Print

Easy Flavor-Packed Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Recipe with Zesty Lemon Rice

Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and tasty dinner featuring Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma paired with bright, fragrant lemon rice. Perfect for busy nights and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

  • Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma (frozen or fresh, about 1 pound / 450 g)
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for cooking)
  • Minced garlic (1 clove, optional)
  • Long grain white rice or basmati rice (1 cup / 190 g, rinsed)
  • Chicken broth or vegetable broth (2 cups / 480 ml)
  • Fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon, about 2 tablespoons)
  • Lemon zest (1 teaspoon)
  • Olive oil or unsalted butter (1 tablespoon)
  • Salt (about ½ teaspoon)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional garnish)
  • Plain Greek yogurt or tzatziki for serving (optional)
  • Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, or pickled onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (190 g) of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted and fragrant.
  3. Add 2 cups (480 ml) chicken or vegetable broth, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice to the rice. Stir once to combine.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  5. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in chopped parsley or cilantro if using.
  6. While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Add minced garlic (optional) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Add about 1 pound (450 g) of Trader Joe’s chicken shawarma to the pan. Spread evenly and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to sear.
  9. Stir the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  10. Remove from heat and let rest for a minute.
  11. Serve the chicken shawarma over lemon rice. Add dollops of Greek yogurt or tzatziki and fresh veggies if desired.

Notes

Thaw frozen chicken shawarma before cooking to avoid steaming and rubbery texture. Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent clumping. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Fluff rice after cooking and add broth or lemon juice if sticky. Reheat leftovers gently to avoid drying out chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken shawarma, lemon rice, quick dinner, Trader Joe’s, easy recipe, flavorful, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/easy-flavor-packed-trader-joes-chicken-shawarma-recipe-with-zesty-lemon-rice/