Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is hearty, aromatic, and made entirely in one pot for easy cleanup. It combines tender chicken, warm spices, and fluffy rice in a balanced, satisfying meal.
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One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice: Bold, Aromatic, and Effortlessly Comforting
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice is a fragrant and flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring spiced chicken cooked together with basmati rice, garlic, and warm shawarma spices for an easy all-in-one meal.
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add rinsed rice and stir to coat with spices.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Turn off heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Do not stir rice while cooking to prevent mushiness.
- Serve with yogurt sauce or fresh salad.
- Use chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless skinless chicken thighs provide tender, flavorful protein.
Basmati rice serves as the aromatic base and absorbs spices beautifully.
Olive oil helps sear the chicken and build flavor.
Onion adds sweetness and depth.
Garlic contributes savory intensity.
Chicken broth provides moisture and enhances flavor.
Ground cumin delivers earthy warmth.
Ground coriander adds citrusy spice notes.
Paprika contributes color and mild smokiness.
Turmeric adds warmth and a golden hue.
Ground cinnamon provides subtle sweetness and complexity.
Salt enhances and balances all flavors.
Black pepper adds gentle heat.
Lemon juice brightens the final dish.
Fresh parsley adds freshness and color as garnish.
Plain yogurt can be served on the side for cooling contrast.
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
Sear the chicken until browned on both sides. Remove temporarily and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté chopped onion until softened, then add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Stir in the basmati rice, allowing it to toast lightly in the spices and oil. Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine.
Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice. Cover and simmer gently until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove from heat and allow to rest briefly. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, with cooking time of 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Variations and Customizations
One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice is highly adaptable. I tested this recipe by adding diced bell peppers and spinach near the end of cooking, which added both color and nutritional value.
For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes. You can substitute chicken breast for thighs, though thighs remain juicier.
To enhance presentation, serve with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a dollop of yogurt sauce. These small adjustments allow flexibility while preserving the dish’s warm, aromatic character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Toast the Rice
Lightly toasting enhances flavor and texture.
Do Not Lift the Lid
Allow rice to steam properly for best results.
Use Thighs for Juiciness
They remain tender during simmering.
Rest Before Serving
Let the dish sit briefly for fluffier rice.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, though cooking time and liquid amount must be adjusted.
Is this dish spicy?
It is warmly spiced rather than hot.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the yogurt garnish.
What sides pair well?
A simple cucumber salad complements it well.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes, it reheats beautifully for meal prep.
How do I prevent mushy rice?
Measure liquid carefully and avoid overcooking.
Conclusion
One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice offers bold spice, tender chicken, and fluffy rice in a single, convenient dish. Rich in aroma and balanced in flavor, it is a dependable meal that delivers both comfort and vibrant character with minimal cleanup.
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