When you’re in need of something quick and convenient for an easy work lunch or last-minute weeknight dinner, it’s easy to assume that you’ll have to settle for something that’s not 100% satisfying. Well, we’re here to tell you that that’s emphatically not the case. In fact, when you’ve got bold, flavorful, and filling options like Trader Joe’s Spicy Peanutty Noodle Bowl with Chicken at the ready, those kinds of quick meals aren’t just effortless, they’re positively exciting!

Inspired by a savory dandan noodle dish (or dandanmien), a classic of traditional Szechuan cuisine, each Bowl is made with a bed of chewy wheat noodles, upon which our supplier piles tender, minced chicken and a medley of chopped vegetables that includes bok choy, onions, and carrots. Then, to bring everything together, they mix in a spicy, umami-rich peanut sauce. With every bite, you get exhilarating aromas of ginger and Sczechuan pepper, rich and complex flavors of tamari and peanuts, complementary textures of the noodles and minced chicken, and, of course, a touch of chile-powered heat. And have we mentioned that it only takes about five minutes in the microwave before it’s ready? Now that’s exciting!