Savory One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Recipe for Beginners

One pot shawarma chicken and rice crafts an ordinary weeknight meal into a culinary adventure.

Aromatic spices dance through tender meat and fluffy grains, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you to bustling street markets.

The magic happens in a single vessel, eliminating multiple dishes and complicated cooking techniques.

Layers of warm, complex seasonings merge seamlessly, promising a comforting and exciting dining experience.

Mediterranean-inspired cooking becomes accessible and approachable, breaking down perceived barriers of exotic cuisine.

Each bite tells a story of bold, harmonious ingredients working together effortlessly.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

• Savor Speedy Shawarma Simplicity: This one-pot wonder delivers authentic Middle Eastern flavors without complex cooking techniques, making gourmet meals accessible for busy home cooks.
• Maximize Mouthwatering Moisture: Juicy chicken thighs cooked with aromatic spices and perfectly steamed rice create a tender, succulent dish that guarantees every bite bursts with incredible taste and richness.
• Nutrition Packed Performance: Balanced macronutrients provide substantial protein (30g), moderate carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making this recipe an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals seeking delicious, wholesome meals.
• Effortless Elegant Entertaining: Single-pan preparation means minimal cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying conversation and less time washing dishes, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.

All the Ingredients for Shawarma Chicken and Rice Bliss

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that provides rich flavor and juiciness to the one-pot dish, best when boneless and skinless for quick and even cooking.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that adds depth and sweetness to the shawarma chicken and rice, with onion providing texture and garlic offering a robust taste.

• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and creating a golden crust on chicken, with a rich flavor that enhances overall dish.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic component that tenderizes chicken and adds a fresh, zesty note to the meal.
• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and additional flavor depth for cooking rice and keeping the dish moist.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Parsley, Dill: Fresh herbs that add color, brightness, and a light herbal finish to the completed dish, offering a clean and vibrant garnish.

• Rice: Absorbs flavors and creates a hearty base for the one-pot meal, becoming tender and flavorful during cooking process.

One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

Slice chicken thighs horizontally to ensure even cooking for better flavor and texture.

Step 2: Season The Chicken

• Shawarma spices
• Lemon juice

Ensure each chicken piece is completely coated with seasoning.

Step 3: Sear The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Stir and cook with chicken to develop deep flavor profile.

Step 5: Incorporate Rice

Add rice to the pan and stir until grains become translucent. Gently pour chicken stock to combine all ingredients smoothly.

Step 6: Simmer The Dish

Reduce heat to low and allow mixture to simmer until liquid is mostly absorbed by rice.

Step 7: Steam The Rice

Cover pan tightly with lid and steam undisturbed for 12 minutes. Do not lift lid during this process.

Step 8: Finish And Garnish

• Parsley
• Dill

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious one-pot meal.

Expert Tips for Flavor-Packed Shawarma Chicken and Rice

• Master Chicken Cutting: Slice thighs horizontally to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent uneven texture.
• Maximize Spice Coating: Thoroughly massage marinade into chicken, ensuring every piece absorbs maximum flavor before cooking.
• Control Pan Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown chicken without burning spices or meat.
• Perfect Rice Absorption: Stir rice until translucent before adding stock, which helps grains separate and prevents clumping.
• Steam with Precision: Keep lid tightly sealed during 12-minute steaming process to lock in moisture and create fluffy, tender rice.

How to Store and Reheat Shawarma Chicken and Rice Easily

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover shawarma chicken and rice into an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish separate from other foods to maintain its fresh flavor and prevent cross-contamination.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent rice from sticking and break up any clumps.

Side Dishes That Go Great with Shawarma Chicken and Rice

• Pair with Zesty Mediterranean Salad: Combine crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and a tangy feta cheese to complement the rich, spiced chicken and provide a fresh contrast.
• Match with Cooling Tzatziki Sauce: Blend Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, and a splash of lemon juice to create a creamy dip that balances the warm, aromatic flavors of the shawarma chicken.
• Serve with Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled Assyrtiko from Greece or a Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the dish's richness and enhance the lemony, herbal notes of the chicken and rice.
• Complete with Warm Pita Bread: Lightly toast soft pita rounds to scoop up the flavorful rice and chicken, adding a perfect textural element to the meal.

Tasty Variations of One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Swap chicken thighs with ground lamb, keeping the same spice profile but adding mint leaves for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas and mixed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, maintaining the same cooking technique and spice blend for a plant-based alternative.
• Seafood Mediterranean Edition: Use large shrimp or white fish fillets instead of chicken, reducing cooking time and adjusting seasoning to complement seafood's delicate texture while preserving the original one-pot method.
• Spicy Moroccan Style: Incorporate harissa paste into the spice mix, add preserved lemons, and include extra cumin and paprika to create a more intense North African flavor profile with a subtle heat kick.

One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Shawarma Chicken and Rice delivers Middle Eastern comfort on a single plate. Fragrant spices, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned rice combine for a quick family meal that transports diners straight to the bustling streets of Lebanon.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (600 grams/21 ounces)

Grains and Liquids:

• 180 grams uncooked long grain rice
• 2 cups chicken stock (hot)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.75 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 0.25 teaspoon chili flakes (red pepper flakes)
• 1 medium onion, halved and finely sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon dried dill

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken thighs horizontally to create uniform pieces, promoting even cooking and consistent flavor absorption.
2. Create a robust marinade by combining aromatic spices and fresh lemon juice, thoroughly coating each chicken piece to enhance taste profiles.
3. Preheat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, carefully positioning seasoned chicken to develop a rich golden-brown exterior.
4. Introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic into the pan, allowing them to caramelize alongside the sizzling chicken and release their fragrant essence.
5. Once chicken reaches optimal doneness, gently fold uncooked rice into the skillet, stirring until grains become translucent and slightly toasted.
6. Delicately pour warm chicken stock (473 milliliters or 16 fluid ounces) into the pan, ensuring even distribution and integration of ingredients.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the mixture to simmer quietly for 15-18 minutes without disturbing the cooking process.
8. After cooking, let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow residual moisture to redistribute throughout the rice and chicken.
9. Uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and dill, creating a vibrant and aromatic presentation before serving warm.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in advance to deepen flavor profiles and tenderize meat completely.
• Slice thighs horizontally to guarantee uniform cooking and faster preparation time.
• Select boneless chicken thighs for richer taste and more succulent texture throughout the dish.
• Skip complicated kitchen tools by using one pan for streamlined cooking process and minimal cleanup.
• Customize spice blend with extra ground cumin or smoked paprika for personalized shawarma experience.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro transform final presentation with bright, fresh garnish moments before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 508 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 754 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg