Panera’s Power Chicken Hummus Bowl

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.

Now, let’s have a little fun…

Did you notice those colorful cooking tools pictured in this post? I created this recipe using my awesome collection of cooking gadgets from Crisp™  and I’m so happy to be able to offer you the chance to win some of your very own. Click the link below to enter to win your choice of two kitchen tools from Crisp.

You get to go shopping…yippee!!!

Crisp™ Cooking Tools Giveaway – From Valerie’s Kitchen

Panera's Power Chicken Hummus Bowl

Prep Time

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Serves 4 bowls     adjust servings

A copycat version Panera's healthy hidden menu item.

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Ingredients

• 1 store-bought rotisserie chicken
• 1 bag baby spinach
• 2 or 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 can whole pitted black olives
• 1 container store-bought cilantro and jalepeno hummus (or flavor of your choice)
• 2 lemons, halved

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Squeeze the lemon over the top and dig in!

Note:

1. This salad will stay fresh and crisp if made the day ahead and refrigerated overnight. For best results, section the ingredients including the hummus, as shown in the post.

Disclosure: I have a working relationship with Crisp Cooking, but all opinions expressed in this post are my own. I have been compensated and received the items demonstrated in this post to aid me in my review.