The Trader Joe’s Frozen Chicken Dinner You’ll Want to Make Twice a Week (Not Mandarin Orange!)

I’m a senior in college, and I’ve had my fair share of Trader Joe’s frozen foods — whether it’s the viral soup dumplings or the underrated barbecue chicken pizza (and just about everything else in the freezer case). There have been many standouts, and a small handful of disappointments. Through every stage of college living, from the kitchen-less dorms as a freshman to my little studio apartment now, one item has consistently held a place in my freezer: Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala.

Chicken tikka masala has always been one of my go-to orders at Indian restaurants, but let’s be honest … eating out adds up fast! That’s a big reason why I love Trader Joe’s frozen version. It’s (almost) just as satisfying and keeps me on budget. 

The tomato-based sauce is rich, the cumin-spiced rice is fragrant, and it’s ready to eat after just three minutes in the microwave. Oh, and it’s less than $5. Extra bonus points: It’s gluten-free, which makes it a safe option for my roommates with celiac disease. 

If you’re plant-based or just looking to eat less meat, Trader Joe’s also has a frozen Vegan Tikka Masala that’s also really delicious. (I buy it whenever the chicken one is out of stock.) 

This frozen meal is plenty filling on its own, but I like to balance it out with a side of greens. Personally, I love pairing my tikka masala with the Trader Joe’s organic arugula. It’s triple-washed and ready to toss straight into any meal, which makes adding it pretty effortless. 

The peppery bitterness of the arugula cuts through the creaminess of the sauce in the best way possible. A quick stir, a few bites, and suddenly this frozen meal feels like something I actually cooked. Once you’ve tried it this way, you’ll never go back.

Find it in stores: Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala, $4.49 for 8.5 ounces at Trader Joe’s

What’s your favorite Trader Joe’s frozen dinner? Tell us about it in the comments below.