How Long Does Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake Last?
Shelf Life and Storage Tips
For those busy weeknights when you crave a quick and delicious meal, the Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake offers a perfect solution. This frozen meal combines tender cilantro lime white meat chicken, black beans, white rice, and cheddar cheese, all topped with a tantalizing green enchilada sauce. Whether you follow a gluten-free diet or simply appreciate high-quality ingredients, this enchilada bake promises satisfaction in each bite.
Stored properly in the freezer, Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake can last up to three months. This ensures that you always have a convenient and tasty option at your fingertips. When ready to enjoy, just follow the straightforward cooking instructions to savor all those rich flavors and delightful textures.
Understanding how long your favorite meals last can help in meal planning and reducing waste. Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake's longevity and ease of preparation make it a reliable choice for anyone looking to stock their freezer with wholesome, ready-to-eat options.
Overview of Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake
The Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake is a frozen meal that offers a convenient and flavorful option for those who enjoy Mexican-inspired cuisine. This dish features tender cilantro lime white meat chicken combined with black beans, white rice, cheddar cheese, and roasted corn.
The meal is topped with a green enchilada sauce, providing a zesty finish.
Ingredients include:
White Meat Chicken (raised without antibiotics)
Black Beans
White Rice
Corn Tortillas
Cheddar Cheese
Roasted Corn
Green Enchilada Sauce
This meal is also gluten-free, catering to those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions. Its packaging highlights the meal's attributes, such as being free of antibiotics.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: Approximately 310
Protein: 20 grams
Fat: 10 grams
Carbohydrates: 35 grams
Consumers appreciate the balance of spices, particularly the hint of jalapeño, which adds a mild kick to the dish. Preparation is straightforward, with options for microwaving or baking in the oven.
Cooking Instructions:
Microwave: 3 minutes and 45 seconds on high
Oven: 35 to 45 minutes at 350°F
Available at various retailers including Whole Foods Market, this 9 oz meal is designed for a quick and tasty option for lunch or dinner without the hassle of extensive cooking.
Nutritional Value
Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake offers a balanced combination of macronutrients. It provides a convenient meal option with clearly defined calorie content, fat, and sodium levels.
Calorie Content
A single serving of Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake contains 380 calories. This serving size is standardized at 255 grams per bowl. These calories are distributed among carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, offering a balanced nutritional profile that's suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Total Calories: 380 Kcal
Calories from Fat: Significant portion, contributing to overall energy
Fat and Sodium Details
The meal has 13 grams of total fat, with 6 grams being saturated fat. These fats are essential for flavor and texture but should be consumed in moderation.
Total Fat: 13 g (21% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 6 g (35% Daily Value)
Trans Fat: 0 g
Sodium content is 510 mg, equating to 22% of the daily recommended intake. This amount makes the dish moderately high in sodium, which should be considered for those monitoring their salt intake.
Sodium: 510 mg (22% Daily Value)
Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake balances taste and convenience with a clear breakdown of its nutritional components.
Ingredients Analysis
Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake features several key ingredients that impact its quality and suitability for various dietary needs. The subsections analyze the quality of the chicken used and the presence of allergens in the product.
Chicken Quality
The chicken in Evol’s Chicken Enchilada Bake is raised without antibiotics, ensuring a higher standard of care and quality. Antibiotic-free chicken generally means fewer chemicals and a more natural upbringing.
The chicken is tender and seasoned with cilantro lime, which adds a fresh and zesty flavor. This ingredient also pairs well with black beans and corn, creating a balanced and tasty meal.
Presence of Allergens
The meal includes several potential allergens. It contains cheddar cheese, which introduces dairy, and corn tortillas, which may be an issue for those with corn allergies. The green enchilada sauce, while flavorful, can also have ingredients that some individuals might react to, such as jalapeños for spice.
Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake is labeled as gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten. Nonetheless, always check the packaging to confirm this, especially if you have gluten sensitivities or allergies.
In terms of other additives, the product has relatively low sugar content, contributing to its overall appeal for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Preparation Guidelines
Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake can be prepared using either a microwave or a conventional oven. Understanding the correct preparation method ensures the meal is cooked evenly and retains its flavor.
