Quick & Flavorful One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice Recipe

Aromatic spices dance through this mouthwatering one pot shawarma chicken and rice that promises a flavor explosion on your dinner table.

Tender chicken mingles with fragrant rice, creating a delightful meal that transports you straight to Middle Eastern street food heaven.

Packed with bold Mediterranean seasonings, this recipe brings restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen in just one pan.

The blend of warm spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic infuses every single bite with irresistible depth.

Effortless preparation means less cleanup and more enjoyment for you.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of juicy chicken and perfectly seasoned rice that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This shawarma-inspired dish turns an ordinary weeknight into a culinary celebration you won’t soon forget.

Presenting Shawarma Chicken Rice with Style

• Zesty Mediterranean Feast: Pair this one-pot wonder with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for a tangy contrast to the warm, spiced chicken.
• Colorful Side Salad: Toss together a quick cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad with a light lemon-olive oil dressing to complement the rich shawarma flavors.
• Pita Bread Delight: Serve warm, soft pita bread on the side for scooping up the flavorful rice and chicken, creating a perfect handheld meal experience.
• Garnish Extravaganza: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley, add a dollop of yogurt, and scatter toasted pine nuts on top for a restaurant-quality presentation that adds texture and brightness.

Leftover Shawarma Chicken Rice Storage Solutions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• What are shawarma spices?

Shawarma spices are a Middle Eastern blend typically including cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper that create a warm, complex flavor profile for meats and rice dishes.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster, so reduce cooking time and monitor moisture to prevent overcooking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your spice blend does not contain any wheat-based additives.

One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice, Inspired by the Bazaar

• Tackle Complex Flavors Easily: Master a restaurant-quality Middle Eastern dish without needing advanced culinary skills or multiple cooking techniques.
• Speed Up Weeknight Dinner: Prepare a complete meal in a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and reducing total cooking time with straightforward steps.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Adventure: Introduce exciting shawarma spices to loved ones through a comforting chicken and rice format that appeals to both adults and children.
• Customize with Simplicity: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.

Ingredients for a Shawarma Chicken and Rice Feast

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that provides the primary protein for this one-pot shawarma dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that build a deep, savory foundation for the shawarma chicken and rice.

• Shawarma Spice Blend: A complex mixture of warm Middle Eastern spices that gives the dish its signature shawarma flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and helps balance the rich, spiced chicken.
• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that provides a light, green note and visual garnish to the finished dish.

• Basmati Rice: Long-grain, aromatic rice that absorbs the chicken broth and spices while creating a fluffy base.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and infuse additional depth into the dish.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil used to sauté the onions and provide a rich, Mediterranean touch to the recipe.

How to Prepare Shawarma Chicken and Rice in One Pot

Step 1: Sizzle Onions in Liquid Gold

Heat olive oil in a spacious pot, tossing in diced onions and dancing them around until they turn translucent and become soft and glossy.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Spices

Tumble minced garlic into the pot, followed by the magical shawarma spice blend.

Stir enthusiastically until the kitchen fills with an intoxicating fragrance that makes your mouth water.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Chicken

Introduce chicken thighs to the pot, allowing them to caramelize and develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior by searing on both sides.

This step locks in all the delicious juices and creates incredible flavor.

Step 4: Create Liquid Harmony

• Basmati rice
• Chicken broth

Gently stir the ingredients, ensuring they mingle and become friends in the pot.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat.

Cover the pot and let everything simmer quietly, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

Step 6: Brighten and Garnish

Finish the dish with a vibrant squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Expert Advice for Aromatic Shawarma Chicken and Rice

• Toast shawarma spices briefly in oil to enhance their deep, aromatic flavors before adding other ingredients.
• Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to achieve a golden-brown crust and lock in moisture during cooking.
• Use a 2: 1 ratio of liquid to rice for fluffy, perfectly cooked basmati grains that aren't too sticky or dry.
• Swap chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility without losing flavor profile.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint just before serving to brighten the dish and add a vibrant, fresh element.

Shawarma Chicken Rice – Fun Additions to Explore

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version that maintains the aromatic shawarma spices.
• Cauliflower Rice Alternative: Swap basmati rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that keeps the original recipe's flavor profile and spice intensity.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free broth to make the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add oregano, mint, and za'atar to enhance the Middle Eastern flavors and create a more complex herb-infused dish.

One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Shawarma chicken and rice brings Middle Eastern street food magic right to your kitchen, blending spicy, aromatic flavors in a single comforting pot. Packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bold spices, you’ll savor this simple yet spectacular meal that satisfies deeply.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Rice and Vegetables:

• 1.5 cups basmati or long-grain rice
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, gently caramelizing diced onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
2. Introduce minced garlic and aromatic shawarma spice blend, stirring vigorously to activate the intense, complex flavors and create a fragrant base.
3. Carefully nestle chicken thighs into the seasoned mixture, searing each side to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances depth of flavor.
4. Sprinkle basmati rice across the pot, gently mixing with the chicken and spices, then pour in chicken broth to create a harmonious, well-integrated dish.
5. Elevate heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to low, covering the pot to allow gentle simmering for approximately 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken cooks through completely.
6. Remove from heat, brighten the dish with a vibrant squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and garnish generously with finely chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture, preventing dry meat during cooking.
• Toasting shawarma spices briefly intensifies their aromatic profile and enhances overall dish complexity.
• Adjust liquid ratio if using different rice types to ensure perfect texture and prevent burning.
• For gluten-free version, confirm all spice blend ingredients are certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg