One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice: The Ultimate Shawarma Recipe

Name: One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 6 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs (approximately 21 oz or 600g, trimmed); 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp ground coriander; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 3 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 0.5 tsp turmeric; 0.5 tsp ground cardamom; 0.25 tsp chili flakes ((red pepper flakes)); 1.5 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion (halved and finely sliced); 3 cloves garlic (crushed); 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice; 2 cups hot chicken stock ((480ml)); 0 Salt and black pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley; 0.5 tsp dried dill

Introduction to One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice

One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice is a delightful dish that brings the exotic flavors of Middle Eastern shawarma right into your kitchen. This recipe combines tender, marinated chicken thighs with aromatic spices and fluffy rice, creating a comforting meal that is both quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress your loved ones while being gentle on your time and budget.

A Personal Story Behind My One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice Journey

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. My first taste of chicken shawarma came from a small food truck at a local festival, and I was instantly hooked. The rich spices and juicy chicken wrapped in warm pita bread were unlike anything I had tried before. As I began my cooking journey, I wanted to recreate that delicious experience at home. Thus, I developed this One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice recipe, which serves as a tribute to those tasty memories while making it more accessible for home cooks everywhere.

What Makes This One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice Recipe Special?

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved through marinating the chicken thighs in a blend of spices. Utilizing just one pot means less cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks. The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika infuses the chicken with an irresistible aroma, while the rice absorbs the savory chicken stock, creating a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s packed with protein and can be easily adjusted to suit your dietary preferences.

The Full One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice Recipe

Ingredients

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 21 oz or 600g), trimmed
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp smoked paprika
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp chili flakes (red pepper flakes)
1.5 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, halved and finely sliced
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 cup (180g) uncooked long-grain rice
2 cups (480ml) hot chicken stock
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
1/2 tsp dried dill

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken thighs in half horizontally. In a bowl, combine the chicken with cumin, coriander, paprika, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, turmeric, cardamom, chili flakes, and lemon juice. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Remember to add the sliced onion and crushed garlic between the chicken pieces when flipping to enhance the flavor.
Cook Rice: Stir in the rice to the pan with the chicken and cook for about a minute until it becomes translucent. Then, pour in the hot chicken stock and gently stir to combine all the ingredients.

Simmer and Steam: Allow the mixture to bubble on medium heat without stirring until the stock is absorbed. Once absorbed, cover the pan, turn off the heat, and let it steam for 12 minutes without lifting the lid. This step is crucial for perfectly cooked rice!
Season and Garnish: After 12 minutes, carefully remove the lid, taste the dish, and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Stir in fresh parsley and dill for a burst of freshness.
Serve: Enjoy your Shawarma Chicken and Rice with your favorite sides, such as a fresh salad or warm pita bread.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice

This One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice is versatile and can be served in various ways. For a refreshing contrast, pair it with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon and olive oil. You can also add a dollop of yogurt on top for creaminess, or sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or almonds for an added crunch. For a vegetarian version, consider substituting the chicken with chickpeas and adjusting the cooking time accordingly. The spices will still provide a robust flavor that’s equally satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratios since brown rice takes longer to cook.

What if I don’t have all the spices? Don’t worry! You can still make a delicious dish using just a few key spices. Cumin and paprika are essential for that shawarma flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can cook it in advance and reheat it. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Enjoy making this One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice recipe, and feel free to share your experiences and variations in the comments below!

Recipe Stats

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per Serving: 350
Servings: 4