Hibachi House Mandarin Orange Chicken

July 2, 2007 | Reviewer: Jess

Price: Free from Hibachi House
SRP: $5.00
Serving: 1 cup, 5.11 oz.
Servings Per Box: About 4.5
Calories: 250
Fat: 3%, 2g
Sodium: 20%, 460mg
Protein: 15g
Carbs: 15%, 42g
Fiber: 6%, 1g
Sugar: 7g

Hibachi House says: Hibachi House chicken breast meat with sticky rice and mandarin orange sauce

Jess says: The serving size according to this “multi-serve meal” (Hibachi House’s term) is 4.5. If I decided to eat what was in this package for in 4.5 discrete meals, I think I would be eating 6 individual rice grains with a chopstick at around meal three.

Upon consultation with Abi and Kate it was decided that this is actually 2 full servings (as in you will be pretty full). I guess it could be three meals if you’re not a big eater or on a self-hating sort of diet or something. Please do not buy this meal and expect this to feed you, your significant other, your parents and your small child. It is not a good idea.

“But Jess,” you whine, “what about taste?” Ah, yes my eager microwavable food blog reader. That is the question, isn’t it? First of all the chicken is quality. There are large chunks, looking like they were freshly carved from the bird. No reformed chicken surplus parts here, just lots of real meat. And the sauce makes this thing great. I have used this term before but the sauce was highly mesquitey in a down South barbecue molasses sort of way. I liked it a lot. And it came in a pouch allowing me to condimentize as I saw fit! Normally I’m a dipper but the rice was aching for that saucy something and I went to town with my packet.

Oh and here’s a fun fact, nothing about this tasted anything like mandarin oranges. In fact, the distinct lack of any sort of fruit or vegetable was disappointing. Some edamame would have kicked ass. Ohh and a red pepper? Hell yes. Hibachi House actually has a few pretty delicious ideas on how to accessorize your Hibachi on their site, which got me pretty excited about future meals and kitchen experiments. But then I remembered that I’m incredibly lazy and how the whole point of a microwave entrée is that I don’t have to think about what to make or even go to the grocery store. Plus, I can make it at work. I did, however, end up eating my Hibachi with Indian naan which was freaking killer. Why oh why can’t more things (such as wraps) be made with naan?

If you are not lazy and are willing to include veggies in this meal and put the whole thing in a naan wrap, I think you will be very pleased. Unfortunately, in almost all of the food permutations involving this meal, the awesome Hibachi chef is not included.

[This meal was free from Hibachi House. I didn’t tell Jess this until after she reviewed and rated the meal. Interested in featuring your products on HeatEatReview.com? Check out our review policy. - Ed.]

Filed Under Chicken, Four Stars, Hibachi House Reviews | 8 Comments