So another box from the Trader Joe's frozen Indian cuisine. I can honestly say I've never had Butter Chicken out. It also goes by another name murgh makhani, but that is no where on the package. What does Trader Joe's Butter Chicken consist of? Plain Basmati rice and a spicy chicken curry. How spicy is this batch? As spicy as mild chicken wings in a bar, where there is heat but there is no pain.So here is the visual rundown of what you get before I get into my thoughts on this product:
The box of Trader Joe's Butter Chicken:
What is the nutritional info on this? Here you go:
The ingredient list:
Before going into the microwave:
Directions on this were a little long for a microwaved lunch. 5 minutes and half power followed by 4 minutes on high power. Let sit for another minute or two. Coming out of the microwave it looked like this:
Updated review: After trying this product again almost a year later and with a different microwave I got a much better result. I had the chance to have butter chicken with a friend recently and this dish was as darn close to what I had in the restaurant. It was delicious. I still prefer the masala dishes, but this wasn't bad.
The chicken was tender and there was more than enough sauce to coat the rice thoroughly. This time around I got to enjoy it the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Funny thing is, the only change I made was the microwave used. At the end of the day, I personally appreciate the flavors of the masala varieties better, but make no mistake, this is a solid option.
Original review: What did I think of it? Watery. The rice was drowning in enough water which made it less than enjoyable. The chicken was no where close to being as tender as it was in the Trader Joes Chicken Tikka Masala. Nor was it as tasty. Did I eat it? Yes. However...
Would I buy it again? Unlikely. There are too many other good things at Trader Joe's that aren't watery and worst of all I found a bone in the chicken. Wasn't a hard bone, but some really chewy cartilage. Once food has to be spit out I'm kind of over it. Sorry, I'm just not into Trader Joe's Butter Chicken.
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Toni says
Puncture film prior to microwaving and you won't have the puddles on water. 1st step.
bsickles says
I did. I still found mine watery.
Drivel Of A Hot Mess says
Hello "Betty"! I am thrilled to find your blog as I have a long-time love affair with a man named Trader Joe. My husband hears me whispering his name in my Ambien-induced slumber at times. I am going to binge read your blog with a pint of local Blackberry hard cider. I hope that you will stop by my blog and follow it so that we can be blog buddies 🙂
becomebetty says
Absolutely. You have no idea how much this comment made me smile. Can't wait to see where you blogging adventure takes you.
JAN says
After thawing for 5 minutes, I leave mine in for 6 minutes as opposed to the recommended 4 on the package and it’s perfect. No watery rice!
becomebetty says
Hey Jan! Thanks for sharing! I've gotten this one wrong in the microwave more than I've gotten it right. Thanks so much for the tip!