The pros:Â Trader Joe's Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese bowl has elements of both pizza and mac and cheese.
The cons: Â Did not really remind me of pizza and it was watery from the microwave even though I put lots of holes in the plastic covering.
The verdict: Â ...
The pros: Â Trader Joe's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Brownie Mix is just as quick as any brownie mix and you won't feel like you are missing anything.
The cons:Â Priced higher than the Non Gluten-Free variety
The verdict: Â ...
Trader Joe's Mini Chicken Tacos have been hanging around the frozen section for years, though you might not recognize them right away thanks to their recent packaging update. Like a lot of Trader Joe's freezer staples, they look promising: bite-sized tacos stuffed with shredded chicken that seem perfect for snacking, game days, or quick dinners.
But while the box may be new, the recipe doesn't seem to have gotten the same refresh. And unfortunately, this one still falls flat for me.
Trader Joe's Mini Chicken Tacos come frozen in a 16-ounce box priced at $5.99. Inside, you'll find small, corn-tortilla tacos filled with seasoned shredded chicken. They're designed to be quick, convenient finger food: just heat them up in the oven or air fryer, and you've got a tray of tiny tacos ready to serve.
The concept sounds great on paper: easy, fun, and portable. But in reality, they don't deliver much in terms of flavor or filling.
I've bought Trader Joe's Mini Chicken Tacos several times over the years, and I keep hoping they'll improve. Sadly, this version still leaves me underwhelmed. The price has gone up to $5.99, but the filling seems lighter than ever. Most tacos are only partially filled, which means you're mostly biting into dry tortilla with a hint of chicken flavor.
And that chicken flavor? It's… fine. Not bad, not offensive, but completely forgettable. It's bland enough that you'll want to dip it in something - salsa, guacamole, sour cream - just to give it a little personality. They're too small to open up and doctor without falling apart, so you're basically stuck with what's inside.
The texture doesn't save it either. The tortillas crisp up nicely in the air fryer, but the interior stays dry rather than juicy or flavorful. I want these to feel like little taco bites bursting with spice and shredded chicken goodness, but they just don't get there.
I've repurchased them a few times over the years, hoping for a comeback, but at this point, it's safe to say: this is a one-and-done for me. There are far better frozen appetizers at Trader Joe's that offer more flavor, texture, and value for the price - check out my list of the best Trader Joe's appetizers for my current recommendations.
Trader Joe's Mini Chicken Tacos might not pack much flavor on their own, but they can be saved with the right pairings. With a little help, these tiny tacos can go from forgettable to at least snackable.
If you're going to eat these, you'll definitely want a dip. Try them with Trader Joe's Spicy Queso Dip, Salsa Verde for a little kick. Even Avocado's Number Guacamole can give them some much-needed richness.
Make them part of a Trader Joe's appetizer spread with items like Mac and Cheese Bites, Buffalo Chicken Dip, and Spanakopita. Add some salsa, cheese, and sour cream so guests can customize their bites.
Layer the mini tacos in a baking dish, sprinkle with Trader Joe's Mexican Blend Cheese, and bake until bubbly. Top with jalapeños, salsa, and sour cream for a mini taco-meets-nacho situation that's surprisingly fun.
They pair decently with Trader Joe's Chicken Chili, Corn Chowder, or even Creamy Corn for a hearty combo that feels more like a meal. The texture contrast helps make up for the mild flavor.
Crumble the tacos and mix into scrambled eggs or breakfast burritos. It's a low-effort way to add crunch and mild chicken flavor to your morning routine.
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
These are priced at $5.99 per box.
Not at all: these lean mild to bland, so if you like heat, you'll need to add salsa or hot sauce.
Not really. They're edible but not exciting, especially for the price. Trader Joe's has plenty of better frozen appetizer options.
Trader Joe's Mini Chicken Tacos are convenient, bite-sized, and easy to heat, but that's where the praise ends. For $5.99, they feel underfilled and underwhelming, with a flavor that never quite lands.
If you're looking for something that actually earns a spot at your next game day spread or family snack night, skip these and check out the best Trader Joe's appetizers
instead. There's just too much competition in the freezer aisle to settle for bland.
Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.
Are you a fan of SubStack? You can follow me here.
The pros: Â Trader Joe's Candied Pecans are sweet, salty and are great for snacking or in a salad.
The cons: Â I wish they sold a bigger bag.
The verdict: Â ...
The pros: Â Trader Joe's Shiitake Mushroom Chicken is tasty and ready fairly quickly. As an added bonus, the calorie count is reasonable if you are dieting.
The cons: Â Sadly, white meat chicken fans will be disappointed because this is all dark meat. In addition, you need to like edamame to appreciate this product. IÂ wishing more more Shiitake too.
The verdict: Â ...
