As a senior in college, I’ve had my fair share of Trader Joe’s frozen foods — whether it’s the viral soup dumplings, plump breakfast burritos, or the underrated barbecue chicken pizza (and just about everything else in the freezer case). There have been many standouts, but one item has consistently held a place in my freezer: Trader Joe’s Green Chile Chicken Bowl.
What’s So Great About Trader Joe’s Green Chile Chicken Bowl?
After coming home from a long day of studying, the last thing I want to do is be overwhelmed by the dining hall (or the idea of cooking my own dinner). A nice, easy meal in my small apartment room does the trick to decompress during finals. And that’s where TJ’s Green Chile Chicken Bowl comes in — it’s the kind of frozen dinner that’s made me wonder how I ever lived without it.
Credit: Ali Domrongchai
At just under $4, it’s incredibly flavorful. And it all starts with the perfectly fluffy rice — it’s the ideal middle ground between firm and fluffy (you’d never believe that it was frozen). The shredded chicken is well-seasoned with hints of chiles and cumin. And when it all heats up in the microwave, the cheese gets all melty and absolutely delicious. The green chile salsa then ties it all together and makes every bite savory with a little bit of spice. It’s excellent.
What’s the Best Way to Enjoy Trader Joe’s Green Chile Chicken Bowl?
The best way to enjoy the Green Chile Chicken Bowl is straight from the package. Cut a slit in the film, microwave for three minutes, then stir (this step is key for the right texture). Pop it back in the microwave for about two more minutes; just long enough to heat through without completely dissolving the cheese into the bowl.
If I want to dress it up, sometimes I’ll add a bit of pepper Jack cheese to make it extra cheesy, or a bit of Cholula hot sauce for more spice (or both). For extra volume, I also add my favorite chopped iceberg lettuce. It’s way better than the dining hall, and more affordable than my favorite restaurant.
My friends and I go through dozens a month, and we’ll keep buying them throughout finals to feed us.
Find it in stores: Trader Joe’s Green Chile Chicken Bowl, $3.99 for 9.5 ounces at Trader Joe’s
What’s your favorite Trader Joe’s frozen dinner? Tell us about it in the comments below.
The Weekly Checkout
Sign up for The Weekly Checkout to get the most up-to-date grocery news, tips, and highlights.
Subscribe to The Kitchn!
TiramisuFurther Reading
Create Your Own Interior Design Mood Board | Apartment Therapy
The Brilliant Canned Staple In My 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Pie Might Shock You
The $15 Amazon Find That Finally Decluttered My Kitchen Drawers and Countertop
Dining and Cooking