Flavorful One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Recipe for Dinner

Spice-loving home cooks rejoice with this incredible one pot shawarma chicken and rice that brings Middle Eastern flavors directly to your dinner table.

Bold Mediterranean seasonings dance through tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

The fragrant blend of warm spices fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

Minimal cleanup meets maximum flavor in this streamlined dish that combines protein and grains effortlessly.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of herbs, garlic, and perfectly seasoned chicken nestled among perfectly cooked rice grains.

This recipe transforms weeknight cooking from mundane to extraordinary with just one pan and less than an hour of your time.

Let’s find out this delicious adventure and savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing meal.

How to Prepare One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Preparation Slice chicken thighs into tender strips that will soak up all the delicious Middle Eastern flavors.
• Spice Magic Blend aromatic spices and tangy lemon juice to create a mouthwatering marinade that will make your taste buds dance.
• Sizzling Start Heat olive oil in a large pan and introduce the seasoned chicken, letting it transform into a golden-brown masterpiece with crispy edges.
• Flavor Builders Toss in fragrant onions and garlic, allowing them to mingle and infuse the chicken with deep, rich flavors.
• Rice Transformation Add rice to the pan, stirring until it becomes slightly translucent, then pour in chicken stock to create a creamy, comforting base.
• Gentle Simmer Let the mixture bubble softly, allowing the rice to absorb all the incredible seasonings and become perfectly tender.
• Resting Moment Cover the pan and let the dish steam quietly, developing intense flavors and creating a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen.
• Final Touch Sprinkle fresh herbs on top, adding a burst of brightness and bringing the entire dish to life with a pop of green and freshness.

Tips and Variations for Shawarma Chicken Rice One Pot

• Add a splash of white wine or extra lemon juice during cooking to enhance the chicken's richness and create deeper Mediterranean flavors.
• Replace chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts or lamb for a different protein experience, adjusting cooking times accordingly to prevent dryness.
• Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the rice cooking stage to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful one-pot meal.
• Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper, or add a drizzle of harissa sauce for those who love a spicier shawarma experience.
• This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated gently, with flavors actually improving after sitting for a few hours in the refrigerator – perfect for meal prep enthusiasts.

Serving Ideas for One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Arrange the golden shawarma chicken on a bed of fluffy rice, then sprinkle fresh herbs generously across the top for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation that makes the dish pop with color and freshness.
• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Serve alongside cool tzatziki sauce, crisp cucumber salad, or warm pita bread to complement the rich, spiced chicken and create a complete Middle Eastern-inspired meal that delights every bite.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Upgrade: Transform this one-pot wonder into a crowd-pleasing dinner by adding a side of tangy pickled vegetables or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty chicken and rice.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose any remaining shawarma chicken and rice into delicious lunch wraps the next day, adding extra fresh herbs, a dollop of yogurt, or quick pickled onions for a completely new meal experience.

How to Store and Plan Meals with Shawarma Chicken Rice

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Warm portions in microwave with a damp paper towel over the dish, which helps restore original texture and prevents rice from becoming dry or tough.
• Freeze-Friendly Strategy: Package meal in freezer-safe containers, keeping portions separate. Frozen shawarma chicken and rice can stay fresh for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Meal Prep Magic: Double the recipe batch during initial cooking. Divide into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 386 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful cut that absorbs spices beautifully, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation and quicker cooking.

• Long Grain Rice: Fluffy and light grain that provides perfect texture, select high-quality rice for best absorption of shawarma flavors.
• Chicken Stock: Adds rich depth and moisture to the rice, opt for low-sodium versions to control overall saltiness.

• Onion, Garlic: Fundamental flavor builders that create a robust base, select fresh and firm vegetables for maximum taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute heat and enhance overall richness, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the dish with tangy freshness, use freshly squeezed for superior flavor.
• Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, Smoked Paprika: Classic shawarma spice blend that delivers authentic Middle Eastern warmth and complexity, ensure spices are fresh and fragrant.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all other flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
• Turmeric, Cardamom: Adds earthy and slightly sweet undertones, look for vibrant colored and aromatic spices.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and excitement, adjust quantity based on personal spice preference.
• Parsley, Dried Dill: Fresh herbs that provide bright, herbaceous finish, chop parsley just before adding for maximum flavor.

Tools for Cooking One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

• Large Pan: Essential for cooking chicken, rice, and creating one-pot magic; needs to be deep and wide enough to hold all ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing chicken thighs horizontally and chopping herbs with precision.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining chicken with spices and marinating.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking in the pan.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure rice and chicken stock.
• Lid: Crucial for steaming rice and trapping moisture during final cooking stage.

Effortless Shawarma Chicken and Rice

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

One-Pot Middle Eastern Shawarma Chicken and Rice delivers complex spices and comforting textures in a single skillet. Fragrant seasonings and tender chicken create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 chicken thighs, boneless skinless (600 g/21 oz)
• 1.5 tbsps lemon juice
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 2 tsps ground coriander
• 2 tsps paprika
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp turmeric
• 0.5 tsp ground cardamom
• 0.25 tsp chili flakes
• 180 g uncooked long grain rice
• 2 cups chicken stock (hot)
• 1 medium onion, halved and finely sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tbsps fresh chopped parsley
• 0.5 tsp dried dill

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice chicken thighs horizontally to ensure uniform pieces for consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
2. Marination: Craft a zesty mixture of Middle Eastern spices and fresh lemon juice, thoroughly massaging the marinade into chicken pieces to intensify taste complexity.
3. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high flame, strategically placing marinated chicken to develop a golden-brown crust that locks in succulent flavors.
4. Aromatics: Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to caramelize and infuse the pan with a rich, fragrant base.
5. Rice Integration: Introduce uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring until grains become translucent and develop a delicate toasted nuance.
6. Liquid Infusion: Pour warm chicken stock evenly across the skillet, ensuring complete ingredient incorporation and flavor melding.
7. Simmering: Reduce heat to low, seal with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the dish to gently simmer for 15-18 minutes, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
8. Resting and Finishing: Remove from heat, let the dish rest for 5 minutes to redistribute moisture, then fluff rice with a fork and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
9. Presentation: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and dill, transforming the one-pot meal into a vibrant, aromatic culinary masterpiece ready to be served warm.

Notes

• Slice Strategically: Cut chicken thighs horizontally to ensure uniform cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Marinade Mastery: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking to maximize flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Heat Control: Maintain medium-high heat when searing chicken to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning the spices or meat.
• Rest and Redistribute: Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow moisture to evenly distribute, creating perfectly fluffy rice and juicy chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 386
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 513 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 99 mg