Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma w/ Saffron Rice
Enjoy the flavors of the Middle East with this delicious Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma recipe. Paired with Saffron Rice and homemade Tzatziki sauce, this dish promises a delightful culinary adventure right at your dinner table. Perfect for family meals or special gatherings, it's a recipe that combines convenience with gourmet flair. It only takes 30 minutes!
Servings: 8
Calories: 469kcal
Cost: 35
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.
Notes
Stovetop Rice Cooking: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, cook the rice in a pot. Sauté vegetables, then add rice and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until tender.
Blooming Saffron: Grind 20 strands of saffron and steep in 3 tablespoon of warm water for 10-15 minutes to enhance its flavor and color before adding to the rice.
Nutrition
Calories: 469kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 1230mg | Potassium: 629mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 666IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 2mg