12 Best Chicken Products At Trader Joe’s You Simply Can’t Miss Out On
Trader Joe’s has completely transformed my dinner game, thanks to their incredible range of chicken options. As someone who practically lives at TJ’s, and whose bank account definitely shows it, I’ve sampled just about every chicken product they offer.
What keeps me coming back is the perfect mix of convenience and quality. These aren’t your average store-bought shortcuts; they taste like something you could’ve made from scratch after hours in the kitchen.
From freezer-to-oven lifesavers to perfectly marinated cuts that impress with minimal effort, these chicken staples have become must-haves in my weekly grocery haul, and my weeknight meals.
1. Mandarin Orange Chicken: The Crowned Champion
Last night I whipped this up when my picky nephew came over, and he asked for thirds! The crispy chicken pieces have this perfect balance of crunch and tenderness that rivals any takeout I’ve tried.
The sauce deserves its own fan club; sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of sticky. I’ve started keeping two bags in my freezer at all times because running out feels like a minor emergency in my household.
Fun fact: This product has won Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Award multiple years running. Once you try it over some jasmine rice with a side of their frozen stir-fry veggies, you’ll understand the obsession.
2. Shawarma Chicken Thighs: Mediterranean Magic
The aroma that fills my kitchen when these thighs hit the pan transports me straight to a Mediterranean marketplace. Perfectly pre-marinated with a blend of garlic, cumin, turmeric, and other spices that would take me forever to assemble myself.
I threw these on the grill during my last backyard gathering, and my friend who actually visited Lebanon couldn’t stop raving about the authentic flavor. The meat stays incredibly juicy, and the charred edges develop this incredible caramelization.
My go-to serving method? Stuffed in warm pita with cucumber, tomato, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Weekend dinner that feels fancy but takes minimal effort!
3. Spatchcocked Lemon Rosemary Chicken: Weeknight Wonder
“What’s spatchcocked?” my husband asked skeptically. Now he requests this chicken by name! The butterfly-cut whole chicken roasts evenly, creating the juiciest meat with that coveted crispy skin.
The lemon-rosemary marinade has already done all the hard work, infusing the chicken with bright citrus notes and herbaceous goodness. I simply pop it in the oven on a sheet pan surrounded by baby potatoes and carrots for an impressive one-pan dinner.
My secret trick? Brushing a little honey on the skin during the last 10 minutes of roasting creates a beautiful golden-brown finish that makes everyone think I’m far more talented in the kitchen than I actually am!
4. Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons: Soup Saviors
Confession time: I once ate an entire package of these bite-sized delights in one sitting while binge-watching my favorite show. No regrets!
These tender little pockets pack surprising flavor with their chicken and cilantro filling. I always keep a bag in my freezer for those nights when cooking feels impossible. Just boil some broth, toss these in with some spinach and mushrooms, and suddenly I’ve got a restaurant-worthy wonton soup in minutes.
Beyond soup, try them pan-fried with a little oil until crispy and dipped in sweet chili sauce. They’re dangerously poppable, you’ve been warned! My daughter calls them “tiny taste explosions” and I couldn’t agree more.
5. Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken: Salad Superstar
Remember when meal prep felt like a Sunday punishment? This pre-cooked, sliced chicken changed everything for me. Perfectly seasoned with bright lemon notes and just the right kick of black pepper, it elevates even the most basic salad into something I actually look forward to eating.
Unlike other pre-cooked options that can taste processed, this chicken maintains a genuine grilled flavor and tender texture. I’ve started keeping it on hand for quick protein additions to pasta, wraps, and grain bowls.
My lunchtime hack: TJ’s arugula, their Mediterranean orzo salad, a handful of this chicken, and a sprinkle of feta. Suddenly my coworkers think I’m a lunch genius instead of someone who threw things together in five minutes flat!
6. Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice: Freezer Miracle
My Indian food cravings used to mean expensive takeout until I discovered this freezer gem. The tender chunks of chicken swim in a velvety tomato sauce that has the perfect balance of creaminess and spice.
What impresses me most is how the rice stays perfectly fluffy after microwaving, no small feat for frozen food! The portion size hits that sweet spot between satisfying my hunger and not leaving me in a food coma.
