Description
This One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice is a bold, aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired dish packed with warm spices, tender marinated chicken, and fluffy basmati rice. Everything cooks together in one pot for an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs 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 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
- Toasted sliced almonds or pine nuts
- Yogurt sauce or tahini drizzle
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken with yogurt, olive oil, garlic, spices, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and sear marinated chicken until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add olive oil, chopped onion, and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add rinsed basmati rice and turmeric. Stir for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
- Pour in chicken broth and season with salt. Stir well.
- Return chicken to the pot, spreading it evenly over the rice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Turn off heat and let rest for 5–10 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
- Garnish with parsley, toasted nuts, and yogurt or tahini sauce before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor significantly.
- Do not stir rice while cooking to avoid mushiness.
- Add raisins or chickpeas for variation.
- Serve with cucumber salad for a fresh side.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern