A make-at-home version of one of my favorite items on Panera’s menu. The Power Chicken Hummus Bowl is a nutrition packed, zero guilt meal that truly satisfies.
When we moved our business to a new location a couple of years ago it meant venturing out to find new places to eat lunch. There just so happens to be a Panera a couple of minutes down the road so it became a frequent destination. I had eaten there before but had the impression that they were mostly about cheesy paninis. While I can definitely deal with a cheesy panini every now and then, I try to keep my lunches on the lighter side. This can be a real battle when you’re eating out.
Then I discovered Panera’s hidden menu and I knew everything was going to be okay. The not-so-secret menu is full of lots of incredibly healthy choices, including this lovely Power Chicken Hummus Bowl. It’s low calorie, low fat, high protein, low carb, and most importantly, super tasty and satisfying. It is a thrilling day when you can find items like this on chain, quickie-lunch type restaurant’s menu. I’m easily excited.
Just when I was getting the lunch thing dialed in, I up and moved again! These days I’m working mostly from my home office so I decided it was time recreate this dish in my kitchen. I only take a short break for lunch so whatever I make has to be quick and easy or something I can make ahead. This recipe is all of those things.
If you haven’t tried Trader Joe’s line of hummus yet you should! They are all awesome. I picked up their Cilantro and Jalapeno Hummus which just so happens to be the same flavor used in the Panera version. I had a Costco rotisserie chicken sitting in my fridge and the rest was easy.
The concept of using hummus in place of a fat and calorie laden salad dressing was revolutionary for me. It is a fabulous substitute. The creamy texture tastes and feels rich and luxurious but it’s so good for ya! It’s a great trick.
In addition to chicken and hummus, the bowls include sliced red onion, chopped tomato, sliced cucumber, and black olives layered on top of baby spinach. Panera’s version doesn’t include olives but I love the color contrast they add to the bowl and they are SO good with the hummus. You could really include any veggies or other items that suit your fancy.
Add half a lemon to each bowl to squeeze over the top to brighten up the flavor of all the veggies and complement the flavor of the hummus. So much flavor and texture!
The ingredients are substantial enough that you can put it together the day before, wrap the bowl with plastic wrap, and it will be perfectly fresh and ready for you the next day. A great choice to pack up and take to work with you.
It’s like pure sunshine in a bowl.
Panera’s Power Chicken Hummus Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chopped store-bought rotisserie chicken breast
- 5 ounces bag baby spinach
- 2 or 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces can whole pitted black olives
- 1 cup store-bought cilantro and jalepeno hummus, or flavor of your choice
- 2 lemons, halved
Instructions
- Layer the bottom of 4 bowls with baby spinach. Divide the chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, and olives between the bowls. Add a dollop of hummus to the center of each bowl. Place half a lemon in each bowl.
- Squeeze the lemon over the top and dig in!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home.
I have never been to Panera yet!! Oh boy, I could be the only one around here… =P I’m excited to try this chicken hummus bowl though! I love hummus. It was one of first new foods I had tried when I came to the US, but now it’s been my favorite food!! I’ll get the same hummus and other ingredients from TJ (haven’t tried this kind yet) soon!!! And the knife is really cool!!
I can’t believe you haven’t been to Panera! It would be a great place for us to meet up sometime. It’s easy to make hummus at home but TJ’s hummus is so good that it makes it easy to be lazy 🙂
Thank you for this recipe, it looks great.