How Long Does Evol Chicken Teriyaki Last?
Storage and Shelf Life Explained
Evol's Chicken Teriyaki, a popular choice among frozen food enthusiasts, provides a delectable blend of grilled white meat chicken, brown rice, and vegetables, all enhanced by a savory teriyaki sauce. This convenient microwaveable meal stands out not only for its taste but also for its practicality, especially for those tight on time. As a freezer meal, its shelf life is a critical consideration for consumers.
Properly stored Evol Chicken Teriyaki can last up to six months in the freezer. This longevity makes it an ideal option for stocking up without worrying about the quick spoilage often associated with fresh meals. For the best taste and quality, it's advisable to consume it within this period, ensuring that each bite retains its intended flavor and texture.
Understanding the shelf life of Evol Chicken Teriyaki guarantees that one can enjoy a healthy and delicious meal at a moment's notice. It offers both convenience and nutrition, making it a favored choice for busy individuals and families alike. As noted in various reviews, the dish combines a satisfying texture and flavor, consistently delivering a reliable dining experience.
Understanding Evol Chicken Teriyaki
Evol Chicken Teriyaki is a popular frozen meal known for its combination of flavors and ingredients. This dish features grilled white meat chicken that is tender and juicy.
The chicken pieces are complemented by brown rice, which serves as the base of the meal. The rice is mixed with vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.
Each of these vegetables adds a unique texture and flavor, making the meal more nutritious and enjoyable. The teriyaki sauce is a key component, bringing a sweet and savory taste that ties everything together.
The chicken is raised without antibiotics, ensuring a higher quality protein source. The meal is also gluten-free, catering to those with dietary restrictions.
With only 260 calories and 14 grams of protein per serving, Evol Chicken Teriyaki offers a balanced and convenient option for those seeking a quick meal.
Nutritional Information
Evol Teriyaki Chicken is a healthy choice for those seeking a balanced meal with good source of protein. Each serving offers a variety of essential nutrients, avoiding common allergens like gluten.
Caloric Content
A single serving of Evol Teriyaki Chicken contains 260 calories. A slightly different source indicates it might have 280 calories per bowl (255g), which suggests minor variability in packaging or serving size.
This calorie count is primarily from its protein-rich chicken and the vegetables included. It aligns well with dietary goals of maintaining a balanced intake without excess calories.
Macronutrients Profile
The dish includes 14g of protein per serving, essential for muscle repair and growth. In addition, it contains moderate amounts of fats and carbohydrates:
Total Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 35g
The combination of brown rice and vegetables provides these carbohydrates, offering a mix of quick energy and slower-digesting complex carbs.
Dietary Considerations
Evol Teriyaki Chicken is gluten-free. The dish uses tamari sauce, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
It's also made without antibiotics, ensuring a cleaner protein source. This frozen meal balances nutritional integrity and convenience, fitting well into a health-conscious diet.
Storage Guidelines
Maintaining the quality and safety of Evol Chicken Teriyaki involves understanding proper freezing techniques, thawing methods, and its shelf life.
Proper Freezing
To preserve Evol Chicken Teriyaki, it is crucial to store it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Use airtight containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Label the packaging with the date for easy tracking.
Avoid refreezing once thawed as it can damage the texture and flavor. Keeping the meal in its original packaging also helps maintain its original quality.
Thawing Recommendations
For the best results, thaw Evol Chicken Teriyaki in the refrigerator. This method keeps the temperature consistent and prevents bacterial growth. It typically takes about 24 hours for the meal to thaw.
Avoid thawing at room temperature or using hot water, as these conditions can lead to uneven thawing and increased bacteria risk. When time-constrained, use the microwave’s defrost setting, but cook immediately afterward.
Shelf Life
Frozen Evol Chicken Teriyaki maintains optimal quality for up to 3-4 months in the freezer. Past this period, while the meal may still be safe, the taste and texture may deteriorate.
Once thawed, consume the meal within 3-4 days if kept in the refrigerator. Do not refreeze thawed meals as it significantly impacts the food’s quality and safety. Proper storage is key to enjoying the best taste and nutritional benefits.
Preparation Instructions
For optimal taste and safety, it's important to follow the preparation instructions closely. Evol Teriyaki Chicken can be prepared using either the microwave method or the conventional oven method, ensuring it is cooked thoroughly for the best results.
