Buzz
Image: Trader Joe'sChicken is the go-to protein in the U.S. for its versatility, high protein content, and reputation as a leaner choice. With billions of chickens consumed each year, it’s easy to fall into a routine with your meals. But you don’t have to settle for plain, overcooked chicken with just salt and pepper. The secret to juicy, flavorful chicken lies in the proper preparation and seasoning. Trader Joe’s, a beloved grocery chain, offers a wide variety of easy-to-make, flavorful chicken products. From chicken nuggets to strips and more, many of their options are pre-marinated and ready to heat up. Say goodbye to bland, dry chicken and try some of the best pre-cooked options Trader Joe’s has to offer.
Pesto-Infused Chicken Breast
Anyone claiming that chicken is dry and tasteless clearly hasn't tried Trader Joe's pre-marinated chicken and meats. These products are bursting with flavor, juicy, and fully cooked. Trader Joe's has also thoughtfully pre-sliced the chicken “scallopini style,” maximizing the surface area for the marinade to soak in. With a variety of meats and flavors to choose from, the Pesto Chicken Breast stands out with its perfect seasoning—ideal for topping Caprese salads or pairing with pasta.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Trader Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is a delicious way to add extra protein to your meal. It features tender chunks of chicken breast smothered in a creamy, cheesy, and spicy sauce. You can enjoy it cold or heat it in the microwave, but be sure to serve it with plenty of crackers and fresh veggies for dipping.
Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Sausage
Chicken sausage is taking over #foodtok, and for good reason—it's a versatile protein. While you can find chicken sausage at many stores, Trader Joe’s offers the best range of flavors. The Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Sausage is a must-try for heat lovers. If you’re not a fan of spice, they also have a basic chicken apple sausage and a sweet Italian version. The jalapeño sausage is pre-cooked, so all you need to do is heat it up in a pan. It pairs perfectly with gnocchi, pasta, or salad.
Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons
A fan favorite that’s gone viral time and time again, Trader Joe’s Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons are the perfect soup starter you didn’t know you needed. While they’re delicious on their own as a snack, you can easily turn them into a meal. Social media recipe creators sparked a viral trend by cooking them with chopped veggies, a carton of Miso Ginger Broth, and a scoop of Crunchy Chili Onion. The result? A comforting bowl of spicy, hearty soup.
Grilled Chicken Strips
Add them to salads, dip them in honey mustard, or enjoy them however you like—just be sure to keep a bag of these Grilled Chicken Strips in your freezer. With minimal seasoning, they’re a versatile base for all your chicken dishes. Pop them in the microwave for a quick meal when you crave that smoky grilled flavor without the hassle of firing up the grill.
Kettle Cooked Chicken Soup
This soup is a protein powerhouse, packing 37 grams of protein from three chicken-based ingredients. With a hearty mix of chopped vegetables, tender chicken, and a blend of savory herbs and spices, it’s the perfect comfort food to warm your soul.
Chicken Karaage
A fresh addition to Trader Joe’s freezer section, Chicken Karaage brings a Japanese twist to classic fried chicken. Bite-sized pieces are marinated in a Japanese-inspired mixture, then battered and fried to perfection. Ready to eat, just heat them in your air fryer and serve with the included creamy sauce for a delicious, lemony appetizer or starter.
Spatchcocked Lemon Rosemary Chicken
Spatchcocking chicken can be tricky (and a bit messy), but Trader Joe’s has made it easy for you. The Spatchcocked Lemon Rosemary Chicken comes pre-seasoned and marinated, so all you have to do is grill it, or roast it in the oven for about an hour, to create an impressive, semi-homemade meal.
Organic Chicken Nuggets
Nostalgic and comforting, chicken nuggets never go out of style. Made with organic, free-range chicken breast, these nuggets from Trader Joe’s are a top choice. Perfect for dipping, they’re loved by both kids and adults. Bake or air fry them for a crispy, golden exterior, or microwave them for a quick, childhood-inspired meal.
Mandarin Orange Chicken
A best-seller at Trader Joe’s, the Mandarin Orange Chicken deserves all the praise it gets. This freezer favorite rivals takeout in flavor but is far more budget-friendly. Pair it with Trader Joe’s frozen jasmine rice for a fast, satisfying meal that’s sweet, spicy, and coated in a crispy, flavorful breading.
Shawarma Chicken Thighs
For a quick and tasty dinner, grab a pack of Shawarma Chicken Thighs. The only thing you need to do is cook them! These chicken thighs come pre-seasoned with a rich blend of spices including onion, garlic, sea salt, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and parsley. You can bake or grill them, then slice thinly to serve with pita, hummus, and tzatziki. Or, for something different, try them in tacos, grain bowls, or as a flavorful salad topping.
All Natural Ground Chicken
While ground chicken may not be as widely used as ground beef, it’s a versatile and worthwhile option. Trader Joe’s All Natural Ground Chicken stands out from the rest because it’s antibiotic-free, made from chickens on a vegetarian diet, and combines both white and dark meat for leaner ground meat. Use it for burgers, casseroles, meatballs, or stuffed peppers. Tip: With the right seasonings, ground chicken works wonders in tacos, lettuce wraps, or pasta dishes.
Pollo Asado Auténtico
This thinly sliced chicken breast is inspired by classic Mexican and Cuban recipes. Marinated in a tangy blend of citrus juices, paprika, black pepper, crushed red pepper, cayenne, and garlic, the Pollo Asado Auténtico is full of flavor. It’s perfect as a taco filling or a topping for rice bowls, salads, and pretty much anything else you feel like adding it to.
