Banquet Chicken Strips Meal offers a quick and convenient option for those seeking a tasty chicken dinner. Made with 100% natural white meat chicken, these breaded strips are free from preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. The meal typically includes sides like macaroni and cheese, providing a complete dining experience.

When stored properly in the freezer, a Banquet Chicken Strips Meal can last up to 6 months. This extended shelf life makes it an excellent choice for stocking up during sales or for keeping on hand for busy nights when cooking from scratch isn’t feasible.

Preparation of the Banquet Chicken Strips Meal is straightforward, with options for both microwave and conventional oven cooking. The microwave method offers the quickest solution, while oven baking can provide a crispier texture. Regardless of the cooking method chosen, it’s essential to follow the package instructions to ensure food safety and optimal taste.

Understanding Banquet Chicken Strips Meal

Banquet Chicken Strips Meal offers a convenient frozen dinner option featuring breaded chicken breast strips with sides. The product combines convenience with familiar comfort food flavors.

Product Overview

Banquet Chicken Strips Meal consists of breaded chicken breast strips paired with macaroni and cheese sauce and sweet corn. The chicken strips are made from 100% natural white-meat chicken, without preservatives or artificial ingredients. Banquet has improved their recipe to enhance taste and quality.

The meal comes frozen and can be prepared quickly in the microwave or oven. This makes it a popular choice for busy individuals or those seeking an easy meal solution.

Serving Size and Varieties

A typical Banquet Chicken Strips Meal contains:

• Breaded chicken breast strips
• Macaroni and cheese sauce
• Sweet corn

The serving size is designed for one person. Banquet offers variations on this meal, including chicken nuggets instead of strips.

Nutritional information is clearly labeled on the packaging. For example, a serving of five chicken nuggets contains 230 calories.

Banquet also sells chicken breast strips separately in larger bags for more versatile use. These can be baked or microwaved and are suitable for dipping or incorporating into other dishes.

Nutritional Information

Banquet Chicken Strips Meal provides a mix of macronutrients and calories typical of frozen convenience meals. The nutritional profile includes protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from sides, and varying amounts of fats and sodium.

Caloric and Macronutrient Content

A single Banquet Chicken Strips Meal contains approximately 430-440 calories. The meal provides 20g of protein, primarily from the white-meat chicken strips. Carbohydrate content is around 47g, coming from the breading and side dishes like macaroni and cheese or corn.

The total fat content is 18g, with 4g of saturated fat. This represents about 20% of the daily value for saturated fat based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Sodium levels are notable, with the meal containing 1050mg, or 44% of the recommended daily intake. This high sodium content is common in processed frozen meals.

Understanding Nutrition Labels

Nutrition Facts labels on Banquet Chicken Strips Meals provide detailed information about serving size and nutrient content. The label typically lists a single meal as one serving.

Key elements to focus on include:

• Calorie count
• Protein content
• Total and saturated fat
• Sodium levels
• Carbohydrates and sugar

The label may also include information on dietary fiber, which is generally low in these meals. Vitamins and minerals are often listed as percentages of daily values.

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. This can help identify if white-meat chicken is a primary component and assess the level of processing in the meal.

Safe Storage Practices

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of Banquet Chicken Strips Meals. Correct freezer temperature and packaging techniques help extend shelf life and prevent freezer burn.

Freezer Storage Recommendations

Store Banquet Chicken Strips Meals at 0°F (-18°C) or below. This temperature halts bacterial growth and preserves food quality. Use a freezer thermometer to ensure consistent temperature.

Keep meals in their original packaging for best protection. Place them in the back of the freezer where temperature is most stable. Avoid storing near the door to prevent temperature fluctuations.

Organize meals with newer items at the back. This rotation system helps use older products first. Label packages with purchase dates to track storage time.

Preventing Freezer Burn

Freezer burn occurs when air contacts frozen food, causing dehydration and oxidation. To prevent this, ensure packages are tightly sealed. If original packaging is damaged, transfer meals to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Remove excess air from packaging before sealing. This minimizes exposed surface area. For added protection, wrap meals in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag.

Limit freezer door openings to maintain consistent temperature. Quick temperature changes can lead to moisture loss and freezer burn. Use meals within 3-4 months for best quality, though they remain safe indefinitely if stored properly.

