One evening, with the sun setting and a cozy aroma wafting through my kitchen, I stumbled upon the perfect recipe that would soon become a staple in our home—One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice. This delightful dish seamlessly combines the rich flavors of Middle Eastern spices with juicy, marinated chicken, making it an instant family favorite. Not only is this meal a visual treat with its vibrant colors, but it also delivers on convenience, as everything cooks together in just one pot! That means less clean-up and more time to enjoy delicious homemade food, all while keeping it low-calorie and high-protein. Picture gathering your loved ones around the table, savoring the scrumptious bites while sharing stories. What’s not to love about that? Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Let’s dive into how to create your own flavorful masterpiece! Why is One Pot Cooking So Appealing? Convenience: The beauty of this dish lies in its one-pot simplicity, making cleanup a breeze after a delightful meal. Mouthwatering Flavor: With a blend of spices like cumin and paprika, each bite is a flavorful journey to the Middle East. Nutritious: At only 430 calories per serving, you can enjoy a hearty meal that fits your health goals without compromising on taste. Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving the whole family. For an equally delightful variety, try pairs nicely with a side of Cheesy Chicken Spinach or Broccoli Chicken Penne. Versatile: Customize it to your liking by adjusting spice levels or swapping chicken for your protein of choice. Quick Preparation: You’ll have a sumptuous dinner ready in no time, ideal for busy weeknights. One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Ingredients For the Chicken Marinade Chicken Thighs – A juicy protein source that ensures tenderness; boneless, skinless thighs are best. Ground Cumin – Adds warm, earthy notes; for a different flavor, you can substitute coriander. Ground Coriander – Complements cumin with a citrusy brightness; extra cumin works in a pinch. Paprika – Contributes sweetness and depth; smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor. Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings; feel free to adjust based on taste preferences. Turmeric – Adds vibrant color and a hint of bitterness; optional if you prefer a milder flavor. Ground Cardamom – Brings a unique aromatic sweetness; garam masala is a great substitute. Chili Flakes – Offers a kick of heat; modify the amount according to your spice tolerance. Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish and tenderizes the chicken; fresh juice is always best. For the Cooking Base Olive Oil – Used for cooking and enhancing flavors; you can swap it with any vegetable oil. Onion – Adds natural sweetness and depth to the dish; both yellow and white onions work well. Garlic – Infuses the dish with rich flavor; minced garlic is perfect for this recipe. For the Rice and Liquid Long Grain Rice – This forms the base of the meal; ensure it’s uncooked for ideal flavor absorption. Chicken Stock – Provides the necessary liquid for cooking; homemade or store-bought works perfectly. For Garnish Fresh Parsley and Dried Dill – Sprinkle these herbs on top to add freshness and elevate the dish visually. Now that you have everything you need, you’re just steps away from creating a vibrant and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Let’s get cooking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Step 1: Prepare Chicken Begin by slicing boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, coat the chicken with ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, turmeric, ground cardamom, chili flakes, and fresh lemon juice. Let this marinate for about 15 minutes to infuse the flavors, creating a delightful base for your One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice. Step 2: Sear Chicken In a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat, add two tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in the juices, setting a flavorful foundation for the rice. Step 3: Sauté Aromatics With the chicken browned, remove it from the pan temporarily and set aside. In the same pan, add one chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Follow with 2-3 minced garlic cloves, stirring for another minute until aromatic. This combination enhances the overall flavor of your One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice. Step 4: Cook Rice Add 1.5 cups of uncooked long-grain rice to the pan, stirring for one minute until the rice becomes slightly translucent. Slowly pour in 3 cups of hot chicken stock while scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits. Return the chicken to the pan, bringing everything to a gentle bubble. Step 5: Simmer Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer undisturbed for about 12 minutes. Do not stir during this time! The rice will absorb the stock, cooking until fluffy and perfectly tender, while the spices infuse all components of the One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice. Step 6: Season & Garnish Once the 12 minutes are up, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Season with any additional salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and dried dill over the dish for a burst of color and freshness, enhancing the overall presentation. Step 7: Serve Spoon your One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice into bowls, and feel free to serve it with a side of pita bread or a fresh salad. Enjoy the beautiful blend of spices and succulent chicken, making mealtime a special occasion for your loved ones. One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Variations Feel free to get creative and customize this delightful dish to suit your taste buds! Chicken Breasts: Swap chicken thighs for breasts for a leaner meal. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out. Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein for a hearty, meatless version. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors while keeping it plant-friendly! Spice It Up: Add more chili flakes or fresh chopped green chilies for an extra kick. Turn up the heat to match your mood and spice tolerance! Herb Infusion: Infuse the dish with aromatic herbs like thyme or cilantro instead of dill. This can brighten the overall flavor and offer a different twist! Rice Varieties: Try using basmati or jasmine rice for a different texture and flavor profile. Each type brings its unique character to the dish and enhances the experience! Coconut Cream Addition: Stir in a splash of coconut cream for a velvety richness. This adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the spices. Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted almonds or pine nuts for added texture and a delightful crunch. This works wonders when paired with a creamy sauce like tzatziki! Imagine serving this versatile One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice alongside a fresh salad or warm pita bread for a complete meal! Be sure to check out the comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli for more delicious pairings. Expert Tips for One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Choose Quality Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs to ensure moist and tender pieces; they provide the best flavor compared to other cuts. Avoid Stirring: Resist the temptation to stir during the simmer. This allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb the spices, achieving that perfect fluffy texture. Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will elevate the flavors. Expired spices may lack potency, impacting the overall taste of your One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice. Customize Spice Heat: Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your family’s tolerance for spice to keep everyone happy and satisfied. Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit covered for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and enhances the overall experience. Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the fresh parsley and dill! They add a vibrant finish that brightens up the dish and makes it visually appealing. Make Ahead Options Preparing One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice in advance is a lifesaver for busy home cooks! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead; just combine the chicken, spices, and lemon juice, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can chop the onion and garlic a day prior to save even more time. To maintain flavor and texture, store the rice uncooked; don’t pre-cook it. When you’re ready to enjoy this delicious meal, simply sear the marinated chicken, sauté the aromatics, and add the rice with stock as instructed. This means you’ll have a wholesome family dinner on the table with minimal effort and just as much flavor! What to Serve With One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Elevate your dining experience with complementary dishes that beautifully accompany the rich, spiced flavors of shawarma chicken. Crispy Pita Chips: Perfect for scooping up that flavorful rice, these chips add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken. Tzatziki Sauce: Cool and creamy, tzatziki provides a refreshing balance to the spices, making each bite harmonious and satisfying. Roasted Vegetable Medley: A vibrant assortment of seasonal vegetables enhances the meal’s nutritional value and adds colorful flair to your dinner table. Simple Green Salad: Fresh greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes tossed in a zesty dressing complement the dish’s warm spices, creating a delightful flavor contrast. Hummus Platter: Rich and creamy hummus serves as a tasty dip, pairing beautifully with the shawarma for an authentic Middle Eastern touch. Mint Lemonade: A refreshing, tart drink that cleanses the palate, mint lemonade offers a lovely coolness to balance the dish’s flavors. Baklava: For a sweet finish, the flaky, honey-soaked layers of baklava provide a delightful contrast to the savory meal and leave everyone with a smile. How to Store and Freeze One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Room Temperature: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and should not be left out for more than 2 hours to ensure safety. Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture. Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. This One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use for this recipe? Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They remain tender and juicy during cooking, but if you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute them with chicken breasts. Just be mindful that breasts may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. How should I store leftovers? Very! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock to keep the rice moist and flavorful. Can I freeze One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice? Of course! To freeze this dish, I recommend wrapping portions tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or transferring them into a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For reheating, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave. What should I do if my rice comes out sticky? Don’t worry! Sticky rice can happen if it is stirred during cooking or if there is too much moisture. In the future, be sure to resist the urge to stir the rice while it simmers and follow the cup-to-water ratio closely. If you find your rice sticky, fluff it gently with a fork after cooking to separate the grains. Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets? Absolutely! One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance. Just ensure that any broth or stock you use is labeled gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish. Can I adapt the spice levels to my taste? Very much so! I often adjust the spice levels to accommodate my family’s preferences. If you’re looking to tone down the heat, simply reduce the amount of chili flakes. Alternatively, if you crave more flavor, feel free to add more spices or even toss in some additional vegetables for extra texture and taste. One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice for Quick Family Flavor One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice is a family-friendly dish bursting with Middle Eastern flavors, perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: Middle EasternCalories: 430 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken Marinade1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs sliced into bite-sized pieces1 teaspoon ground cumin or substitute with coriander1 teaspoon ground coriander or extra cumin if necessary1 teaspoon paprika use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon black pepper1/2 teaspoon turmeric optional1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom garam masala can substitute1/2 teaspoon chili flakes adjust based on spice tolerance2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh juice is bestFor the Cooking Base2 tablespoons olive oil can use any vegetable oil1 medium onion chopped2-3 cloves garlic mincedFor the Rice and Liquid1.5 cups long grain rice uncooked3 cups chicken stock hotFor Garnish1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped1 tablespoon dried dill Equipment large deep frying pan Method Cooking InstructionsPrepare the chicken by cutting the thighs into bite-sized pieces, and marinate with spices for 15 minutes.In a frying pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.Remove chicken from the pan, and sauté onion for 2-3 minutes, then add minced garlic for another minute.Add uncooked rice to the pan, stir for 1 minute, then pour in chicken stock and return the chicken.Cover and simmer on low heat for 12 minutes without stirring.Fluff rice with a fork, season as necessary, and garnish with parsley and dill before serving.Serve with pita or salad as desired. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesUse boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness. Avoid stirring during simmering for perfectly fluffy rice. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
