How Long Does Banquet Mega Bowls Country Fried Chicken Last?
Storage Tips and Shelf Life
Banquet Mega Bowls Country Fried Chicken is a convenient and hearty meal option, often chosen for its blend of chicken breast fritters, creamy mashed potatoes, savory gravy, corn, and shredded cheese. This combination makes it a popular choice for those seeking a delicious and filling dinner.
When stored in the freezer, Banquet Mega Bowls Country Fried Chicken can last up to 18 months, ensuring you always have a quick meal ready, even for unexpected moments. For best quality and taste, it's important to follow the storage instructions provided on the package.
For those wondering about its nutritional aspects, each bowl typically contains about 450 calories, along with significant amounts of protein and sodium. This makes it not only a great meal for convenience but also a notable choice for its nutritional profile.
Product Overview
Banquet Mega Bowls Country Fried Chicken offers a hearty meal combining crispy chicken breast fritters with creamy mashed potatoes, homestyle gravy, corn, and shredded cheese. This meal provides a satisfying option for those with robust appetites, packing in both flavor and nutrition.
Contents and Ingredients
This meal features white meat chicken breast fritters coated in a seasoned batter. Paired with the chicken are creamy mashed potatoes, crafted from potatoes, water, and cream. The dish is topped with a savory homestyle gravy made from water, beef stock, and a variety of seasonings, including garlic and parsley.
A vegetable and cheese blend includes whole kernel corn and shredded mozzarella cheese, adding texture and flavor. Other notable ingredients are monosodium glutamate for flavoring, and xanthan gum and guar gum for thickening. This blend ensures a well-rounded and flavorful meal.
Nutrition and Dietary Information
A single serving of Banquet Mega Bowls Country Fried Chicken provides substantial nutrition. Each bowl contains 450 calories, 19 grams of protein, and 3 grams of total sugars. The meal has 6 grams of saturated fat, constituting 30% of the daily value, and 1380 mg of sodium, which is 60% of the daily value.
Other nutritional elements include limited amounts of vitamin D, calcium, and iron. The meal contains allergens such as milk, soy, and wheat, making it necessary for individuals with specific dietary restrictions to take caution. Despite its high sodium content, this meal is designed to be filling and convenient for those seeking a quick yet satisfying meal.
Preparation Guidelines
To enjoy the Banquet Mega Bowls Country Fried Chicken at its best, follow these preparation steps carefully. The meal can be prepared using a microwave or a conventional oven to ensure the chicken breast fritters and mashed potatoes reach the ideal temperature.
Microwave Instructions
When using a microwave, start by placing the bowl in the microwave without venting the film. Microwave on high for 7 to 8 ½ minutes. During this time, the food should be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Check the temperature of the chicken breast fritters and mashed potatoes before consuming. Be cautious when removing the bowl, as it will be extremely hot. Do not microwave for longer than specified, as it might cause overheating or uneven cooking. Enjoy while hot.
Oven Cooking Recommendations
For those preferring the conventional oven method, first preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the Mega Bowl on a baking sheet in the center of the oven. Cook for 55 to 60 minutes.
Do not use a toaster oven for preparation. Ensure the meal reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. The longer cooking time helps achieve evenly heated, crispy chicken breast fritters without compromising on texture.
Handle with care when removing from the oven, as it will be very hot. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Shelf Life and Storage
The Banquet Mega Bowls Country Fried Chicken is a frozen meal designed for long-term storage in the freezer.
Storage Temperature: Keep the meal stored at 0-20 °F to maintain its quality and safety. Keeping it within this range ensures that the meal remains safe to eat and prevents freezer burn.
Shelf Life: The recommended shelf life for this product is 540 days when stored properly in the freezer.
Food Safety
To ensure food safety, always check that the meal is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. This can be done using a food thermometer.
Reheating Instructions:
Microwave: Microwave on high for 7 to 8 1/2 minutes, without venting the film.
