Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken offers a convenient and tasty meal option for busy households. This frozen dish combines premium vegetables, quality white chicken, pasta, and a flavorful three-cheese sauce. Many consumers appreciate its quick preparation time and balanced flavors.
When stored properly in the freezer, Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken can last up to 8 months while maintaining its best quality. This extended shelf life makes it an excellent choice for stocking up and having a reliable meal option on hand. The product’s packaging typically includes a “best by” date to guide consumers on optimal consumption timing.
While the dish can be microwaved, some users prefer the skillet cooking method for best results. The meal provides a good balance of protein and vegetables, making it a relatively nutritious frozen food option. Its affordability and generous portion size also contribute to its popularity among consumers looking for quick and satisfying meals.
Overview of Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken
Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken is a frozen skillet meal designed for quick and convenient family dinners. This product combines pasta, grilled seasoned white meat chicken, and premium Birds Eye vegetables in a creamy three-cheese sauce.
The meal includes a mix of broccoli, corn, and carrots alongside the chicken and pasta. Birds Eye emphasizes the use of quality ingredients, with no artificial flavors or preservatives added to the product.
Preparation of the Three Cheese Chicken meal is simple and fast. It can be cooked in a skillet or microwave, typically ready to serve in about 15 minutes from frozen.
The product is portioned as a family-sized meal, making it suitable for multiple servings. Each 1 1/2 cup serving contains approximately 280 calories, with 2g of saturated fat and 6g of sugars.
Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken is part of a larger line of frozen skillet meals offered by Birds Eye. These meals are designed to provide a balance of protein, vegetables, and grains in a single dish.
Nutritional Content
Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken offers a balanced mix of macronutrients and essential vitamins. This frozen meal provides a convenient option for those seeking a quick and satisfying dinner.
Understanding Nutrition Facts
A 1-cup serving (192g) of Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken contains 200 calories. The macronutrient breakdown shows 55% carbohydrates, 24% protein, and 21% fat. This composition provides a good balance of energy sources.
The meal is a notable source of protein, offering about 12 grams per serving. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and growth. The carbohydrate content, approximately 27.5 grams, supplies energy for daily activities.
Detailed Composition
The total fat content in a serving is around 4.7 grams. This includes a small amount of saturated fat. The sodium content is significant, with values ranging from 680 to 1020 mg per serving, depending on the portion size.
Key micronutrients include:
- Vitamin A: 25% of Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 23% of Daily Value
- Calcium: Present in moderate amounts
The meal contains dietary fiber, though in limited quantities. It also provides iron, an essential mineral for oxygen transport in the body. Cholesterol levels are relatively low at 30 mg per serving.
Main Ingredients and Their Benefits
Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken combines protein, vegetables, and grains in a convenient meal. The dish features key components that provide nutritional value and flavor.
Core Ingredients
Chicken breast meat serves as the primary protein source, offering lean protein for muscle maintenance and growth. The pasta provides carbohydrates for energy. Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and corn add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Broccoli is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Carrots provide beta-carotene for eye health. Corn contributes additional fiber and B vitamins.
The three-cheese sauce, made with Parmesan, Romano, and other cheese powders, adds calcium and protein. Soybean oil and butter in the sauce provide essential fatty acids. Isolated soy protein boosts the overall protein content of the meal.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers
Garlic powder and other spices enhance the taste profile without adding significant calories. Natural flavors and cheese flavors intensify the cheesy taste. Buttermilk contributes a tangy note and helps create a creamy texture.
Caramel color gives the sauce an appealing golden hue. Extractives of paprika may add a subtle flavor and color. These seasonings and enhancers work together to create a savory, satisfying meal without the need for artificial flavors or preservatives.
Cooking Instructions and Preparation
Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken offers quick and easy preparation options. The meal can be cooked from frozen in just minutes using either a skillet or microwave.
From Frozen to Plate
For skillet preparation, empty the frozen contents into a nonstick skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F as measured by a food thermometer in several spots.
Microwave cooking times vary based on wattage:
- 1000W: 10 minutes
- 800W: 14 minutes
Empty the frozen contents into a microwave-safe dish and cook on high. Stir halfway through cooking time. Let stand for 1-2 minutes before serving.
For both methods, cook thoroughly to ensure food safety and quality. The meal is designed to go from skillet to table in about 15 minutes, providing a convenient option for busy households.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken. Following recommended guidelines helps maximize shelf life and ensure the meal remains delicious.
Proper Storage Tips
Keep Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below. This temperature maintains the meal’s texture, flavor, and nutritional value. Avoid storing the product in the refrigerator, as it’s designed for frozen storage only.
Once opened, transfer any unused portion to an airtight container or reseal the original packaging tightly. Return it to the freezer promptly to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
For best results, consume the meal within 3 months of purchase, even if stored properly. This ensures optimal taste and texture.
Expiration and Use-By Dates
Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken typically has a shelf life of 8-10 months when stored correctly in the freezer. The package should display a “Best By” or “Use By” date, indicating when the product is at its peak quality.
It’s important to note that these dates are quality indicators, not safety cut-offs. The meal may still be safe to eat after this date if stored properly, but its taste and texture might decline.
Always inspect the package before use. If there are signs of freezer burn, ice crystals, or an off-odor, it’s best to discard the product. When in doubt, prioritize food safety and choose a fresher option.
Allergen Information and Dietary Considerations
Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken contains several common allergens and may not suit all dietary needs. Understanding these factors is crucial for consumers with food sensitivities or specific nutritional requirements.
Allergen Details
The product contains milk and soy, two of the most prevalent food allergens. Milk is present in the three-cheese sauce and whey ingredients. Soybean oil is used in the preparation process.
People with dairy or soy allergies should avoid this product. Cross-contamination risks exist during manufacturing, potentially exposing the meal to other common allergens.
The packaging includes clear allergen warnings to alert consumers. Always check the label for the most up-to-date allergen information, as ingredients may change over time.
Dietary Restrictions
Birds Eye Voila! Three Cheese Chicken is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to its chicken content. The dish contains gluten from the pasta, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
The meal is high in sodium, with 1020 mg per 1.5 cup serving. This amount may exceed daily limits for those on low-sodium diets.
Individuals following kosher or halal diets should verify if the chicken meets their religious requirements. The product is not certified organic or non-GMO.
Calorie-conscious consumers should note that a serving contains 280 calories. Those monitoring fat intake should be aware of the 9 grams of total fat per serving.
Packaging and Environmental Impact
Birds Eye has taken significant steps to improve the packaging and reduce the environmental impact of products like the Voila Three Cheese Chicken. The company focuses on sustainable materials and innovative designs to minimize waste while maintaining food quality and safety.
Package Materials and Design
Birds Eye uses recyclable materials for its frozen vegetable packaging, including the Voila Three Cheese Chicken meal. The packaging incorporates patented sealing technology to preserve product freshness and quality. This design helps extend shelf life while reducing food waste.
The company prioritizes materials from renewable sources in its ongoing research efforts. Birds Eye’s packaging aims to balance product protection with environmental responsibility.
Sustainability Initiatives
Birds Eye has committed to several sustainability goals as part of the UK Plastics Pact. By 2025, the company aims to achieve 100% recyclable packaging across its product lines. This includes the Voila Three Cheese Chicken and other frozen meals.
The initiative also targets 70% effective recycling or composting of all plastic packaging. Birds Eye plans to incorporate an average of 30% recycled content in its packaging materials.
To further reduce environmental impact, the company is working to eliminate problematic or unnecessary single-use packaging. This involves redesigning existing packages and exploring alternative delivery methods for products like frozen meals.