Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this aromatic One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice that brings the bold flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine straight to your kitchen. This complete meal combines tender, spiced chicken thighs with perfectly cooked basmati rice, all prepared in a single pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks seeking restaurant-quality flavors without the hassle. The authentic shawarma spice blend infuses every grain of rice with aromatic warmth, while the chicken thighs become incredibly tender as they cook alongside the rice. You’ll appreciate how this one-pot wonder eliminates multiple dishes while delivering a complete, satisfying meal that feeds the whole family. The combination of convenience, bold flavors, and impressive presentation makes this dish perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How to Make One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Season the Chicken Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the shawarma spice blend. Allow the chicken to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics In the same pot with the remaining chicken drippings, add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add minced garlic, remaining shawarma spice blend, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Rice and Liquid Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, coating it with the spice mixture for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pot on top of the rice mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 6: Rest and Serve Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, being careful not to disturb the chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Helpful Tips:
Choose the Right Rice: Basmati rice works best for this One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice because its long grains stay separate and fluffy while absorbing the aromatic spices beautifully.
Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the chicken creates a flavorful foundation that enhances the entire dish. The caramelized bits that stick to the pot add depth when deglazed with the broth.
Spice Blend Substitution: If you can’t find shawarma spice blend, create your own by mixing 1 teaspoon each of ground coriander, turmeric, and allspice with ½ teaspoon each of cardamom, cloves, and black pepper.
Temperature Control: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer once covered to prevent the rice from sticking or burning on the bottom.
Details:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
Diet: Gluten-free (check spice blend ingredients)
Notes:
The beauty of this One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice lies in its adaptability. Feel free to add vegetables like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking. For extra richness, substitute half the chicken broth with coconut milk. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts work too, but reduce cooking time to 15-16 minutes to prevent drying out. The shawarma spicing creates an authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with yogurt-based sauces or a simple cucumber salad.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of basmati? A: Yes, but increase the liquid to 3½ cups and extend cooking time to 25-30 minutes, as brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid.
Q: How do I know when the One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice is done? A: The rice should be tender with no hard center, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Most liquid should be absorbed.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free? A: This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just ensure your chicken broth doesn’t contain dairy products.
Q: What can I serve alongside this dish? A: Fresh cucumber yogurt sauce, pita bread, pickled vegetables, or a simple green salad complement this dish perfectly.
Q: Can I double this recipe? A: Yes, but use a larger pot and increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure even cooking throughout.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in airtight containers. To reheat, add a tablespoon of water or broth and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of liquid. For best results, separate the chicken from the rice when storing and recombine when reheating. This dish freezes well for up to 3 months – thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
This One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice delivers an impressive combination of convenience, flavor, and satisfaction that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. The aromatic spices transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of the Middle East, while the one-pot preparation keeps your kitchen clean and your schedule manageable. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe proves that extraordinary flavors don’t require complicated techniques. Give this One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice a try tonight, and discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality Middle Eastern cuisine in your own home.
