One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you have a craving for something rich, comforting, and bursting with Middle Eastern flavors, then the One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice is your new best friend. This dish takes the iconic spices of shawarma and combines them with tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice, all cooked together in one pan for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. The ultimate crowd-pleaser, it effortlessly blends aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric with the fresh brightness of lemon juice and herbs. This recipe is a love letter to simple, hearty cooking that feels special enough for a cozy night in or a casual dinner party with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this flavorful masterpiece. Each spice and element in the One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice plays a key role in layering the taste and texture so that every bite is a delicious journey.

• Chicken thighs (6 boneless, skinless): The perfect cut for juicy, tender results that soak up all the shawarma spices beautifully.
• Ground cumin (2 tsp): A cornerstone of shawarma’s earthy warmth.
• Ground coriander (2 tsp): Adds a subtle citrus undertone that brightens the dish.
• Paprika (2 tsp) and smoked paprika (1 tsp): Together they give a smoky depth and vibrant color.
• Salt (¾ tsp) and black pepper (½ tsp): Essential seasonings to balance the flavors perfectly.
• Turmeric (½ tsp): Brings a gorgeous golden hue and subtle earthiness.
• Ground cardamom (½ tsp): A hint of exotic sweet spice that elevates the aroma.
• Chilli flakes (¼ tsp): Adds a gentle spicy kick, customizable to your heat preference.
• Lemon juice (1.5 tbsp): Brightens everything with its fresh, zesty acidity.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps in searing and brings richness.
• Medium onion (1, halved and finely sliced): Adds sweetness and texture.
• Garlic (3 cloves, crushed): Provides pungent warmth and depth.
• Long grain rice (180g / 1 cup): Absorbs all the amazing flavors while staying fluffy.
• Chicken stock (2 cups / 480ml, hot): The cooking liquid that infuses every grain and morsel of chicken.
• Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish.
• Dried dill (½ tsp): A subtle herbal note that complements the shawarma spices.

How to Make One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by slicing your chicken thighs in half horizontally to ensure they cook evenly and soak up all the incredible shawarma seasoning. Toss the chicken with the combined spices, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl, loving each piece as it gets coated with that aromatic mixture. This careful seasoning is what builds the foundation for the mouthwatering flavor that defines One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large deep frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully place your seasoned chicken thighs in the pan. Give them the time they need to develop a beautiful golden crust, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Patience here pays off with the best caramelized, flavor-packed chicken. When you flip the chicken, scatter the sliced onions and crushed garlic into the pan so they can soften and mingle with the spices and chicken juices.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Once the chicken and aromatics are sizzling beautifully, add the uncooked rice to the pan. Stir it gently for about a minute so the grains turn translucent and start soaking up the flavorful fat and spices. Then pour in the hot chicken stock and stir just enough to distribute the ingredients evenly without disrupting the crust at the bottom. This is where the magic begins—the rice will absorb all those wonderful flavors of the chicken and spices.

Step 4: Simmer and Steam

Allow the mixture to bubble gently over medium heat with the lid off until most of the chicken stock is absorbed by the rice—resist the urge to stir during this stage to let a lovely crust develop at the bottom. Once the liquid is nearly gone, cover the pan tightly, turn off the heat, and let the dish steam in its own warmth for 12 minutes. This final resting phase lets every grain of rice plump up with flavor and the chicken finish cooking to juicy perfection.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Carefully remove the lid and give the rice and chicken a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper where needed. Then fold in the fresh parsley and dried dill, which adds that burst of green freshness and subtle complexity that makes One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice truly sing.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your one-pan wonder is now ready to be enjoyed! Whether straight from the stove or artfully plated, this shawarma chicken and rice combo is sure to impress everyone at the table.

How to Serve One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

To elevate the dish, scatter fresh parsley or cilantro over the top just before serving. A few lemon wedges on the side invite a squeeze of fresh juice that brightens the rich flavors. For a creamy contrast, a dollop of cool yogurt or a drizzle of tahini sauce pairs wonderfully with the warm spices.

Side Dishes

This dish shines best with simple, refreshing sides that complement the spice without overwhelming it. Think crisp cucumber salad, chopped tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, or a fresh tabbouleh salad. Roasted vegetables like cauliflower or carrots also make a perfect earthy sidekick.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken and rice in warm pita pockets with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs for an approachable shawarma-inspired wrap. Alternatively, plate it family-style in a large dish, allowing everyone to dig in and savor the cozy, collective experience this one pot meal brings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for tasty lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes remarkably well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much of its vibrant flavor or texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or chicken stock to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it, covering the dish to trap moisture, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs work best because they stay tender and juicy after cooking. Breasts might dry out during the simmer and steam stage, so adjust cooking times accordingly and watch closely.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a gentle warmth thanks to the chilli flakes, but it is by no means overly spicy. Feel free to increase the chilli flakes to suit your heat tolerance or leave them out entirely for a milder dish.

What type of rice works best?

Long grain rice is ideal for this recipe as it stays fluffy and separate when cooked. Avoid short grain or sticky rice varieties which might become too clumpy for this one pot method.

Can I make this vegetarian?

While this particular dish centers around chicken, you could experiment by using hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas and substituting vegetable stock to create a vegetarian version inspired by the flavors of shawarma.

Do I need special spices to make this dish?

The spices used here are commonly found in many spice cupboards, especially if you enjoy cooking Middle Eastern or Mediterranean food. If you don’t have cardamom or dried dill, you can leave them out, though they add nice nuance to the dish.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice is a perfect example of how a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience can create magic in the kitchen. It’s a dish that feels both exotic and comforting, proving that bold flavors don’t have to mean complicated cooking. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own—it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your home too!

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