Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs

Trader Joe’s shawarma chicken thighs are tender, juicy and packed with flavor! They are quick and easy to make on a busy weeknight, and there are so many delicious ways to enjoy them! I’ll show you four super quick and easy ways to cook them in under 15 minutes!

When I tried these shawarma chicken thighs I KNEW I’d be buying them almost every week! I’m not typically a fan of pre-marinated meats — I have found them way too salty most times. But Trader Joe’s really hits the mark with this one! They are the perfect base for an easy Trader Joe’s dinner idea!

TRADER JOE’S SHAWARMA CHICKEN THIGHS: THE BASICS

• The meat: Raw, boneless, skinless chicken thighs. In my experience, they seem trimmed without much fat on them.
• Flavors: Lots of warm Middle-Eastern spices: Onion, garlic, sea salt, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and parsley. These chicken thighs do NOT have a lot of heat — they are just very flavorful.
• Package and size: It can vary, but I have always had 4-5 generous-sized thighs in each package that I have bought.
• Where to find it: These shawarma chicken thighs can be found in the refrigerated meat section.
• Freezing: If you aren’t going to use them right away, these marinated chicken thighs freeze wonderfully for 3-6 months!

HOW TO COOK SHAWARMA CHICKEN THIGHS: 4 WAYS

These chicken thighs are super easy to cook! My favorite no-hassle way is in the air fryer–the outside gets nice and crisp and clean-up is a breeze!

1. Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 18-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. Oven: Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake at 400°F for about 18-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Skillet/Pan: Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook 3-5 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Grill: Heat grill to medium-high. Grill 7-10 minutes, flipping once. Again, make sure the internal temperature is at least 165°F.

12 WAYS TO SERVE TRADER JOE’S SHAWARMA CHICKEN THIGHS

1. Shawarma chicken bowls

This is my favorite way to enjoy these shawarma chicken thighs!

2. Chicken wraps

Same concept as a bowl, but swap out the rice for a tortilla or Greek flatbread/pita and wrap up your chicken, veggies, and Trader Joe’s tzatziki.

3. Jazz up any green salad

These chicken thighs are so flavorful, that they will jazz up almost any salad you’d like to add protein to!

4. Pizza

Yep, you can throw this chicken on pizza! It’s absolutely delish with bell peppers, black olives, and feta!

5. Pasta salad

Add flavor to a pasta salad like this one with these delicious chicken thighs!

6. Quesadillas

Fill tortillas with the shawarma chicken, cheese, and some chopped or sauteed bell peppers or onions.

7. Shawarma Nachos

Just follow this fajita nachos recipe but swap out the fajita chicken for the Trader Joe’s shawarma chicken! Maybe add a little feta cheese for the Mediterranean twist. Replace the sour cream with tzatziki sauce or any of your favorite nacho toppings!

8. Shawarma tacos

Pile the chicken on tortillas and top with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream and avocado.

9. Breakfast scramble

Chop up the chicken into small pieces and mix in with scrambled eggs, peppers, and onions.

10. Shawarma studded peppers

 Stuff bell peppers with a mix of shawarma chicken, Trader Joe’s Mexican rice, vegetables, and cheese. Bake until the peppers are soft.

11. Chicken tikka masala

Use this diced shawarma chicken with Trader Joe’s Tikka Masalsa sauce for flavor that’s off the charts!

12. With grilled veggies

Serve up these chicken thighs alongside some grilled veggies (bell peppers, onions, eggplant) for a healthy, low-carb meal.