Microwave Method
1. Remove Packaging: Begin by taking the frozen meal out of its carton and removing the overwrap from the compostable bowl.
2. Cook on High: Place the bowl in the microwave. Set the microwave to High and cook for 4 minutes or until the contents are hot.
3. Handle with Care: Use caution when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it will be hot. Let it sit for a minute to cool down slightly before enjoying.
Conventional Oven Method
1. Preheat Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the correct temperature before you start cooking.
2. Remove Packaging: Like with the microwave method, remove the frozen meal from its carton and take off the overwrap.
3. Cook in Oven: Place the bowl on a baking sheet and put it in the preheated oven. Allow it to cook for approximately 30 minutes. Check that it is thoroughly cooked with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
4. Cool Before Serving: Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool down before serving.
Follow these steps to prepare Evol Teriyaki Chicken for a tasty and safe meal.
Flavor Profile
Evol Chicken Teriyaki offers a vibrant mix of flavors, thanks to its diverse ingredients and teriyaki sauce. The balance between the sweet teriyaki and the savory chicken creates a memorable culinary experience.
Taste Experience
Evol Chicken Teriyaki is designed to deliver a robust and satisfying taste experience. The white meat chicken is grilled to retain its juiciness and tenderness. The teriyaki sauce, featuring a blend of soy, brown sugar, and ginger puree, enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
The juxtaposition of sweet and savory is further amplified by the inclusion of vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli bring a refreshing crunch and natural sweetness that complements the dish. The brown rice adds a hearty, slightly nutty background, tying the components together into a harmonious bite.
Sauce Composition
The teriyaki sauce in Evol Chicken Teriyaki is a carefully balanced blend of quality ingredients. The primary components include soy sauce, which provides a salty and umami base. Brown sugar and honey contribute sweetness, creating a rich and luscious texture that coats the chicken and vegetables.
Ginger puree and garlic are also crucial, adding depth and a hint of spice to the sauce. These elements ensure that the sauce is not one-dimensional but instead offers a complex and layered flavor profile. The teriyaki sauce's thick consistency also helps in binding the flavors together, offering a cohesive taste experience.
Health and Dietary Benefits
Evol Chicken Teriyaki is a convenient, frozen meal option that offers benefits for both weight management and nutritional intake, including ingredients like broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers.
Weight Management
With only 260 calories per serving, Evol Chicken Teriyaki is a low-calorie meal suitable for those looking to manage their weight.
Each serving provides 14 grams of protein, aiding in satiety and helping maintain muscle mass. The inclusion of vegetables like broccoli and snap peas adds volume to the meal, further promoting a feeling of fullness.
Additionally, the dish's balance of lean protein, complex carbohydrates from brown rice, and fiber-rich vegetables supports a controlled calorie intake and balanced nutrition. It offers a practical solution for those needing a quick, healthy option that aligns with their diet goals.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients
The ingredients in Evol Chicken Teriyaki, such as red and green bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, contribute significantly to its nutritional value.
Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, and contains fiber, which aids digestion. Snap peas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, providing essential nutrients that support overall health. Bell peppers offer a high content of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
These vegetables, combined with chicken raised without antibiotics, create a meal that not only tastes good but also enhances nutritional intake. This makes Evol Chicken Teriyaki a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
Safety and Allergen Information
Evol's Teriyaki Chicken offers a convenient meal option, but it is essential to understand any safety and allergen considerations related to its ingredients, such as gluten and soy.
Gluten Allergy Considerations
Evol's Teriyaki Chicken is gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. The product uses tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce, which typically contains wheat. It's crucial to check the packaging for certification marks and ingredient lists to confirm the gluten-free status.
Cross-contamination might be a concern in manufacturing, so those with severe gluten allergies should verify the product's safety by consulting customer service. Always check the package for any advisories related to gluten.
Soy Allergy Advisories
While the tamari sauce in Evol's Teriyaki Chicken is wheat-free, it does contain soy, which can be an allergen. Individuals with soy allergies should avoid this product. The presence of soy is clearly listed on the packaging under the ingredient list.
Those sensitive to soy should also be cautious of potential cross-contamination with other soy-containing products. Checking with the manufacturer for detailed allergen information might provide additional assurance. Always read labels and consult health care providers if uncertain about soy allergies.
