Remember that scene at the end of the first Avengers movie where Tony Stark suggests shawarma, and the team sits down to try it? That line stuck with me, not just because it was hilarious, but because it sparked my curiosity. Living in and around NYC, you'd think I'd have tried shawarma before, but that wasn't the case. So, when I spotted Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs, I knew it was time to see what the fuss was about.
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Review
The first thing that hit me when I peeled back the plastic on Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs was that incredible aroma. Warm spices, hints of cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and garlic-all mingling together in a marinade that smelled downright irresistible. It instantly felt like I'd transported my kitchen to a bustling Middle Eastern market, and I was here for it.
The chicken itself looked promising. Each piece was generously coated in that gorgeous golden marinade that clung to every crevice, promising lots of flavor. I did notice that the thighs varied in thickness, which is pretty common for chicken thighs but can be a bit of a pain if you're looking for even cooking. To tackle this, I gave them a gentle pound to get them to a uniform size. A little extra prep, but worth it for a more consistent result.
I opted to cook them in a cast iron skillet because, let's be honest, there's nothing quite like that seared, caramelized crust you get from a good hot pan. As soon as the chicken hit the skillet, the aroma deepened, filling my kitchen with warm, savory scents that made my stomach growl.
Cooking was easy, and I appreciated how quickly the chicken cooked through without drying out. The marinade caramelized beautifully, giving the thighs a lovely golden crust with crispy edges. The inside stayed tender and juicy, soaking up all those spices in every bite.
Flavor-wise, this chicken is a winner. The spices hit all the right notes-earthy, warm, and aromatic with just a whisper of sweetness. The cumin and coriander come through nicely, balanced by a mellow garlic undertone. There's a warmth to it that feels comforting, but not spicy enough to overwhelm anyone who's sensitive to heat.
One thing that stood out to me is that, while the marinade is packed with spice, it doesn't have that tangy element you sometimes find in traditional shawarma. I found myself reaching for a squeeze of lemon to bring in that brightness. It wasn't a dealbreaker by any means, but if you're expecting that classic shawarma tang, you'll want to add a little extra acidity to round out the flavors.
I served the chicken sliced up on Trader Joe's Garlic Naan with some crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dollop of yogurt sauce. It was the kind of meal that felt like a total treat, even though it came together in about 15 minutes. I also tried the leftovers cold, and they were just as tasty-perfect for meal prep or tossing into salads.
The price point is another big win. At just $6.99 per pound, it's a budget-friendly way to bring a little global flavor to my weeknight dinners. Given how easy it is to cook and how versatile it is, I'd say it's one of those freezer or fridge staples I'll keep coming back to again and again.
How to Serve
- Wraps: Slice the cooked chicken and serve in pita or naan with fresh vegetables and sauce.
- Salads: Top a bed of greens with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tahini or tzatziki.
- Grain Bowls: Combine with rice or quinoa, roasted vegetables, and your favorite dressing.
Creative Uses
- Pizza Topping: Use the sliced chicken as a topping for homemade flatbread pizzas.
- Stuffed Peppers: Mix the chicken with rice and stuff into bell peppers, then bake.
- Omelets: Incorporate chopped chicken into a morning omelet with feta and spinach.
FAQs about Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
The chicken has a warm spice profile but isn't particularly spicy.
Yes, the chicken freezes well. Just thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Pan-searing in a skillet provides a great crust, but baking or grilling are also effective methods.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs offer a convenient and flavorful option for those looking to enjoy Middle Eastern-inspired meals at home. While they may not capture every nuance of traditional shawarma, they provide a satisfying and versatile base for a variety of dishes. With a little attention to cooking technique, these thighs can become a staple in your meal rotation.
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Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs
Product Name: Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs
Product Description: Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs are a well seasoned option in the meat aisle. Meat priced per pound.
Price: $6.99
Currency: USD
Summary
Trader Joe's Shawarma Chicken Thighs are a gem in the refrigerated aisle.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
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Flavorful: Rich, well-balanced spice blend.
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Convenient: Pre-marinated and ready to cook.
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Versatile: Suitable for various dishes.
