Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice in a pot with garnish

One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One Pot
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A flavorful and comforting one-pot dish featuring marinated chicken thighs cooked with aromatic basmati rice, perfect for a hearty weeknight meal or meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 1.5 lbs (about 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs), cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • For the Rice:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1.5 cups long-grain basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional Garnish:
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Sliced almonds or pine nuts, toasted
  • Yogurt sauce or tahini drizzle
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, garlic, spices, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add the chicken strips and coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot with the sautéed onions. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes to coat the grains with the aromatic oil. Add the turmeric and a pinch of salt.

5. Pour in the broth or water. Bring to a gentle boil, then return the seared chicken strips to the pot, nestling them into the rice.

6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid opening the lid during cooking.

7. Turn off the heat and let the pot rest, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork and mix in the chicken.


Notes

Soak your rice: This reduces cooking time and helps achieve fluffier grains.

Use chicken thighs: They stay juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast.

Don’t skip the marinade: Even a short marination makes a big difference.

Customize the toppings: Add a drizzle of tahini, a scoop of garlic sauce, or a side of cucumber yogurt salad.

Serve this dish warm with:

A dollop of garlic yogurt or labneh

A simple chopped cucumber and tomato salad

Pickled turnips or red onions

Warm pita bread

This recipe also packs beautifully for meal prep and makes amazing leftovers.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg