Skip to Content
Home » Recipes » Copycat Recipes » Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Recipe

Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Recipe

This chicken is packed with warm spices and has that deep, smoky sear that makes it so good.

Letting the marinade work overnight makes all the difference, allowing the flavors to soak into every bite.

I love piling it into a pita with garlic sauce and fresh veggies is the best way to serve it.

A quick homemade yogurt sauce with lemon and garlic makes the whole thing taste even fresher.

Every time I make this, I wonder why I ever bother with takeout!

How to Make Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma

trader joe's chicken shawarma recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 package Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs
  • 2 cups Rice (cooked)
  • 1 container Tzatziki Sauce (12 oz.)
  • 1 cup Cucumber (chopped)
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
  • Juice from 1 Lemon
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Red Onion (diced, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Make sure it’s hot enough to ensure a good sear on the chicken.

Step 2:

Place the chicken thighs on the grill.

Cook them for 5-6 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and nicely charred.

Step 3:

While the chicken is grilling, prepare your rice and vegetables.

Follow the package instructions for the rice, and chop the cucumbers and tomatoes.

Step 4:

In a bowl, mix the chopped cucumber and tomatoes with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add diced red onion if you like.

Step 5:

Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into strips.

Serve it with the rice, tzatziki sauce, and the cucumber-tomato mix.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

trader joe's chicken shawarma in a bowl

Grilling Secrets

Always ensure the grill is hot before cooking to get those beautiful sear marks on the chicken.

This will lock in the juices and flavors.

Make It Vegetarian

If you want a vegetarian option, try swapping out chicken for chickpeas.

You can marinate them similarly and roast them to achieve a delicious alternative.

Perfect Rice Pairing

Opt for a flavorful rice, such as Basmati or a Harvest Grain Blend.

These pair perfectly with the spicy notes of shawarma.

Sauce It Up

Feel free to experiment with different sauces like hummus or tahini for an extra layer of flavor.

It’s a great way to mix things up!

Preparing Ahead

You can marinate the chicken and chop your vegetables ahead of time.

This way, you can just grill and assemble when you’re ready to eat.

What to Serve with Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma

Tzatziki Sauce

You absolutely can’t go wrong with a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce on the side of your chicken shawarma.

The cool, garlicky sauce complements the warm spices of the shawarma perfectly.

Serve it as a dip or drizzle it right over your chicken for an extra burst of flavor.

Pita Bread

Soft pita bread is another classic option that pairs beautifully with chicken shawarma.

Use it to wrap your shawarma or simply enjoy it on the side to savor the flavors together.

Consider slightly toasting the pita for added crunch, which can add a fun textural contrast.

Greek Salad

A vibrant Greek salad full of fresh ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese makes an excellent companion to chicken shawarma.

The tangy dressing helps balance the rich flavors of the shawarma, while the crunchy vegetables add a refreshing contrast.

It’s a colorful and nutritious option that you can easily whip up.

Sweet Potato Fries

For something a little different, sweet potato fries offer a unique pairing with chicken shawarma.

They’re slightly sweet, crispy, and bring a comforting touch to your meal.

The flavor is subtle enough not to overshadow the shawarma’s spices but still adds a nice variety to your plate.

Couscous Salad

A couscous salad with ingredients like chickpeas, herbs, and a light lemon dressing can provide a fresh and zesty addition.

Its light texture and bold flavors work harmoniously with the spices of the chicken shawarma.

Feel free to include some chopped nuts like almonds for an extra crunch.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options

Feel free to change up the type of protein you use in your shawarma recipe!

Try marinating tofu or mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian option that keeps all the flavors you love.

Rice Substitutions and Enhancements

You can substitute saffron rice with basmati rice.

Basmati rice is a more accessible option and complements the dish beautifully.

Adding a mix of spices to the rice cooking water can enhance the aroma further.

Sauce Alternatives

When it comes to sauces, have fun experimenting!

If tzatziki isn’t your thing, a drizzle of tahini or hummus can offer a delicious alternative.

You could also mix yogurt with garlic and lemon for a refreshing kick.

Creative Toppings

To give your shawarma a unique twist, think beyond traditional toppings like lettuce and tomatoes.

Try adding grilled vegetables, pickled onions, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese.

All these additions will add extra depth and flavor to each bite!

How to Store Leftover Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma

You might find yourself with delicious leftover chicken shawarma after a meal.

Storing it properly ensures it remains tasty for another day.

Refrigerating Leftovers

Put the chicken shawarma in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge.

I suggest consuming it within three to four days to keep it fresh and safe.

Freezing for Longevity

Freezing is a great way to store shawarma longer.

Place portions in freezer bags and remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.

The chicken will stay good for up to two months, ready whenever you want it!

Labeling and Tracking Stored Meals

Always label your containers with the date of storage.

This helps you keep track of how long they have been stored.

Keeping a little checklist on your fridge door helps you remember what’s inside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Pan

When you cook chicken shawarma, crowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking.

To get that perfect sear, cook in batches if necessary and give each piece space.

Skipping the Marinade Time

Skipping the marinade step is a common mistake and can result in bland chicken.

Let the chicken sit in the marinade for several hours in the fridge to absorb flavors fully.

Ignoring Resting Time

Many people don’t realize that letting your cooked chicken rest is important.

Allowing a few minutes of resting time will help the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken juicy.

trader joe's chicken shawarma recipe

Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma Recipe

This chicken is packed with warm spices and has that deep, smoky sear that makes it so good.
Letting the marinade work overnight makes all the difference, allowing the flavors to soak into every bite.
I love piling it into a pita with garlic sauce and fresh veggies is the best way to serve it.
A quick homemade yogurt sauce with lemon and garlic makes the whole thing taste even fresher.
Every time I make this, I wonder why I ever bother with takeout!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 4
Ingredients
  
  • 1 package Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs
  • 2 cups Rice cooked
  • 1 container Tzatziki Sauce 12 oz.
  • 1 cup Cucumber chopped
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • Juice from 1 Lemon
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Red Onion diced, optional
Instructions
 
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  • Make sure it's hot enough to ensure a good sear on the chicken.
  • Place the chicken thighs on the grill.
  • Cook them for 5-6 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and nicely charred.
  • While the chicken is grilling, prepare your rice and vegetables.
  • Follow the package instructions for the rice, and chop the cucumbers and tomatoes.
  • In a bowl, mix the chopped cucumber and tomatoes with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Add diced red onion if you like.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into strips.
  • Serve it with the rice, tzatziki sauce, and the cucumber-tomato mix.

Do you like this recipe or these cooking tips?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!
Michael Cook
Latest posts by Michael Cook (see all)
(Visited 25 times, 1 visits today)

DMCA.com Protection Status