Master the Art of Cooking Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma: A Step-by-Step Guide

From their unique snacks and frozen meals to their affordable wine selection, Trader Joe’s has become a household name for many food enthusiasts. One of their most popular items is the Chicken Shawarma, a Middle Eastern-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, fragrant spices, and tangy yogurt sauce. While these pre-marinated chicken strips are convenient and delicious, many may wonder how to elevate the dish and make it even more flavorful. In this article, we will walk you through step-by-step on how to cook Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your taste buds and loved ones with this mouthwatering meal.

About Chicken Shawarma

Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that has gained popularity all over the world. It is typically made with thinly sliced, marinated chicken that is grilled on a rotating spit and then shaved off into small pieces. The tender and flavorful chicken is then wrapped in a pita bread along with various toppings such as tomatoes, lettuce, and sauces like tahini or tzatziki.

The origins of chicken shawarma can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. It was initially cooked by Turkish soldiers who would stack seasoned meat on a vertical spit and cook it over an open fire. This method of cooking has evolved over time but the basic ingredients and flavors have remained relatively unchanged.

Today, chicken shawarma is a beloved street food in many countries including Lebanon, Israel, Greece, and now the United States. It has also become a popular dish at restaurants and supermarkets, including Trader Joe’s.

What You’ll Need

To make your own delicious version of Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma at home, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– ½ tsp turmeric
– ½ tsp coriander
– ¼ tsp cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of half a lemon
– Pita bread or wraps
– Toppings of your choice (such as tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cucumbers)
– Sauces (such as tahini or tzatziki)

All of these ingredients can be found at Trader Joe’s or any regular grocery store. Now let’s get into how to cook this mouthwatering dish!

Marinating the Chicken

The key to making delicious chicken shawarma is in the marinade. To start, mix together all the spices (garlic powder, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon) in a bowl. Then add in the lemon juice and mix well. This will create a paste that you will use to marinate the chicken.

Take the boneless and skinless chicken thighs and use a fork to poke holes all over them. This will help the marinade penetrate deeper into the meat and make it more flavorful. Then place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag and pour in the marinade. Make sure to evenly coat all sides of the chicken with the marinade.

Place the bag of chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for even more flavor. The longer you marinate, the better! If you’re short on time, you can marinate for just 30 minutes but keep in mind that the flavor won’t be as strong.

Cooking Methods

There are two cooking methods that are commonly used for chicken shawarma – grilling and roasting. Grilling requires a rotating spit which may not be available for most home cooks. So we’ll focus on how to make Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma using an oven or stovetop.

To cook in an oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Make sure to flip halfway through cooking.

To cook on a stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add in chicken thighs (you may have to do this in batches) and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.

Assembling Your Shawarma

Once your chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. This will help keep the meat juicy and tender.

Warm up your pita bread or wraps in a pan or microwave. Place the sliced chicken on top of the bread and add your desired toppings such as tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cucumbers, and sauces like tahini or tzatziki. Roll up the bread tightly and wrap it in foil to keep it all together.

Tips and Tricks

– For extra convenience, you can marinate your chicken in a large resealable bag instead of a bowl.
– You can add other spices such as cayenne pepper or sumac to the marinade for an extra kick of flavor.
– To take your chicken shawarma to the next level, lightly toast the pita bread or wraps before assembling for a crunchy texture.
– If you don’t have access to a grill or stove, you can also use an air fryer to cook the chicken. Simply place marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes on each side.
– Leftover cooked chicken shawarma

Ingredients for Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma

Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that requires only a few ingredients. To start, you will need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips. You will also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.

For the marinade, you will need ⅓ cup of plain yogurt, 3 cloves of minced garlic, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1 tablespoon each of cumin and paprika. Additionally, you will need a package of Trader Joe’s traditional flour tortillas and your desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, cucumber, hummus or tzatziki sauce.

Marinade Preparation

Preparing the marinade for your Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma is an essential step for creating tender and flavorful chicken. In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin and paprika until well combined. Add the chicken strips to the marinade and make sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least one hour or up to six hours for maximum flavor.

Cooking Method

There are a few different methods for cooking Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma depending on your preference. The most common method is to cook the chicken on a grill or grill pan until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Another option is to cook it in a skillet over medium heat for about six to eight minutes per side.

Another popular option is to use a slow cooker or an instant pot to cook the chicken. Simply place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker or instant pot, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method is great for meal prep as you can easily make a large batch of chicken and have it ready to go for different dishes throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma is fully cooked, it’s time to assemble your wraps! Warm up your flour tortillas in a pan or microwave and lay them out flat. Add a layer of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, hummus or tzatziki sauce – whatever toppings you desire! Place the cooked chicken on top of the toppings and wrap it up tightly. You can also add some extra flavor by sprinkling some fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley on top.

Aside from making wraps, there are many different ways to enjoy Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma. You can serve it over rice with your choice of vegetables for a more traditional meal. You could also chop up the chicken and toss it in a salad with some feta cheese and a lemon dressing. The possibilities are endless!

Tips and Tricks

To ensure that your Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

– Don’t use non-fat yogurt for marinating the chicken as it will not add enough flavor.
– If you don’t have plain yogurt on hand, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
– For added convenience, make extra marinade and freeze in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and keep in your freezer for future use.
– Grill or cook the chicken over medium heat to prevent burning while still cooking evenly.
– Don’t overcook the chicken as it will become dry and tough.
– Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
– Experiment with different toppings and sauces to find your favorite combination.

Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma is a delicious and versatile dish that can be easily made at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking know-how, you can whip up this flavorful meal in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your friends at a potluck, Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma is sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!

Q: What ingredients do I need to cook Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma?
A: You will need Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma, cooking oil, and any additional seasonings or toppings of your choice.

Q: How should I prepare the Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma before cooking?
A: Thaw the chicken shawarma in the refrigerator overnight or on defrost mode in the microwave. Make sure to remove all packaging from the chicken before cooking.

Q: Can I cook Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can cook it on a stovetop or in an oven. For stovetop cooking, heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and cook for 4-5 minutes per side.

Q: How do I know when Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma is fully cooked?
A: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F. The chicken should also be white and no longer pink in the middle.

Q: Can I add additional seasonings to Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma while cooking?
A: Absolutely! You can add any additional seasonings such as garlic powder, cumin, or paprika to enhance the flavor of the chicken shawarma.

Q: How should I serve Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma?
A: Traditionally, chicken shawarma is served in a pita wrap with Mediterranean-inspired toppings such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce. However, you can also serve it over rice or salad for a low-carb option.

In conclusion, cooking Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma is a simple and flavorful process that anyone can easily master. From the marinating stage to the cooking method, this Middle Eastern dish can be prepared in various ways to suit personal preferences and dietary restrictions.

Before cooking, it is crucial to marinate the chicken for at least an hour to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. This step also allows for customization by adding or substituting different ingredients such as lemon or yogurt.

When it comes to cooking, the most popular methods are grilling or roasting in the oven. Both options produce juicy and perfectly cooked chicken shawarma, but grilling adds a smoky flavor while roasting creates a crispy texture.

Additionally, Trader Joe’s offers pre-marinated and pre-cooked options that are convenient for those with busy schedules or beginners in the kitchen. These pre-made options still offer delicious flavors and can be easily customized with added ingredients.

Regardless of the method chosen, Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma is a budget-friendly and versatile meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various sides such as flatbread, rice, or hummus. It is also a great option for meal prep as leftovers can be used in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.

In conclusion, learning how