This delectable Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma Recipe is a perfect mix of saffron rice and homemade Tzatziki sauce without cucumber. If you love Middle Eastern cuisine and the convenience of Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs, you have to try this! Plus, it's ready in just 30 minutes!
I love making saffron rice. Once I tried this incredible Mediterranean yellow rice, I had to figure out the best way to make it. After trial and error, we've found the perfect combination of spices and how to unlock the full flavor of the luxurious saffron spice.
If you'd like to check out more of our favorite Trader Joe's recipe creations, try TJ's Harvest Blend Chicken and Spinach Stir Fry, TJ's Holiday Hash Recipe with Sausage and Quinoa, or TJ's Chicken Meatballs Italian Bake!
Before getting started, I always like to stop for a breath and set healthy intentions. To learn more, check out our free guide on using intentions and affirmations.
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Ingredients
Red Bell Pepper and Yellow Bell Pepper: These colorful vegetables are packed with vitamins and phytonutrients. Organic bell peppers are best.
Avocado Oil: A heart-healthy oil perfect for sautéing. It's best to choose organic, cold-pressed avocado oil. We recommend the brand Chosen Foods.
Turmeric: A powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spice.
Saffron: Known as the "golden spice," saffron adds a unique flavor and color to dishes. When purchasing, look for strands that are vividly colored and aromatic, indicating freshness and quality. Saffron has incredible health benefits as well, including mood-boosting and antioxidant benefits.
See the recipe card for full ingredient list with quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
Saffron Substitute: Omitting saffron is perfectly fine, and for an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of ground cumin. Check out my cumin vs caraway seeds post.
Shawarma Bowl to Wrap: Convert your Shawarma bowl into a wrap by using warm pita bread or tortilla.
DIY Shawarma Marinade: No Trader Joe's nearby? Whip up a homemade shawarma marinade with lemon juice, avocado oil, garlic powder, sea salt, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, and crushed red pepper.
Cooking Methods for Chicken
Stovetop Cooking: A skillet over medium heat works well for cooking the marinated chicken until it's done.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma: Use an air fryer for a quicker option. Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer for evenly cooked, slightly crispy chicken.
How to Make Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma with Saffron Rice
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the Chicken Shawarma thighs on a sheet pan in a single, even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), verified with a meat thermometer. There's no need to flip the chicken; it will cook evenly in the oven.
Step 2: In the Instant Pot, heat avocado oil to sauté onions, red and yellow bell peppers, and garlic.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes, rinsed basmati rice, chicken broth, and spices. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then let it naturally release pressure for 3-4 minutes.
(See below for how to cook rice on stovetop)
Step 4: Fluff the rice with a fork, add a bit of avocado oil, and adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Step 5: Dish the spiced rice into bowls, top with slices of the baked Shawarma chicken, and complement with hummus and Tzatziki sauce. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh herbs or a lemon wedge, if desired.
Cooking Tip: While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the rice. If the rice finishes early, keep it warm in the Instant Pot using the 'Keep Warm' mode.
Cooking Rice on the Stovetop option:
For those without a pressure cooker, stovetop rice cooking is straightforward:
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until soft.
- Stir in tomatoes, basmati rice, chicken broth, and spices.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Let it stand covered for 5 minutes off the heat, then fluff with a fork.
Expert Tips
Blooming saffron is a crucial step to unleash its full flavor and color.
To bloom saffron, grind about 20 strands with a mortar and pestle and steep them in 3 tablespoons of warm water for about 10-15 minutes.
This process intensifies the spice's rich aroma and vibrant hue.
PS: If you're in Trader Joe's, grab a ready-made pie crust for a deliciously easy Peach Cobbler with Ready-Made Crust! Thank me later!
Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma FAQ's
Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs are versatile and can be eaten in various ways. Enjoy them sliced in a wrap or pita bread, on a salad, in a rice bowl with vegetables, or as a standalone entrée with sides. They're precooked and seasoned, making them a convenient addition to any meal.
To grill Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs for about 4-5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Grilling gives them a delicious charred flavor and crispy exterior.
Chicken Shawarma is not only tasty but also a good source of protein. It's versatile and can be used in various dishes, from sandwiches to salads. It's a convenient option for quick meals and is well-suited for a variety of dietary preferences.
Shawarma marinade typically includes ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, olive or avocado oil, and a blend of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and paprika. This blend imparts a rich, savory flavor to the chicken.
More Healthy Dinner Recipes
Looking for other healthy dinner ideas like this? Try these:
Tried this recipe? Give us a 🌟 review and share your experience in the comments below! Don't forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest healthy recipes and tips! For another delicious chicken and rice bowl, try the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Bowl.
Recipe
Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma w/ Saffron Rice
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking tray
- meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 2.5 cups basmati rice rinsed
- 2.5 cups organic chicken broth
- 1 medium onion minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup fresh tomatoes diced
- Avocado oil for sautéing and finishing
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 20 strands saffron bloomed
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 2 lbs Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma Thighs
For the Tzatziki Sauce (Cucumber-Free):
- 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2-3 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- Hummus as needed for serving
Instructions
- In the Instant Pot, heat avocado oil and sauté onions, red and yellow bell peppers, and garlic.
- Add tomatoes, basmati rice, chicken broth, turmeric, bloomed saffron, onion powder, garlic salt, lemon pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 3-4 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, add a bit of avocado oil, and adjust seasonings.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Bake the Chicken Shawarma thighs on a tray for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Combine Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Serve spiced rice in bowls, top with Shawarma chicken, add hummus, and a spoonful of Tzatziki sauce. Garnish optionally with fresh herbs or a lemon wedge.
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