Oven: Preheat the conventional oven to 375°F and cook on a baking sheet in the center of the oven for 55 to 60 minutes. Do not use a toaster oven.
Key Points
Kosher: The product is not kosher.
Careful Handling: The meal will be hot after cooking, so handle with care to avoid burns.
Safety Warnings and Allergens
For food safety and quality, it is crucial to keep the Banquet Mega Bowls Country Fried Chicken frozen until ready to prepare. Do not thaw it before cooking. Follow microwave directions developed for 1100-watt microwaves to ensure proper and safe preparation.
Allergens
This meal contains several common allergens:
Eggs: Present in the chicken fritters and possibly other components.
Milk: Found in mashed potatoes, gravy, and cheese.
Soy: Ingredients may include soy derivatives.
Wheat: Present in the breading of the chicken fritters.
People with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution. Always check the packaging for the most up-to-date allergen information.
Packaging and Labeling
The Banquet Mega Bowls Country Fried Chicken is typically sold in a 14 oz (396g) package. Each serving contains 440 calories.
The product’s packaging includes key nutritional information and cooking instructions.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 450 per bowl
Protein: 19g
Saturated Fat: 6g (30% DV)
Sodium: 1380mg (60% DV)
Total Sugars: 3g
Cooking Instructions:
Microwave: 7 to 8.5 minutes
Oven: Preheat to 375°F, cook for 55 to 60 minutes
The packaging also stresses the importance of cooking the food thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.
SmartLabel technology is used to provide consumers with detailed product information, including ingredients, allergens, and nutritional facts.
Weight and dimensions for shipping are also labeled for convenience.
Net Weight: 7 lbs
Gross Weight: 8.411 lbs
Case Dimensions: 15.625" x 6.938" x 7.875"
Volume: 0.494 cu ft
Moreover, the packaging ensures the product is inspected for wholesomeness by the US Department of Agriculture.
The Banquet Mega Bowls packaging is designed for practicality, providing clear and accessible information to the consumer.
Brand Information
Banquet, a well-recognized name in the frozen meal industry, has built a reputation for providing convenient and satisfying dining options. This section covers details about the manufacturer and the legacy of consumer trust that Banquet maintains.
Manufacturer Details
Banquet Mega Bowls Country Fried Chicken is produced by Conagra Brands, Inc., a prominent player in the packaged foods industry. Conagra was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
The company is known for its broad portfolio of brands, offering a wide range of products that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences.
Banquet is among the renowned brands under Conagra, known for delivering flavorful and hearty meal options. Their products undergo rigorous quality checks and are inspected for wholesomeness by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Brand Legacy and Consumer Trust
Since its inception in 1953, Banquet has aimed to provide accessible meals that do not compromise on taste or quality. Over the decades, Banquet has earned the trust of consumers through consistent delivery of satisfying meals.
The brand is celebrated for its commitment to offering nutritious and delicious dishes, making it a staple in many households. Reviews from consumers often highlight the reliable taste and convenience of Banquet Mega Bowls.
Banquet's focus on customer satisfaction and continuous product innovation has solidified its standing in the frozen food market. This enduring trust is evident in the positive feedback and repeat purchases from a loyal consumer base.
Consumer Insights
Consumers appreciate the Banquet Mega Bowls Country Fried Chicken for being a satisfying and hearty option.
From various reviews, many users find the flavor both comforting and familiar, particularly highlighting the creamy mashed potatoes and savory homestyle gravy.
Some reviewers also mention the convenience of preparation. They note that it is easy to prepare in the microwave, making it suitable for quick meals.
Customer Satisfaction Ratings:
Taste: Primarily positive feedback, with special mentions for the breaded chicken and mashed potatoes.
Portion Size: Generally considered adequate for one person, satisfying without being overwhelming.
Preparation: Easy and fast, as commented by multiple users, making it a good option for those with busy schedules.
Most consumers rate this meal well on taste and convenience. The combined elements of chicken breast fritters, mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy contribute significantly to its positive reception.