Cons
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Uneven Thickness: Thighs may require trimming or pounding for even cooking.
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Lacks Tang: Missing the tangy element found in traditional shawarma.
Grubbing+With+Jess says
This looks yummy and like a great option when we're feeling some chicken shawarma!!
becomebetty says
It's an easy option Jess! I highly recommend. Thanks for taking the time and stopping by!
Dag says
I think I'm going to have to try some of these Trader Joe's chicken thigh products. I'm just not terribly fond of thigh dark meat. I find some thigh meat to sort of be fatty or globby.
Your description of this and your pictures make it look so incredibly yummy. It's going on my must-try list. Thx!
Drake says
I made this last night, in the oven. Because they're skinless they aren't too fatty. They were supermoist, but I also had issues with them cooking unevenly. A couple of pieces had to be returned to the oven a couple of times, but they finally cooked up, and the thinner parts surprisingly weren't overcooked or rubbery.
Would definitely buy these again.
becomebetty says
Hey Drake! When I buy this now, I actually slice them thin before cooking that way there is more surface area exposed to heat. My hands get messy, but its beats undercooked chicken any day. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and share your thoughts!
Andrea says
Thank you so much for this review and for the tip about slicing the chicken prior to cooking! I literally stood in the meat section at TJ's, debating on whether to purchase this and after seeing your recommendation, decided to give it a try. You were absolutely right - the sauce is great (not too spicy) and the meat cooked very evenly after I cubed it before cooking. I too made gyros and they were delish...I will definitely be purchasing this again, thanks!!
becomebetty says
Hey Andrea! Thanks so much for taking the time to give me feedback! I'm glad the cubing trick worked for you. I was pretty sure that I wasn't going to be the only one with that issue. Glad I could help and I hope you stop by again!
Penelope Tucker says
Another home run suggestion from you! I had worried that the chicken shawarma night be too spicy for me, but it was packed with flavor without making my tongue hurt. I didn’t do anything exotic with the pairings...basically followed your lead. The comment I heard at the dinner table was this was the best meal they had eaten in a month. Hope TJs doesn’t treat this as a summer only item, I think it will be requested often.
becomebetty says
Hey Penelope! Thanks for taking the time and sharing what you thought. I'm glad I could help :). Also, it seems to be a regular item. It's been around since January so I'm hoping that they keep this. When I don't see it, it is usually sold out (which is a good thing). Thanks so much for stopping by!
randall the ostrich says
Any tips on how to cook this on a cast iron skillet (or if easier a regular large skillet)?
becomebetty says
Hey Randall! I just made this the other night. I highly recommend cutting this up to ensure even cooking. The thighs are uneven in thickness. I made mine into 1" cubes. Hot pan with a bit of oil (unless you have a really well seasoned cast iron skillet). Let me know if you need any other clarification!
jb says
hi is that nutrition 160 calories for 4oz of cooked thighs or 4oz of raw? im counting caloires so i need to know thanks
becomebetty says
Hey JB! I'm not qualified to answer that question. However, I did find this article written in the Washington Post (who seems far more qualified) that deals with the answer to your question. You can see the article here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/qanda-are-meat-nutrition-labels-based-on-raw-or-cooked-weight/2014/02/04/b6f5e2b4-89c0-11e3-916e-e01534b1e132_story.html?utm_term=.07a486f90b7f
Tom says
These are really great - and a top tip for anyone reading, slice some good quality pickles (ideally middle eastern ones eg Beit Hashita) to add in there. The spice marinade + garlic sauce + pickle is the secret weapon for the ultimate shawarma taouk sandwich. If by any chance you’ve ever eaten @ Beirut Express in Edgware Road in London, you’ll know what I mean. Also, goes without saying - the outdoor grill is a GREAT place to cook these.
Debbie says
So I’ve been broiling them and turning over to broil the other side. About 4-5 minutes each side. Amazing!!!!
Amy Alexander says
I find this product to feel chemically over tenderized, and poorly spiced- salty. I love salt but missed a deep flavor. Wouldn't buy again. Too processed.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Amy!