The aroma wafted through the kitchen, instantly transporting me to a bustling market in the heart of the Middle East. In making this One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice, I realized how simple yet extraordinary homemade meals can be. This dish combines tender, spice-rubbed chicken with fragrant basmati rice, creating a comforting centerpiece for any family gathering or busy weeknight dinner. What I love most is its one-pot convenience—less cleanup means more time to savor the flavors. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce rich Mediterranean flavors into your weekly meal rotation without breaking a sweat. Have you ever tried a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious? You can easily adapt it to suit your taste! Why is One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice a Must-Try? Convenience at its Finest: This dish is a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze without sacrificing flavor. Irresistibly Flavorful: The vibrant combination of spices infuses the chicken and rice with that authentic Middle Eastern taste that your family will love. Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you stick with classic chicken or swap in shrimp or chickpeas, this recipe fits any dietary preference. Family-Friendly Delight: It’s a surefire hit at the dinner table, sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. For more comforting options, don’t miss our One Pot Chicken or Smothered Chicken Rice recipes! Time-Saving Meal: Whip this together in under an hour for a delicious home-cooked meal that’s perfect for busy nights! One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice Ingredients For the Chicken Marinade • Chicken – Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for the best results. • Yogurt – Acts as a tenderizer; dairy-free yogurt works too! • Olive Oil – Adds richness; avocado oil can be a great substitute. • Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses flavor; garlic powder can work in a pinch. • Spices – Cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper create that classic shawarma flavor—adjust for your heat preference. • Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish; vinegar is a good alternative if lemon isn’t available. For the Rice • Onion – Provides sweetness; shallots can deliver a milder flavor. • Basmati Rice – The heart of the dish; can swap with brown rice, just adjust cooking time. • Broth/Water – Adds flavor; chicken broth enriches while vegetable broth suits vegetarians. This One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice recipe is not only convenience at its finest but also puts a delightful spin on your family dining! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice Step 1: Marinate Chicken In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to create a marinade. Add in the chicken pieces, making sure they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor and tenderness. Step 2: Sear Chicken Heat a heavy pot over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, sear the marinated chicken for about 2–3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked halfway through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. This step helps to develop a rich color and flavor that will enhance your One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice. Step 3: Sauté Aromatics In the same pot, if needed, add a bit more olive oil and reduce heat to medium. Sauté chopped onions for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, add in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning, amplifying the aromatic profile of your One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice. Step 4: Prepare Rice Rinse and drain the soaked basmati rice before adding it to the pot. Stir the rice into the aromatic mixture and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the oils and spices. This step is essential to ensure each grain is infused with flavor, setting the stage for your delicious One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice. Step 5: Simmer Pour in broth or water, ensuring it fully covers the rice. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, carefully return the seared chicken to the pot, cover tightly with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer undisturbed for 18–20 minutes, allowing the rice and chicken to meld beautifully together. Step 6: Rest and Fluff After the cooking time is up, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5–10 minutes with the lid on. This resting period allows the flavors to set. When ready, gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the chicken, and revealing the aromatic goodness of your One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice. Make Ahead Options These One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice dish is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, you can sauté the onions and garlic and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to serve, simply reheat the sautéed aromatics, add in the rice and broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. After returning the marinated chicken to the pot, cover and simmer as normal. This way, your One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice will turn out just as delicious, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! Expert Tips for One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice Marination Matters: Ensure you marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible, to maximize flavor and tenderness in your One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice. Don’t Lift the Lid: It’s crucial not to lift the lid while the rice simmers. This maintains steam for perfectly cooked rice, avoiding undercooked or unevenly textured grains. Soak Your Rice: Take the time to soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes prior to cooking; this helps achieve a fluffy texture that’s essential for this dish. Searing Is Key: Don’t rush the searing step. Cook the chicken until golden brown, as this adds depth of flavor and enhances your One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice. Adjust Cooking Times: If using thicker chicken pieces or different proteins, adjust the searing and cooking times to ensure everything is cooked properly without drying out. How to Store and Freeze One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice in individual portions. It will keep well for up to 3 months—just label the containers! Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture. Avoid Waste: Don’t let the deliciousness go to waste! This meal is perfect for meal prep, so consider making a double batch next time. What to Serve with One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice Pairing delicious sides with this comforting dish creates a well-rounded meal that your family will adore. Creamy Hummus: A smooth and rich dip that adds a delightful, nutty contrast, perfect for scooping with warm pita. Tabbouleh Salad: This refreshing herb salad, bursting with tomatoes and mint, complements the spices in the rice beautifully. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned with olive oil and herbs, they add a lovely roasted flavor that balances the dish’s richness. Yogurt Sauce: A tangy, cool yogurt sauce enhances the shawarma flavors and adds a refreshing element to each bite. Pita Bread: Soft and warm, it’s perfect for wrapping around the flavorful rice and chicken, making each mouthful even more delightful. Pickled Vegetables: Their tartness adds brightness and crunch, cutting through the rich flavors of the chicken shawarma rice. Spiced Lentil Soup: A warm, hearty soup provides extra protein and complements the Middle Eastern theme wonderfully. Mint Lemonade: This refreshing drink with a hint of sweetness is the perfect accompaniment to enhance the flavors of the meal. Baklava: Indulge in a sweet note with this flaky dessert, balancing the savory elements of the dinner in a delicious way. One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice Variations Feel free to explore these delightful twists on your One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice, enhancing flavors and ensuring a meal everyone will love! Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a hearty vegetarian option. You’ll still get that amazing shawarma flavor! Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for those who like a little extra heat. Just a little spice can elevate the whole dish. Quinoa Base: Replace basmati rice with quinoa for a gluten-free version. Quinoa will soak up the delicious flavors beautifully! Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas or diced bell peppers during the sauté stage for added color and nutrition. It freshens up the dish while providing extra texture. Coconut Twist: Use coconut milk instead of broth for a creamy, tropical flavor. This slight change can make your meal feel like an escape to paradise. Lemon Zest Boost: Add some lemon zest at the end for a bright pop of citrus that complements the spices beautifully. Zest is a simple technique that will enhance any recipe! Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving to brighten the dish with freshness. It transforms your meal into something spectacular! Sweeten the Deal: Toss in raisins or dried apricots for a sweet contrast to the savory spices. This unexpected twist brings an exciting new dimension to the dish. If you’re looking for more comforting chicken ideas, try our Caribbean Chicken Rice or Corn Chicken Rice recipes! One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use for One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice? I recommend using boneless chicken thighs or breasts for the best results. Thighs tend to remain juicier during cooking, while breasts are a leaner option. Either way, you’ll get deliciously tender and flavorful chicken in your dish! How should I store the leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing to maintain its freshness and deliciousness. Gentle reheating will help bring back the flavors beautifully. Can I freeze One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice? Absolutely! To freeze, portion the rice into airtight containers, ensuring they’re labeled with the date. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth to restore its moisture. What should I do if my rice turns out mushy? If your rice ends up mushy, it may have been overcooked or used too much liquid. For future attempts, ensure you measure both the rice and liquid accurately and resist the temptation to lift the lid while simmering. Both will help keep your rice fluffy and perfectly textured. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Yes! This dish contains dairy from yogurt, which may be a concern for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. You can easily substitute with dairy-free yogurt. If you’re making it for children or pets, take care with the spices, as they may be too intense for them. Always consult with your vet if you’re unsure about any ingredients for your furry friends! Can I add more vegetables to this recipe? Very much so! You can incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas during the sautéing stage. Simply chop them and sauté them along with the onions for a nutritional boost and colorful presentation. This versatility makes the One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice enjoyable for everyone at the table! One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice: A Flavorful Family Feast One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice is a simple yet extraordinary dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant basmati rice, perfect for family gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: Middle EasternCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken Marinade1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts Use thighs for juiciness.1/2 cup yogurt Dairy-free yogurt optional.3 tbsp olive oil Avocado oil can be substituted.3 cloves garlic Minced; garlic powder can be used.1 tbsp cumin1 tbsp paprika1 tbsp turmeric1 tsp salt1/2 tsp pepper Adjust for heat preference.2 tbsp lemon juice Vinegar is a substitute.For the Rice1 medium onion Chopped; shallots for milder flavor.1.5 cups basmati rice Brown rice is an alternate, adjust cooking time.3 cups broth or water Chicken broth preferred, vegetable broth for vegetarian options. Equipment large bowlheavy potspatulameasuring cupsmeasuring spoons Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to create a marinade. Add in the chicken pieces, making sure they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor and tenderness.Heat a heavy pot over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, sear the marinated chicken for about 2–3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked halfway through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.In the same pot, if needed, add a bit more olive oil and reduce heat to medium. Sauté chopped onions for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, add in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.Rinse and drain the soaked basmati rice before adding it to the pot. Stir the rice into the aromatic mixture and cook for 1–2 minutes.Pour in broth or water, ensuring it fully covers the rice. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, return the seared chicken to the pot, cover tightly with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer undisturbed for 18–20 minutes.After the cooking time is up, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5–10 minutes with the lid on. Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the chicken. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesMarinating the chicken enhances the flavor. Do not lift the lid while the rice cooks for best results. Soaking the rice is important for texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
