Copycat Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Recipe

This Copycat Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma recipe brings the bold, savory flavor of Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs right into your own kitchen.

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Made with warm spices, bright lemon juice, and tender chicken thighs, it’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner when you need something easy but packed with flavor.

Serve it in wraps or build flavorful rice bowls for a meal your whole family will love.

The Players for Copycat Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma

Ingredients:

• Dried Onion – Adds a subtle savory depth and slight sweetness to the marinade. Using dehydrated onion helps distribute flavor evenly throughout the chicken. You can also use powdered onion or freshly minced onion if you like.
• Garlic – I love using the frozen garlic cubes that Trader Joe’s sells.  But if you prefer, you can use freshly minced garlic.
• Paprika – Adds a mild smoky sweetness to the seasoning blend.
• Turmeric – Gives the chicken its beautiful golden-yellow color and a warm, earthy flavor.
• Cumin – One of the key shawarma spices. It brings a deep, slightly nutty warmth that makes the flavor truly authentic.
• Coriander – Adds a light citrusy note that balances the richness of the other hearty spices.
• Parsley – Brings a subtle herbal freshness to round out the seasoning.
• Rosemary – Just a small amount adds a slightly woody flavor.
• Cinnamon – A hint of cinnamon gives that classic shawarma warmth without making it sweet.
• Salt – Using sea salt enhances all of the spices and helps tenderize the chicken while it marinates.
• Chicken –  You’ll need about 2 ½ pounds of chicken thighs to make this delicious recipe. Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and flavorful. You can also use chicken breasts if you’d like! 
• Olive Oil – Helps the spices coat the chicken evenly and keeps the meat moist while roasting. You can also use avocado oil if you prefer.
• Vinegar – The addition of white vinegar gives a slight tang and works with the lemon juice to tenderize the chicken and boost flavor.
• Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice brightens the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken for juiciness. This is about 1 medium-sized lemon.

Tools:

• Baking Sheet – Cooking the chicken on a rimmed baking sheet catches any drippings while the chicken bakes.
• Cooling Racks – Placing the chicken on a cooling rack allows hot air to circulate around it, helping it cook evenly and develop slightly caramelized edges instead of sitting in juices.

How to Make Copycat Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma

Mix the Shawarma Spice Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the dried onion, paprika, turmeric, cumin, coriander, parsley, rosemary, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir until all of the spices are evenly blended and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, white vinegar, lemon juice, and minced garlic.

Sprinkle the prepared spice blend over the chicken and mix well until each piece is fully coated in the shawarma marinade.

Marinate the Chicken

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper and more flavorful the seasoning will be.

However, if your short on time, any time marinating, is better than none. 

Bake and Broil the Chicken Shawarma

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place a cooling rack over a baking sheet and arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on top of the rack.

Depending on how much chicken you have, you might need to use two cookie sheets.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Finish by broiling for 5 minutes to create slightly crisp, caramelized edges.  Be sure to keep an eye on them while they broil, as they can go from perfectly broiled to burnt in a matter of minutes!

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve in wraps, over rice, or build delicious chicken shawarma bowls.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To Store:

Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

These shawarma chicken thighs are also great for meal prep, as the flavors continue to develop after a day in the fridge.

To Reheat:

Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat in for 2 minutes at 50% power or until warmed through.

What to Serve with Copycat Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma 

This chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in bowls, wraps, or family-style platters. Here are some delicious toppings and sides to enjoy it with:

• Fluffy white rice or yellow rice
• Fresh chopped lettuce
• Sliced cucumbers
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced Bell peppers
• Garlic sauce
• Sliced or diced Red onion
• Black or green olives
• Warm pita bread of flatbread
• Tahini sauce
• Shredded carrots
• Whipped feta
• Tzatziki sauce or Greek yogurt

This versatile chicken shawarma is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, makes easy meal prep for the week, and comes together as a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

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If you end up making this Copycat Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma recipe, leave me a comment.  I’d love to chat with you!

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Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."