Chip Shop Chicken From The Freezer (Birds Eye Simply Chicken Fillets In Crispy Batter)

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	Birds Eye Simply Chicken Fillets In Crispy Batter
Date:	19/12/08 (186 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good-sized portions, crisp batter that's not greasy, tender chicken, low sat fat

Disadvantages: None, except a tad pricey if you eat more than one at a time

Chicken is a regular tea time occurrence for me and tend to get frozen versions rather than fresh so I like to know I'm buying healthier choices and not just cheap pre-packed, chemically loaded junk. I came across these a while ago and thought they looked quite appealing with two photos of chunky fillets covered in crispy batter. They don't sound all that healthy with the batter I admit, but I trust Birds Eye as they've been pretty consistent in delivering quality food. The company was formed in 1973 and have since then become a very popular choice. Over that time they've expanded their range and put some effort into the health aspects of their products, such as lowering salt and saturated fat levels. I see them advertised on daytime TV all the time now promoting their 'good mood food'...not quite sure how Suggs got in there though!

These chicken fillets are found in the frozen section of most larger supermarkets, though I've only spotted these in Morrisons/Asda and not my local Tesco and cost just slightly under £3. (They're also available at Iceland (£3); when I last bought these they were half price in there so keep your eyes peeling for bargains). For your pennies you get 4 decent sized chicken fillets (440g) and I would say that one makes a perfect portion as they're quite chunky. These can be oven cooked at 200°C for approx 25 minutes. It's good idea to turn them over once in a while and keep checking on them as you want them cooked thoroughly inside (which is why it takes 25 minutes as they're chunky) but not burnt on the outside. I was put off at first when I read they're coated in batter, but it's not how I expected. Once cooked, they're golden and crispy, as opposed to greasy and soft like you may think. The chicken inside is tender and delicious and the outside crispy coating gives it a bit of texture. There's not much flavour to it as such, I can't quite describe it, but I wouldn't really say there's anything that would put you off too easily.

Each portion contains 235 calories and 7.4g fat (1.2g sat) which isn't bad for a decent sized portion. It's a good alternative to nasty southern fried or other battered/breaded chicken that's got little nutritional value; at least you get a crispy batter coating and healthy tender chicken with these. Goes down a treat with chips and salad, or some mash potatoes & veggies.

I would definitely recommend these for the taste and texture, plus there's little 'cooking' involved. At £3 I would rather buy these than similar cheaper versions because I trust these to be healthier and think they taste lovely! :o)

Summary: Tasty chicken that's healthier than it sounds!