Vol. 31: Stouffer’s Southwest-Style Chicken Panini

So, frozen food hasn’t been doing so hot on the JFJ lately.  It might just start giving people the impression that I’m just a picky bastard too much of an aficionado to be an impartial judge.  Or maybe that I’ve just eaten too dang much of it to properly assess the contents of a freezer box “meal.”

Unto them, I say go lick a squirrel tail nay, and henceforth I shall prove it.

Also, ads.  Hell, I gots to get paid somehow, right?

Today’s adventure was from Stouffer’s, which I’ve always thought of as “rich people TV dinners.”  Of course, compared to Banquet and Michelina’s, everything but ramen seems expensive.  But I splurged, because I was an idiot and went grocery shopping while starving, and that is just never a good idea.  ‘Course, these days, that seems to be the case more often than not.  (Being hungry, not being an idiot, you jerks.)

Without further ado:

The Official Photo

The prepared version  - with Taco Bell size reference (TBSR)

Now, with something called “Southwest-style,” I admit I was kind of thinking something zippy, Tex-Mex, maybe black bean and corn salsa with peppers and zippy holly-penyos in it.  It was still Southwestern-“ish,” but I wouldn’t necessarily use that word to describe it.  It was, however, very good.

No shortage of meat, the bread came out buttery and crisp on the outside and soft inside, quite a significant amount of filling, a healthy dose of cheese, and what tasted like a zesty Ranch sauce on it.  Not spicy, or even mild, by any means, but just something to add a tiny bit of zing to the sandwich.  Best of all, it wasn’t dry at all.

As far as frozen sandwiches go, that was easily one of the better ones I’ve had.  Probably in the top 5 list.  Now keep in mind, this IS frozen, so it won’t compare to your fresh-made ones from bakeries/deli places, but for microwave convenience, it was certainly pretty tasty.

Don’t let the looks deceive you – it may seem tiny, but that thing is loaded.  Normal humans (read: those who do not eat like I do [read: the rest of the world]) would likely feel right at that “I’m full, but not stuffed” point.  Which is great for staying awake at work keeping alert after consuming.  All in all, this sandwich should make its way onto your grocery list – or at least your “things to try” list.

The Verdict

4/5.  Danged good in the perspective of a frozen sandwich, but I can’t see myself paying a dollar or two more if the price went up.