Cooking Instructions

Properly cooking Banquet Chicken Strips Meal ensures food safety and optimal flavor. Follow these guidelines for microwave or oven preparation to achieve the best results.

Microwave Cooking Directions

Remove the frozen meal from its packaging. Pierce the film covering the chicken strips several times with a fork. Place the tray in the microwave and cook on high for 3-4 minutes. Carefully peel back the film and stir the sides. Replace the film and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. Let the meal stand for 1 minute before serving.

For best results, rotate the tray halfway through cooking if your microwave doesn’t have a turntable. Cooking times may vary depending on microwave wattage. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness.

Oven Baking Guidelines

Preheat the conventional oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the meal from the box and peel back the film covering the chicken strips. Place the tray on a baking sheet in the center of the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Carefully remove the tray from the oven, as it will be hot.

Let the meal stand for 1-2 minutes before serving. Use a food thermometer to check that the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). This step is crucial for food safety. Oven temperatures may vary, so adjust cooking time as needed.

Food Safety Considerations

Proper handling and preparation of Banquet Chicken Strips Meal is crucial for food safety. Always keep the product frozen until ready to cook.

When cooking, follow the instructions on the package carefully. Use an oven preheated to the specified temperature.

Cook the chicken strips thoroughly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a food thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken.

Do not thaw the product at room temperature. If thawing is necessary, do so in the refrigerator.

Consume the meal immediately after cooking. Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.

Never refreeze thawed Banquet Chicken Strips Meal. This can lead to bacterial growth and compromise food safety.

Check the “Best If Used By” date on the package before cooking. While this date indicates peak quality, the product may still be safe to eat if properly stored and showing no signs of spoilage.

Discard the product if you notice any unusual odors, discoloration, or ice crystals, as these may indicate quality or safety issues.

The Consumer Corner

Banquet Chicken Strips Meal has garnered attention from consumers seeking convenient frozen dinner options. Customer feedback and special offers play key roles in its market presence.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Many consumers appreciate Banquet Chicken Strips Meal for its affordability and convenience. On various online platforms, customers have rated the product 7/10 on average.

Positive comments often highlight the crispy texture of the chicken strips and the value for money. Some reviewers note the surprisingly good quality of the chicken for a budget-friendly option.

Critics point out that the portion size may be small for some appetites. A few customers have expressed concerns about the nutritional content, particularly the sodium levels.

Conagra Foods, the parent company, regularly monitors customer feedback to improve product quality and address concerns.

Available Deals and Offers

Banquet Chicken Strips Meal is frequently featured in grocery store promotions. Many retailers offer buy-one-get-one-free deals or discounted prices when purchasing multiple units.

Some stores include the product in their weekly circular ads. Coupon enthusiasts can often find manufacturer coupons for additional savings.

Digital coupons are available through grocery store apps and Conagra’s website. These deals typically require signing up for newsletters or loyalty programs.

Bulk purchases at warehouse clubs can provide significant savings for families or frequent consumers of the product.

Additional Product Insights

Banquet Chicken Strips Meal offers a convenient frozen dinner option with distinct taste and texture qualities. The product compares favorably to other frozen meals in terms of preparation time and flavor profile.

Crispy Texture and Taste Qualities

The breaded chicken strips in this meal are made from 100% natural white meat chicken breast. They feature a crispy exterior coating, typically composed of wheat and corn flour. This breading provides a satisfying crunch when properly heated.

The chicken strips are free from preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. This commitment to natural ingredients contributes to a more authentic taste experience.

Accompanying the chicken are two classic side dishes: macaroni and cheese and sweet corn. The macaroni and cheese offers a creamy texture, while the corn adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.

Comparisons with Other Frozen Foods

Banquet Chicken Strips Meal stands out among frozen dinners for its larger portion sizes. The meal now includes chicken strip patties that are 50% larger than previous versions.

Preparation time is comparable to other frozen meals, with options for both microwave and oven heating. Microwave cooking provides quick results, while oven preparation can enhance the crispy texture of the chicken.

In terms of nutritional content, this meal contains 440 calories per serving. It also provides 4g of saturated fat (20% DV) and 1050mg of sodium (44% DV).

The convenience factor is high, making it suitable for busy individuals or families seeking a quick meal solution.