Review

This frozen entrée features marinated, fully cooked dark meat chicken, accompanied by two packets of teriyaki sauce. Priced at $5.99 for a 21-ounce bag, it offers convenience and portion flexibility. The chicken pieces are sizable, and the inclusion of separate sauce packets allows you to control the sauciness to your preference.

Upon opening the bag, the chicken pieces are generously sized and appear well-cooked. The separate sauce packets are a thoughtful touch, giving you the option to use as much or as little as you like.

Cooking is straightforward. While the microwave method is quick, I found that stovetop preparation yields better texture, allowing the chicken to crisp slightly and the sauce to thicken into a more appealing glaze.

Flavor-wise, the teriyaki sauce leans on the sweeter side, with hints of soy and ginger. It's pleasant but lacks the depth and charred notes that you'd expect from a traditional BBQ teriyaki. The chicken itself is tender, though some pieces can be a bit fatty, which is typical for dark meat.

While it's not a perfect substitute for restaurant-quality teriyaki, it's a convenient and satisfying option for a quick meal. Pairing it with rice and steamed vegetables can elevate the dish and balance the sweetness of the sauce.

How to Serve

Stovetop: Heat a teaspoon of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the frozen chicken pieces and cook until heated through, about 6-8 minutes. Add the thawed sauce and stir until the chicken is well-coated and the sauce thickens.

Microwave: Place the frozen chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 3-4 minutes. Add the thawed sauce, stir, and continue heating in 1-2 minute increments until hot.

Creative Uses

• Teriyaki Bowl: Serve over steamed rice with sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the chicken into lettuce leaves, top with shredded carrots and chopped peanuts for a fresh twist.
• Stir-Fry: Combine with stir-fried noodles and your choice of vegetables for a hearty dish.
• Pizza Topping: Use as a topping for a flatbread pizza, adding mozzarella and green onions before baking.

FAQs about Trader Joe's BBQ Chicken Teriyaki

I wanted mine to look more like the picture on the package, so I got creative and added Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. Yes, the sesame adds a nice touch but is sold separately: