Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma makes cooking fast and easy. The chicken comes marinated with bold spices, so it’s ready to cook. You can use it in wraps, bowls, or even salads.
Shawarma has roots in Middle Eastern cooking. Traditionally, chefs roast the meat on a spinning grill. However, Trader Joe’s version makes it simple to enjoy shawarma at home without special tools.
This chicken saves time on busy nights. You can bake it in the oven, cook it in an air fryer, or sauté it on a stovetop. Moreover, every method is quick and gives delicious results.
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What’s Inside the Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma?
The package includes marinated chicken thighs. The marinade has spices like cumin, turmeric, paprika, and garlic. These spices give the chicken a rich and bold taste.
The chicken is raw, so you must cook it before eating. It is mildly spiced, which suits most people. If you like spicy food, you can add chili powder or hot sauce when cooking.
Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma is gluten-free. It works well for people following Mediterranean diets. Check the label to confirm it meets your dietary needs, especially if you have allergies.
Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Cooking Process: Methods and Tips
Oven Baking: A Simple, Even Cook
Baking is a simple way to cook shawarma. First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Afterward, place the chicken on the sheet in a single layer. Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway. Use a thermometer to make sure the inside reaches 165°F.
For crispy edges, broil the chicken for 2 minutes at the end. However, keep an eye on it to avoid burning. This method is great for cooking enough to feed a family.
Air Fryer Cooking: Quick and Crispy
Cooking in an air fryer gives the chicken a crispy outside and juicy inside. Initially, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Spray the basket lightly with oil to stop the chicken from sticking.
Next, arrange the chicken in one layer. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway to crisp both sides. Additionally, check that the temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
This method is quick and leaves little to clean. Furthermore, it’s great for small portions or busy nights. Serve with rice, salad, or pita bread for a complete meal.
Skillet Sautéing: Quick Flavor Boost
Sautéing the chicken in a skillet creates a golden crust and boosts flavor. To begin, heat a skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of oil.
Place the chicken in the pan, keeping space between each piece. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side. Flip carefully to brown both sides evenly. Lastly, check that the inside temperature is 165°F before serving.
This method works well for small portions and is very fast. Pair the chicken with couscous, quinoa, or vegetables for a tasty dinner.
Delicious Serving Ideas for Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma
Shawarma in Pita Bread
Wraps are a fun and simple way to enjoy shawarma. Start with warm pita bread and spread a layer of hummus or tzatziki. Then, add cooked shawarma slices as the filling.
Top the chicken with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion. Additionally, drizzle tahini sauce or Trader Joe’s dressing for more flavor. For crunch, add pickled turnips or cabbage.
Instead of pita, you can use tortillas or flatbreads. Moreover, you can try toppings like feta cheese or spicy chili sauce. This wrap is fast to make and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Shawarma Bowls: Healthy and Customizable
Bowls are healthy and easy to prepare. Begin with a base like rice, quinoa, or couscous. Add shawarma slices on top for protein.
Afterward, include vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Add a dollop of hummus or drizzle tahini sauce for creaminess. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds for texture.
For fewer carbs, swap grains with cauliflower rice or leafy greens. Bowls are great for meal prep or colorful, filling dinners.
Fresh Shawarma Salads
Salads with shawarma are light and refreshing. Use greens like romaine or spinach as the base. Add shawarma slices, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
Sprinkle with a basic lemon sauce or a Greek salad dressing.. Additionally, sprinkle on feta cheese or chopped parsley for more flavor. This salad is quick to make and works well as a healthy meal.
Sauces That Make Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Delicious
Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy and Cooling
Tzatziki is fresh, creamy, and full of flavor. It is perfect for shawarma wraps or as a dip. Additionally, you can make it at home in a few steps.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill (optional)
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Afterward, let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Serve it with shawarma wraps or vegetables for a fresh, cooling touch.
Tahini Sauce: A Nutty Companion
Tahini sauce is rich and nutty. It adds flavor to shawarma bowls, wraps, and salads. Furthermore, it is simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Stir until creamy and smooth. Add water little by little to get the thickness you like. Additionally, drizzle it on shawarma bowls or use it as a dip for bread or vegetables.
Hummus Pairings: Adding Depth
Hummus is a great match for shawarma. It is smooth and flavorful. Moreover, you can use store-bought hummus or make your own.
Popular flavors include roasted red pepper, garlic, or spicy hummus. Serve it as a spread in wraps or a side dip. Furthermore, pair it with pita bread, fresh veggies, or grains. Sprinkle paprika or drizzle olive oil for extra taste.
Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma: Cost, Nutrition, and Customer Reviews
Nutrition Facts: Making Healthy Choices
Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma is tasty and good for you. Each serving has about 150 calories. It is high in protein, with 20 grams per serving. Also, it is low in fat, with just 5 grams.
The marinade uses spices like turmeric, paprika, and cumin. These spices add flavor without adding extra calories. Additionally, this chicken is gluten-free, so it works well for many diets.
It is also low in carbs, with less than 2 grams per serving. Because of this, it is a great option for low-carb or Mediterranean diets. Always check the package for details that fit your needs.
Cost Analysis: Worth the Spend?
Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma gives good value for its price. A package costs about $7 and serves 2–3 people. By comparison, a shawarma meal at a restaurant often costs $12–$15.
Making shawarma at home from scratch can save money. However, it takes more time. Trader Joe’s version balances cost and saves time. Also, it is a quick choice for busy nights.
Customer Feedback: Real-Life Reviews
Most people love this chicken for its flavor and ease. Many say it tastes fresh and goes well in wraps, bowls, and salads. Also, they like the bold spices that make it stand out.
Some say the chicken is a little salty. However, they suggest pairing it with plain rice or vegetables to balance the taste. Others recommend adding hot sauce or more spices for a stronger kick.
Overall, reviews praise its flavor, price, and ease of use. It is a top choice for quick and easy meals.
Maximize Your Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Potential
Marinating for Extra Flavor
The chicken is already marinated, but you can add more flavor. For example, you can mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Cover the chicken in this mix and leave it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
If you like it spicy, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the mix. Also, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can give it a fresh taste. Letting the chicken sit longer makes the flavor stronger.
Afterward, cook it using your favorite method. This simple step makes the chicken taste better and more unique.
Meal Prepping with Shawarma
Shawarma is perfect for meal prep. You can cook it ahead of time and store it for later. First, let the chicken cool down completely. Then, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Place the chicken in freezer bags and write the date on them. You can freeze shawarma for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
To reheat, use a skillet or air fryer. This will warm it up and keep the edges crispy. Also, avoid heating it for too long to keep it juicy. Prepping meals ahead saves time and gives you a tasty option when you are busy.
Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma FAQs
Is Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma spicy?
No, it is not very spicy. The chicken has a mild taste with warm spices like cumin and paprika. These spices add flavor without much heat.
If you like spicy food, you can add more heat. For example, sprinkle chili powder or add hot sauce after cooking. Also, pair it with spicy dips like sriracha or harissa to turn up the heat.
Can it be eaten cold?
Yes, you can eat it cold, but it tastes better warm. Cold chicken works well in salads or sandwiches. It is a good option for quick lunches or meal prep.
If you prefer warm food, heat it before eating. Use a skillet, air fryer, or microwave to warm it. Also, reheating makes the flavors stronger and keeps the chicken juicy.
How to pair shawarma with sides?
Shawarma goes well with many sides. Popular choices include rice, couscous, or warm pita bread. Also, fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes add crunch and balance the meal.
You can serve it with dips like hummus or tzatziki. These add creaminess and make the meal more filling. For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh salad or roasted veggies.
Pickled vegetables like turnips or cabbage are another great choice. They add a tangy taste that matches the spices in shawarma.
Storage and reheating instructions
Store cooked shawarma in the fridge to keep it fresh. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in a sealed container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If you need to store it longer, freeze it in small portions. Use freezer bags or containers and label them with the date. Shawarma freezes well for up to 3 months.
When reheating, thaw frozen shawarma in the fridge overnight. Use a skillet or air fryer for the best results. Heat it on medium until warm. Also, avoid heating it for too long to keep it soft and juicy.
What is the difference between shawarma and gyros?
Shawarma and gyros are alike, but they come from different places. Shawarma is from the Middle East, while gyros are from Greece. Both use marinated meat, but the spices are not the same.
Shawarma uses spices like turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Gyros often use oregano, thyme, and garlic for a Mediterranean taste. Also, shawarma is roasted on a spit, while gyros are often grilled or baked.
Both are served in wraps or with sides like rice or salad. However, gyros are usually paired with tzatziki, while shawarma pairs well with tahini or hummus. Both are tasty and full of flavor.
Embracing Global Flavors with Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma
Shawarma is no longer just a Middle Eastern dish. People around the world enjoy it and add their own ideas. It is popular because it is tasty and easy to use in many meals.
For example, in Mexico, people make “tacos al pastor,” inspired by shawarma. They use pork cooked on a spit and serve it with pineapple. Additionally, in India, shawarma is paired with spicy chutneys and flatbread for a fresh twist.
In the United States, shawarma is often served in bowls or wraps. It is also added to foods like pizza, burgers, or even sushi rolls. Furthermore, restaurants and home cooks mix shawarma flavors with other cuisines to make new dishes.
Shawarma’s mix of spices and cooking options makes it a favorite. Also, it works well in different diets, including low-carb and Mediterranean. This makes it easy to enjoy in many ways.
Shawarma shows how food can connect cultures. As more people try it, they find new ways to make and share this flavorful dish.