One pot shawarma chicken and rice is an incredible ultimate recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is savory, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying. It’s healthy, family-friendly, and full of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Make it today, and you’ll see why it’s a new favorite!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This one pot shawarma chicken and rice
Effortless Cooking Experience
Cooking shouldn’t be a chore; it should be a joy! This one pot shawarma chicken and rice recipe simplifies your meal prep. With just a single pot, you’ll enjoy minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
Each bite of this dish is a burst of flavors. The shawarma spices blend beautifully with juicy chicken and fluffy rice. The combination creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.
Quick Preparation and Cooking Time
This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes. With the prep taking only 15 minutes, you can have dinner ready in no time. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you need something delicious and fast.
Meal Prep Friendly
This dish is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch at once, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it throughout the week. Each serving reheats beautifully, making your life easier.
Family-Friendly and Customizable
Kids and adults alike will love this meal. The recipe is also easily customizable. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice levels to suit your family’s taste.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Total Time Overview
This one pot shawarma chicken and rice takes a total of 45 minutes from start to finish. Quick, easy, and wonderfully satisfying!
Preparation Time
The preparation time is just 15 minutes. This includes marinating the chicken and chopping your vegetables.
Cooking Time
Once prepped, the cooking time is about 30 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together!
Ingredients
Chicken
Use 1 ½ lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness. The thighs keep the dish juicy and succulent.
Rice
For this recipe, you’ll need 2 cups of rinsed basmati rice. This long-grain rice cooks perfectly and absorbs the delicious shawarma flavors.
Vegetables and Aromatics
You’ll need one large onion, thinly sliced, and 4 cloves of minced garlic. They add a wonderful aroma and depth to the dish.
Spices and Seasonings
The magic comes from the shawarma spice blend, ground cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. These spices create an aromatic experience that warms the soul.
Broth and Garnishes
Use 3 cups of chicken broth for a flavorful base, and don’t forget fresh parsley and lemon wedges to serve. They add brightness and freshness to every bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
Start by mixing the chicken thighs with the shawarma spice blend, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or even up to 2 hours for a flavor boost.
Sautéing Onions and Garlic
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onions until golden brown, about 5 minutes, and then add the minced garlic for another minute.
Cooking the Chicken
Incorporate the marinated chicken thighs into the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they’re browned on all sides. The enticing aroma will fill your kitchen!
Adding Rice and Broth
Next, mix in the rinsed basmati rice, ensuring it combines well with the chicken and spices. Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Simmering to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb flavors and become tender.
Fluffing and Serving
After cooking, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for a fresh kick!
How to Serve
Presentation Tips
Serve the dish in a large bowl, allowing its beautiful colors to shine. A sprinkle of parsley adds a lovely touch.
Garnishing Ideas
Enhance the dish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture. You can also add a dollop of yogurt for creaminess.
Side Pairings for a Complete Meal
Pair this dish with a side salad or some roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal. A refreshing cucumber salad would be perfect!
Additional Tips
Using Fresh Spices
For optimal flavor, use freshly ground spices instead of pre-packaged ones. They elevate the taste of the entire dish.
Monitoring Liquid Levels
Make sure to use the correct amount of chicken broth to avoid undercooked or soggy rice. Adjust the liquid based on your rice type if necessary.
Incorporating Vegetables
Consider adding bell peppers, carrots, or peas for additional nutrition and color. They complement the flavors beautifully.
Adjusting Spice Levels
If you enjoy more heat, feel free to add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. It’s all about your personal preference!
Recipe Variations
Lemon Herb Version
Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a zesty twist. This brightens up the dish wonderfully.
Vegetarian Option
Replace the chicken with chickpeas and add more vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version that still holds the flavor profile.
Spicy Shawarma Twist
For those who love heat, increase the spice blend or add harissa. It’s a delicious way to kick things up a notch!
Coconut Rice Adaptation
Swap chicken broth with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flavor. It adds a delightful sweetness to the dish.
Dried Fruit Addition
Mix in raisins or apricots for a sweet contrast that balances the savory flavors. It’s a delightful surprise!
Freezing and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs About one pot shawarma chicken and rice
How long can chicken shawarma last in the fridge?
Chicken shawarma can last in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
What is one pot of chicken and rice?
One pot of chicken and rice is a single dish that combines chicken, rice, and spices cooked together for a flavorful meal.
How much protein is in one chicken shawarma?
One chicken shawarma typically contains about 30 grams of protein, depending on the size.
How is chicken shawarma served?
Chicken shawarma is often served in pita bread or on a plate with sides like rice, salads, and sauces.
Related Recipes to try
- One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
- Homemade Butter Chicken
- Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
- Sausage and Sweet Potatoes with Honey Garlic Sauce
Conclusion
This one pot shawarma chicken and rice is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings everyone together. If you’re looking for more culinary inspiration, check out my collection on Pinterest. You’ll find countless ideas to keep your dinner table exciting and delicious!

One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups rinsed basmati rice
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken thighs with shawarma spices, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onions until golden brown for about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add marinated chicken thighs to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Mix in the rinsed basmati rice until well combined with the chicken and spices.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, ensuring rice is evenly distributed.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked.
- Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
- Serve hot and enjoy the flavors.