Microwave Cooking Instructions
Remove Packaging: Take the bowl out of the carton and cut a 1-inch slit in the overwrap. This allows steam to escape during cooking.
Cooking Time: Place the bowl in the microwave. Cook on high for 3 minutes and 45 seconds. This ensures all ingredients, including rice, corn tortillas, and chicken, are heated thoroughly.
Standing Time: Let the bowl stand for 1 minute after cooking. This allows the heat to distribute evenly and cool slightly for safer handling.
Final Steps: Remove the overwrap carefully. Ensure you handle the bowl with mitts or a towel, as it will be hot.
Conventional Oven Baking
Preheat the Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Preheating is essential for an even cook.
Remove Overwrap: Take the bowl out of the carton and remove all the plastic overwrap.
Covering the Dish: Cover the bowl securely with a tight-fitting foil lid. This step helps keep the moisture in, providing a tender texture to the chicken and rice.
Baking Time: Place the bowl in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Ensure the dish is heated through and the cheese topping is melted and bubbling.
Check Temperature: Optionally, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This confirms that the dish is fully cooked and safe to consume.
Following these preparation guidelines will ensure an enjoyable and delicious meal.
Recommended Pairings
Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments, offering a balanced and satisfying meal.
Street Tacos can be a great addition. They add a different texture and flavor profile and can be filled with ingredients like grilled veggies or carne asada to complement the enchilada bake.
Cilantro Lime Chicken is another excellent pairing. The bright, zesty flavors of cilantro and lime can contrast nicely with the richness of the enchilada bake, creating a harmonious balance on the palate.
For a traditional touch, serve Pinto Beans. They provide a hearty and protein-rich side that matches well with the enchiladas. Simple preparations, such as simmering beans with garlic and onion, can enhance the overall dining experience.
Rice is a versatile side. Consider options like Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice. Both flavors can harmonize with the enchilada bake, making for a complete meal.
Using these pairings, you can create a well-rounded and delicious meal that complements the Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake perfectly.
Shelf Life and Storage
Maintaining the quality of Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake depends heavily on proper storage methods. This section delves into storage periods in both the freezer and refrigerator.
Freezer Shelf Life
For prolonged storage, placing the Chicken Enchilada Bake in the freezer is an excellent option. Properly frozen, this meal can retain its taste and texture for up to three months. Ensure that the packaging is intact and unopened to prevent freezer burn, which can affect both quality and flavor.
When frozen, ensure the temperature remains constant at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. Freezing preserves the meal, making it ideal for those looking to stock up on convenient, ready-made options. Always label the package with the date of storage to avoid confusion.
Refrigerator Storage
If refrigeration is the chosen method, consume the Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake within 3 to 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and potential contamination from other foods.
Store the meal in the middle shelf of the refrigerator, where the temperature is more stable, ideally around 35-38°F (1.6-3.3°C). Avoid placing it in the fridge door, as the temperature can fluctuate with frequent opening and closing. This practice ensures the meal remains safe and delicious until it’s time to eat.
Environmental and Dietary Considerations
Evol Chicken Enchilada Bake takes into account both environmental impacts and dietary needs. Ingredients are carefully selected to promote sustainability and meet diverse dietary preferences.
Sourcing of Ingredients
Evol uses chicken raised without antibiotics, which supports healthier farming practices and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance. The use of sustainably sourced ingredients means farmers employ methods that reduce environmental impact, conserving water and avoiding harmful pesticides.
Additionally, packaging is often designed to be more eco-friendly, reducing waste. Evol is known for prioritizing quality and sustainability, which aligns with growing consumer demand for responsible food production.
Impact on Health
The Chicken Enchilada Bake is labeled as gluten-free, catering to those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Each serving has 380 calories, with 13 grams of fat and 35% of the daily recommended saturated fat intake. It contains 55 mg of cholesterol and 510 mg of sodium per bowl.
Nutritional balance includes black beans for protein and fiber and corn tortillas for whole grain. The nutritious mix helps maintain energy levels while aligning with dietary guidelines. Regular consumption should fit into a balanced diet, factoring in its fat and sodium content.
