Lean Pockets Spinach Artichoke Chicken

Back in my “hay day” Hot Pockets used to be a staple for me. I’d have a couple stashed in the freezer at home and work as my go-to meal if whatever I brought in for lunch that day just didn’t tickle my fancy. These days I occasionally go for a pre-packaged frozen meal by Lean Pockets for convenience or as a substitute for a craving. I admit I’m bit of a points plus value snob when it comes to frozen items — but this Lean Pockets Spinach Artichoke Chicken was lower in points (in comparison to some other options), was a unique combination and was something I was in the mood for (alfredo).

I had this for dinner one night when my boyfriend went out and ordered a deep dish pizza. Since I frankly didn’t want to throw 10 points into the wind for a slice of pizza, I opted to have this with a side salad. I heated it up in the microwave in its little crisping sleeve and in a few minutes dinner was served.

I admit I wasn’t sure if this was going to be good or not. With all frozen meals you never know what you’re going to get until you take the first bite. So I went into that bite with caution … and was pleasantly surprised. It was quite good! It has spinach and artichoke, chicken and a creamy mozzarella based sauce in it. It’s flavorful but not overly rich. It’s a different twist on a Lean Pocket since I typically go for the “pizza-esque” pockets.

The cool thing about Lean Pockets is they actually have the Points Plus Values printed on the back of the box which makes picking and choosing a lot easier. One pocket rings in at 6 points plus. Not bad for an occasional frozen meal.

QUESTION:
Do you like lean pockets?

Lean Pockets Pretzel Bread Sandwiches – Mesquite BBQ Chicken

I picked up a box of Lean Pockets Pretzel Bread Sandwiches – Mesquite BBQ Chicken because it was the closest I could get to the original Hot Pockets BBQ Chicken pockets. Plus it was only 6 points plus for a single serving (BTW I love the fact that Lean Pockets has the Weight Watchers points plus values listed ON the box! It makes picking up frozen items for quick meals so much easier!)

Heating it up in the microwave, I could smell the BBQ chicken so it gave me high hopes for the lean pocket. Unfortunately, after the first bite and then the second those high hopes were quickly smashed.  The pretzel crust totally overwhelmed the mesquite BBQ flavoring; it was actually not even noticeable with the crust.  The pretzel crust just stole the show – which was unfortunate because I wanted the filling to steal the show.  These taste just like the “skin” of a cooked, soft pretzel without all the added salt.  You may be lucky to get a hint of mesquite out of the pretzel crust – but nonetheless I wasn’t impressed.  I think I’ll be refraining from purchasing any Lean Pockets that have a pretzel crust just because I wasn’t a true fan of the flavor.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite flavor Lean Pockets?

Lean Pockets – Whole Grain Supreme Pizza

Many, many moons ago I used to be a huge Lean Pocket/ Hot Pocket fan.  Since I am a self proclaimed pizza lover, this brand offered a quick and easy alternative to the greasy and delicious pizza I tend to crave.  I’ll be honest, it’s been years since I’ve purchased these because I’ve always assumed the Weight Watchers Points Plus would not be worth it.  That is until one of my coworkers continued to bring these in for lunch almost every day and the smell would linger in the lunch room and our office area (we share an area) and I kept telling him “You’re making me want to go on a Lean Pocket hunt.”

Truth be told – while at Target, I did just that.  They happened to be on sale so I scanned the Lean Pockets (because they are lesser fat and calories in comparison to the original Hot Pockets).  I started flipping some of the boxes over (completely oblivious to the fact that they actually have the Points Plus values printed ON the back of the boxes!) and decided to go with the Supreme flavor since it’s always been one of my favorite.

Points Plus wise one pocket was 6 points, but if you were really hunger the two would be 12 points plus (which oddly enough is lesser points than if you were to have 2 slices of supreme pizza).  The Supreme Pizza pockets come stuffed with sausage and reduced fat pepperoni, reduced ftat cheese along with sauce in a soft/crispy whole grain crust.

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Lean Pockets / Hot Pockets varieties? If so, what’s your favorite?