Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is a popular frozen meal known for its bold flavors and convenience. Many consumers wonder about its shelf life and proper storage methods to ensure optimal quality and safety.
When stored properly in a freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below, Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese can last up to 3-4 months without significant loss of quality. This timeframe allows ample opportunity to enjoy the meal while maintaining its taste and texture.
Proper storage is key to maximizing the longevity of this frozen dish. Keeping the freezer temperature consistent and avoiding frequent temperature fluctuations helps prevent freezer burn and preserve the meal’s integrity. It’s important to note that while the product may remain safe to eat beyond the recommended timeframe, its quality and flavor may gradually diminish.
Overview of Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is a popular frozen meal option. It combines pasta shells with breaded white meat chicken in a creamy buffalo cheddar cheese sauce.
The dish is topped with real blue cheese for added flavor. Devour uses premium ingredients to create a satisfying and flavorful meal.
This frozen entrée is designed for convenience and quick preparation. It can be heated in the microwave in about 6 minutes, making it suitable for busy individuals.
The product features a blend of tangy buffalo chicken and creamy macaroni and cheese. It offers a balance of textures with crispy chicken and tender pasta.
Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is sold as a single-serve frozen dinner. It comes in a 12 oz (340g) package, providing a hearty portion for one person.
When stored properly in the freezer, this meal can maintain its quality for up to 18 months. This extended shelf life makes it a practical option for stocking the freezer.
Ingredients in Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese contains a variety of ingredients to create its signature flavor and texture. The dish features a creamy buffalo-style cheddar sauce as its base.
The sauce is made with water, pasteurized process white cheddar cheese, and soybean oil. It also includes cayenne pepper puree for heat and vinegar for tanginess.
The pasta component consists of cooked enriched macaroni product made from semolina wheat flour. This is fortified with niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid.
For protein, the dish includes fully cooked boneless breaded chicken breast. The chicken is prepared with various coatings and seasonings such as wheat flour, yellow corn flour, and spices.
Additional ingredients enhance flavor and texture:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Yeast extract
- Natural flavors
- Guar gum (for thickening)
Allergen information: This product contains milk, wheat, soy, and egg.
Nutritional Information and Allergens
Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese contains 640-670 calories per package. The meal provides a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
Protein content is approximately 29 grams, contributing to about 19% of the total calories. Carbohydrates make up around 36% of the caloric content.
Fat accounts for 45% of the calories, with a significant portion likely coming from the cheese sauce and chicken.
Allergen Information:
• Wheat
• Soy
• Egg
These ingredients are common allergens and should be noted by individuals with sensitivities.
The product contains sodium phosphate, which is used as a preservative and to enhance texture. Those monitoring sodium intake should be aware of its presence.
It’s important to check the packaging for the most up-to-date and accurate nutritional information and allergen warnings. Individual dietary needs and restrictions should be considered when consuming this product.
Proper Storage of Frozen Meals
Storing frozen meals properly is crucial for maintaining food safety and quality. Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below to prevent bacterial growth and preserve flavor.
Place frozen meals in the back of the freezer where temperatures are most consistent. Avoid storing them in the door, as fluctuations can lead to freezer burn.
Use frozen meals within 3-4 months for best quality, though they remain safe indefinitely if stored correctly. Check expiration dates before consuming.
To prevent freezer burn, ensure packaging is intact and airtight. If transferring to another container, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Organize your freezer to easily locate meals and minimize door-open time. Label items with purchase or expiration dates for easy tracking.
If power goes out, keep the freezer door closed. A full freezer can maintain safe temperatures for up to 48 hours if unopened.
Never refreeze thawed meals. Once defrosted, consume within 1-2 days for optimal safety and taste.
Cooking Instructions for Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
Preparing Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is quick and simple. Start by removing the tray from the outer carton.
Pull back a corner of the film to vent. Place the tray in a 1100 watt microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the tray and stir the contents. Replace the film and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
For food safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a food thermometer to verify.
The result is a creamy macaroni and cheese dish with tender pasta shells, premium breaded white meat chicken, and a zesty buffalo cheddar cheese sauce.
Key points:
- Total cooking time: 6 minutes
- Two-stage cooking process
- Stir halfway through
- Final temperature: 165°F (74°C)
Allow the dish to cool slightly before enjoying the flavorful combination of buffalo chicken and creamy mac & cheese.
Understanding Food Quality and Safety
Food safety is crucial when consuming frozen meals like Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese. Proper storage and handling help maintain quality and prevent foodborne illness.
Freezer burn can affect taste and texture but doesn’t make food unsafe. It appears as grayish-brown spots on frozen items. To prevent freezer burn, keep meals tightly sealed and use within the recommended timeframe.
Internal temperature is key for food safety. When reheating frozen meals, ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) throughout. Use a food thermometer to check.
Frozen meals typically last 3-6 months in the freezer while maintaining quality. Beyond this, they may lose flavor or texture but remain safe if stored properly.
Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming:
- Off odors
- Unusual colors
- Ice crystals or freezer burn
- Packaging damage
Store Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese at 0°F (-18°C) or below for best quality. Avoid temperature fluctuations, which can impact food safety and quality.
Follow package instructions for optimal taste and safety. Proper cooking ensures any potential bacteria are eliminated.
Community Insights and Discussions
Reddit users have shared their experiences with Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese. Many appreciate its convenience for busy days, praising the flavorful combination of tangy buffalo sauce and creamy macaroni.
Some Redditors recommend bringing a knife when eating this meal, as the chicken can be difficult to cut. This practical tip enhances the dining experience for those enjoying the dish on-the-go.
The buffalo flavor receives mixed reviews. While some find it noticeable and enjoyable, others note that the dish isn’t overpowered by buffalo sauce. This balance seems to appeal to a wide range of taste preferences.
Comparisons to other frozen meals are common in these discussions. Users often rank Devour’s offering favorably against similar products, highlighting its quality ingredients and satisfying taste.
Preparation time is a topic of interest. The six-minute heating time, including stirring midway, is considered reasonable by most users for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Overall, community feedback suggests that Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is a popular choice among frozen meal enthusiasts, with its taste and convenience being key factors in its positive reception.