Trader Joes Chicken And Rice

This fluffy, tender Trader Joes Chicken And Rice is made with Shawarma Chicken Thighs, Basmati rice, and chicken broth and ready in 45 minutes. The rice absorbs the savory marinade from the chicken as it bakes, creating a perfectly seasoned one-pan meal. I love making this for a hands-off dinner that tastes exactly like a street food platter.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to wait in long lines at food trucks to get a proper halal chicken and rice platter, but this Trader Joe’s hack delivers that same satisfaction in my own kitchen. By using the pre-marinated Shawarma Chicken Thighs, you skip the hours of prep work usually required to get that deep, spiced flavor. The marinade drips down into the rice while it cooks, seasoning every grain without any extra effort.

My first attempt at this dish was a happy accident when I needed to use up a bag of rice, and I was shocked by how cohesive the flavors were. The chicken stays incredibly juicy because it steams gently on top of the rice before getting a final roast. It’s a foolproof method that turns a few grocery store staples into a dinner that feels special enough for guests.

Jump to Recipe

Trader Joes Chicken And Rice Ingredients

• 1 package (1.5 lbs) Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs: These come pre-marinated in a savory blend of garlic, cumin, and coriander.
• 1 ½ cups Basmati Rice: It is crucial to use Basmati or Jasmine rice for the best texture; rinse it thoroughly.
• 3 cups Chicken Broth: You can use water, but broth adds much more depth to the final dish.
• 1 tbsp Butter or Olive Oil: Adds richness to the rice.
• 1 tsp Turmeric (optional): For that signature bright yellow “halal cart” rice color.
• For Serving: Trader Joe’s Tzatziki Creamy Garlic Cucumber Dip, sliced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.

How To Make Trader Joes Chicken And Rice

1. Prep The Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray.
2. Assemble Rice Base: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then add it to the baking dish. Pour in the chicken broth, turmeric (if using), and butter, then stir gently to combine.
3. Add Chicken: Remove the Shawarma Chicken Thighs from the package and lay them directly on top of the rice and liquid mixture in a single layer.
4. Bake The Dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the foil and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the chicken juices into the grains, and serve hot with tzatziki and fresh veggies.

Recipe Tips

• Rinse the rice: This removes excess surface starch. If you skip this, your rice will likely end up gummy and sticky instead of fluffy and distinct.
• Seal it tight: The foil must be wrapped very tightly around the edges of the dish. If steam escapes, the rice will be crunchy and undercooked.
• Broil for texture: If you prefer crispy chicken skin, remove the foil after the rice is cooked and broil the dish for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is golden brown.
• Resting time: Letting the dish sit covered for 5 minutes after baking allows the moisture to redistribute, ensuring the rice is perfectly cooked from edge to center.

What To Serve With Trader Joes Chicken And Rice

This dish screams for fresh, crunchy elements to cut through the savory richness of the chicken. I always serve it with a generous dollop of tzatziki and a quick salad of chopped cucumbers, red onion, and parsley. Warm pita bread or naan on the side makes it a complete feast.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave in 30-second intervals to keep the grains fluffy. You can freeze this meal for up to 2 months, though the cucumber sauce should always be fresh.

FAQs

• Can I use different chicken? Yes, the Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken or Pollo Asado thighs also work beautifully with this method, though the flavor profile will change.
• Can I make this in a rice cooker? You can cook the rice in the rice cooker and pan-sear the chicken separately, but you miss out on the chicken juices flavoring the rice.
• Why is my rice crunchy? This usually happens if the foil wasn’t tight enough or there wasn’t enough liquid. Make sure your broth ratio is 2:1 for the oven method.
• Is this spicy? The Shawarma Chicken Thighs are spiced but not hot; they are family-friendly and mild enough for most kids.

Nutrition

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 48g
• Protein: 32g