When the sun sets and the aroma of spices begins to fill the kitchen, you know it’s time for something special. I recently stumbled upon a delightful recipe that instantly transported me to the bustling streets of the Middle East: One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice. Imagine tender marinated chicken thighs, aromatic basmati rice, and wholesome chickpeas, all harmoniously cooked in one pot—minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.

As the warm, toasty spices of cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika dance together, this dish not only nourishes the body but also the soul. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe promises to impress without the fuss. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together and discover just how easy it can be to create an exotic, flavor-packed meal at home!

Why will you love One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice?

Simplicity at Its Best: The one-pot method means minimal effort and cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.

Flavor Explosion: Each bite is packed with the earthy warmth of cumin and coriander, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Persuasive Presentation: Fluffy basmati rice perfectly complements tender chicken and vibrant chickpeas, making it as pleasing to the eyes as to the palate.

Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is ideal for every occasion—family dinners, potlucks, or even a casual date night, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

Beginner-Friendly: With no advanced cooking skills required, even novice chefs will impress their guests with this delightful meal!

Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and store leftovers for easy reheating—perfect for busy days. Enjoy the additional tips for a flavorful experience!

One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade
• Chicken Thighs – Juicy texture and flavorful; ideal for absorbing marinade. Substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option, adjusting cooking times to prevent dryness.
• Olive Oil – Used for browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics. Can replace with vegetable oil for a neutral flavor.
• Ground Cumin – Essential for the shawarma flavor; provides earthy notes.
• Ground Coriander – Offers citrusy sweetness; balances deep flavors.
• Smoked Paprika – Adds smokiness and color; enhances visual appeal.
• Ground Turmeric – Boosts color and adds mild peppery flavor; contributes to nutrition.
• Ground Cinnamon – Introduces mild sweetness; balances spice.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Enhance all flavors; essential seasonings for dishes.

For the Rice and Main Dish
• Basmati Rice – Provides a fluffy texture; soaks up the broth beautifully.
• Chicken Broth – Provides umami-rich moisture for cooking the rice; necessary for flavor absorption.
• Chickpeas – Adds protein and texture; enhances the heartiness of the dish.
• Onion – Adds a sweet-savory base that melts into the rice.
• Garlic – Infuses the dish with warmth; adds depth to the overall flavor profile.

For Garnish
• Fresh Parsley – Bright finish that cuts through warm spices; adds freshness.
• Lemon Juice – Provides acidity and freshness that lifts the dish.
• Optional Garnishes – Lemon wedges and plain yogurt for extra tanginess and creaminess.

With these ingredients in your pantry, you’re all set to create a delightful One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice that everyone will rave about!

How to Make One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken thighs with ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor absorption.
Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown them on both sides for about 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden color. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Toast Rice: Add rinsed basmati rice to the pot, stirring for 1-2 minutes. This helps to toast the rice and elevate its flavor profile.
Add Broth and Chickpeas: Pour in chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle boil. Stir in chickpeas, then nestle the browned chicken on top of the rice.
Simmer Together: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
Rest the Dish: Turn off the heat and let the pot sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Garnish and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, then finish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright touch. Serve warm and enjoy!

Optional: Serve with lemon wedges and a dollop of plain yogurt for extra creaminess.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld together.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

Make-Ahead: Prepare the dish ahead of time and store it; it makes for a quick, flavorful meal on busy days!

One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Variations

Feel free to get creative with this delicious recipe—your culinary journey awaits!

Vegetarian Delight: Substitute chicken thighs with tofu or seitan for a plant-based version, marinating them in the same spice blend for full flavor.
Broth Swap: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a comforting vegetarian-friendly dish that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Different Rice: Swap basmati rice for jasmine or short-grain rice; just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed for perfect texture.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist that’ll awaken your taste buds and bring heat to every bite.
Nutty Flavor: Stir in toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds just before serving for a delightful crunch that enhances both flavor and texture.
Herb Infusion: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like mint or cilantro to give the dish a refreshing, aromatic lift and vibrant color.
Creamy Addition: Add a dollop of coconut yogurt or Greek yogurt just before serving for a creamy finish that balances out the spices beautifully.
Sweet Touch: Toss in dried fruits like apricots or raisins during cooking for a lovely burst of sweetness that complements the savory flavors perfectly.

With these variations, you can experiment and add your unique touch to the One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice, making it truly your own!

What to Serve with One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice?

Looking to create a stunning dining experience that complements the delicious warmth of this dish?

Refreshing Tabbouleh Salad: This herb-packed salad brings a zesty contrast to the spiced chicken, brightening each bite with fresh parsley and tomatoes.
Creamy Hummus: Serve some smooth, chickpea hummus on the side for a dip. It enhances the meal’s Mediterranean flair and offers a delightful creaminess.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables drizzled with olive oil and spices rounds out the meal, adding both color and additional nutrients.
Pita Bread: Warm, soft pita serves as the perfect vessel for scooping up rice and chicken, adding a comforting texture to every mouthful.
Minted Yogurt Sauce: A cooling yogurt sauce with fresh mint and a hint of lemon juice not only complements the spices but also adds a refreshing tang.
Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon elevates the dish, offering vibrant acidity that enhances the rustic flavors—perfect for those who love a zesty kick.
Mint Tea: Conclude your meal with traditional mint tea. Its fragrant and soothing qualities are the ideal finish after a fulfilling dinner.
Baklava: For dessert, serve this sweet, flaky pastry filled with nuts and honey. It’s a deliciously rich way to embrace Middle Eastern flavors.

Expert Tips for One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

• Rinse Rice: Always rinse basmati rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which will result in fluffier texture after cooking.

• Longer Marination: Marinating the chicken thighs for at least an hour or more will intensify the flavors and tenderness in your One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice.

• Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on the pot while simmering to prevent burning; a low, steady heat ensures even cooking without drying out the rice.

• Seal the Pot: A tight-fitting lid is essential while simmering; it traps moisture and ensures that the chicken remains juicy throughout the cooking process.

• Taste Before Serving: Always taste the dish before serving; adding a touch of salt or an extra squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the flavors significantly.

Make Ahead Options

One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice is ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can marinate the chicken thighs in the spice mixture up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen. Additionally, you can sauté the onions and garlic a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. To maintain the dish’s quality, prepare the rice and chickpeas but cook them fresh for the best texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the prepped ingredients in the pot, add the chicken and broth, and simmer as instructed for a delicious, hassle-free meal that’s just as flavorful as if made on the spot!

One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for shawarma?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are the best choice for this One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice due to their juicy texture and ability to absorb the marinade’s flavors well. If you prefer a leaner option, substituting with chicken breasts is fine, but be cautious of adjusting the cooking time to prevent dryness.

How should I store leftovers of One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, so it’s a perfect option for meal prep!

Can I freeze One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice?
Yes! For long-term storage, freeze the dish in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stove over low heat—adding a splash of chicken broth will help restore moisture.

What should I do if the rice is undercooked?
No worries! If you find that your rice is undercooked after the initial simmering time, add a small amount of additional chicken broth (or water) to the pot, cover it again, and let it simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes, checking frequently. This will help the rice absorb more liquid and finish cooking to perfection.

Is this recipe suitable for people with food allergies?
Certainly! Just be mindful of any allergies among your guests. This One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice can easily be adjusted; for example, if someone has a legume allergy, you can simply omit the chickpeas without compromising the dish too much. Always check ingredient labels for allergens, especially in pre-packaged items like chicken broth.