frozen food. Especially the Chinese. And, the veggies. And, the Mac and Cheese. (Shh, don't tell.)

And, (sadly, really) I'm not receiving any free Mac and Cheese or a few pennies or anything else from T.J.'s - just a warm smile at the checkout like everyone else.

See that bowl up there full of tasty citrus glazed chicken with green beans, water chestnuts, carrots, cashews (which I forgot in the picture) and rice? Well, that took me 7 minutes to prepare.

It actually happened so quickly that I knocked on the door and told my hubby to make it a quick shower because dinner was unexpectedly ready NOW!

Guess how much?

Yep, you saw the price in the pic, right? $3,99. And, this makes 2 small main entrees or 1 generous serving. Yep, for $3.99

So, how does it only take 7 minutes to make?
The directions are easy and clear. Open. Take out the frozen glaze packet and set it in a bowl of water to defrost. Take the freeze-dried rice, dump in a small saucepan with a couple of tablespoons of water, lid, cook on high for 5 min.

Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a skillet till hot, add the chicken and veggies. Heat till chicken is at least 165. (When I make this again, I'll pick out the chicken and cook a 30 seconds in the microwave to start the process, then I'll add it to the veggies - that way the veggies won't overcook.)

Open the glaze and pour into the cooked chicken and veggies. Stir for 30 seconds. Serve over rice.

Next, forget to top with cashews.
Take a picture.
(Oh, wait, that's just me.)

Serve to hungry hubby. Ask how it is. When he raves, tell him it was only $3.99. When he's done complimenting you on your outstanding hunter/gathering skills, ask him how he enjoyed his freeze dried rice. Or, you can just keep that part a secret. We won't tell.

Now, could you make this yourself?
Sure! It's not like par-cooked chicken, some Asian veggies, orange sauce, cashews and rice are difficult to come by.

But...I like the option of having this in the freezer for an instant healthy meal - where I would normally just pull out a frozen pizza, ya know?

Hungry for more?
Browse everything in our How Quick (Meal) category!


Do you like Trader Joe's?
Do you have a favorite frozen meal?
Tell us in the comments below.
We've love to hear!

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2 comments:

Becki (Becki's Whole Life) said...

I am OBSESSED with TJ's. My freezer is full of their food. My favorites are the mandarin chicken, potstickers, frozen asparagus, chicken tacos. I mean seriously, pretty much everything that I try from there is wonderful. Did I say I am obsessed? And it's so inexpensive!! I haven't tried this one yet, so I am glad you wrote it up - I will grab it next time I am there.

I will also say, its great to have in the freezer for a busy night because their food is usually pretty healthy and not full of preservatives - so I can feel good about serving it to my kiddos!

Dana @ Cooking At Cafe D said...

Hi Becki,
Thanks so much for writing. Glad to hear there's someone else out there who has a supply of TJ's in their freezer. One thing that impressed me was the checker said there was no MSG. (And, I don't see it listed as an ingredient.)

I just picked up their roasted peppers and onions to try, along with beef with broccoli. I'll let you know how they turn out. Stop back soon :)

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I love to hear your thoughts!
--Dana

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