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One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

A delightful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy basmati rice, infused with rich shawarma spices, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 560 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Shawarma Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs Organic, free-range is recommended.
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Rice

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cups basmati rice Rinsed until water runs clear.
  • 3.5 cups chicken broth

For the Sauce and Garnish

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly.
  • Add the boneless chicken thighs to the spice mixture, ensuring they are coated well. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.

Cooking

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and sear for about 4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for around 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  • Add the basmati rice to the skillet with onions and stir well for about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in 3.5 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
  • After 10 minutes, return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice. Cover again and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for about 5 minutes before fluffing the rice gently with a fork.

Serving

  • In a small bowl, combine plain yogurt and lemon juice. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and rice when serving and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley.

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Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas or vegetables. Adjust spices to your taste. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Keyword Chicken Rice, Comfort Food, One Pot Meal, Quick Dinner, Shawarma