During a busy workweek, I jazz it up with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a side of TJ’s garlic naan. My Mumbai-born colleague gave it her seal of approval, which feels like winning a culinary gold medal. For under $4, it’s practically stealing a taste of India!
7. Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Sausage: Breakfast Revolution
Saturday mornings changed forever when these sausages entered my life. Sliced into scrambled eggs with bell peppers and onions, they create a breakfast skillet that makes me skip my usual brunch reservations.
The heat level strikes that perfect balance, enough kick to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the other flavors. I appreciate that they’re fully cooked, making them a quick protein option when time is tight.
Beyond breakfast, these sausages have transformed my weeknight pasta game. Sliced and sautéed with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and a splash of cream over fettuccine, dinner’s ready in 15 minutes! The ingredient list is refreshingly simple too, without the mystery components found in many processed meats.
8. Just Grilled Chicken Strips: Meal Prep Masterstroke
“You actually made this yourself?” a friend asked when I served my “homemade” chicken Caesar wrap. Little did they know these ready-to-eat strips were my secret weapon!
The chicken tastes genuinely grilled with those appealing grill marks and a clean, simple flavor that pairs with absolutely everything. Unlike some pre-cooked options, these aren’t loaded with sodium or preservatives, which my dietitian would definitely approve of.
I’ve tossed them into everything from quick stir-fries to cold pasta salads. They’ve saved countless dinners when my cooking motivation hits rock bottom. The resealable package means I can grab just what I need without waste, perfect for my single-person household.
9. Chicken Tikka Masala Samosas: Appetizer All-Stars
The first time I served these at a gathering, they disappeared faster than my willpower at a dessert buffet! These crispy triangles combine two of my favorite Indian dishes, samosas and tikka masala, into one genius creation.
The flaky pastry exterior gives way to a filling of spiced chicken and vegetables that delivers authentic Indian flavors without overwhelming heat. I’ve found that 12 minutes in my air fryer creates the perfect crispy exterior.
While they’re marketed as an appetizer, I’ve definitely made a meal of them paired with TJ’s frozen garlic naan and mango chutney. Pro tip: make sure to grab two boxes, one never seems to be enough once family members discover them in your freezer!
10. Chicken Soup Dumplings: Dim Sum Delight
These little soup bombs bring me ridiculous joy on chilly evenings. Each dumpling holds a secret treasure, savory broth that bursts in your mouth alongside tender chicken filling. I still remember my first bite and the surprised delight of discovering the soup inside!
Steaming them is surprisingly easy, even for someone who once burned microwave popcorn (me). The wrappers maintain that perfect chewy texture without falling apart or getting gummy.
While they’re traditionally an appetizer, I’ve definitely eaten a whole package as a light meal with some cucumber salad on the side. My Chinese-American roommate introduced me to dipping them in black vinegar with ginger slivers, game-changing flavor that elevates them to restaurant quality.
11. BBQ Seasoned Spatchcocked Chicken: Grill Master’s Secret
My reputation as a grilling genius skyrocketed the day I “casually” served this chicken at a backyard gathering. Nobody needs to know that Trader Joe’s did all the hard work of butterfly-cutting and seasoning this beauty!
The dry rub hits all the right notes, smoky, slightly sweet, with a peppery kick that creates a mouthwatering crust when cooked. Since it’s spatchcocked (butterfly-cut), it cooks evenly and in nearly half the time of a regular whole chicken.
I’ve prepared it both on the grill and in the oven with equally impressive results. Paired with their elote corn dip and some grilled vegetables, it’s become my entertaining MVP. The leftovers make incredible chicken sandwiches the next day, if there are any leftovers!
12. Green Chile Chicken Tamales: Southwestern Treasure
“These can’t possibly be frozen,” was my first thought after taking a bite of these incredible tamales. The masa (corn dough) remains incredibly tender while the shredded chicken and green chile filling delivers that authentic southwestern flavor I crave.
As someone who tried making tamales from scratch once (and created a kitchen disaster of epic proportions), I’m grateful these exist. They steam perfectly in just minutes, making them my go-to quick lunch when working from home.
I like to top them with fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, and TJ’s salsa verde for a complete meal. My New Mexican friend says they remind her of her grandmother’s recipe, high praise indeed for something that comes from the freezer section!