One Pot Shawarma Chicken & Rice – Easy & Flavorful Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious, easy-to-make, and wholesome meal, One Pot Shawarma Chicken & Rice is the perfect dish! This Middle Eastern-inspired recipe combines tender, spiced chicken with fragrant rice, all cooked in a single pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients needed
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Tips for the best shawarma flavor
Serving suggestions
Nutritional benefits

By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive guide to making this crowd-pleasing dish at home.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Shawarma Chicken & Rice

✔ Bold, aromatic spices – Traditional shawarma flavors in every bite.
✔ One-pot convenience – Less mess, more flavor.
✔ Perfect for meal prep – Stays fresh and delicious for days.
✔ Family-friendly – A hit with adults and kids alike!

Ingredients for One Pot Shawarma Chicken & Rice

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed dish:

For the Shawarma Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) – thighs are juicier!

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Rice:

• 1.5 cups (300g) basmati rice – rinsed & drained

• 2.5 cups (600ml) chicken broth – for extra flavor

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp shawarma spice mix (or extra paprika/cumin)

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro

• Sliced cucumbers & tomatoes

• Garlic yogurt sauce (mix yogurt, garlic, lemon, salt)

• Pickled turnips or onions

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all spices.

2. Add chicken and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Onions & Rice

1. In the same pot, add onions and sauté until soft (3-4 mins).

2. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Step 4: Combine & Simmer

1. Place the seared chicken on top of the rice.

2. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Rest & Serve

1. Let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes before fluffing the rice.

2. Garnish with fresh herbs, yogurt sauce, and veggies.

Tips for the Best Shawarma Chicken & Rice

 Use thigh meat – Stays juicier than breast.
Don’t skip marinating – More time = more flavor.
Toast the spices – Enhances aroma.
Low and slow cooking – Prevents burnt rice.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a complete meal, but you can pair it with:

• Garlic sauce or tahini drizzle

• Grilled vegetables

• Warm pita bread

• Fattoush salad

Nutritional Benefits (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450

• Protein: 30g

• Carbs: 45g

• Healthy fats: 15g

• Fiber: 3g

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Shawarma Chicken & Rice is a flavor explosion with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, it brings the taste of Middle Eastern street food right to your kitchen.

Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!