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One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice

One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice for Flavorful Weeknight Dinners

One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice is a delightful dish that combines juicy marinated chicken with fluffy basmati rice, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt Tenderizes chicken and adds creaminess.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced, for robust flavor.
  • 1 pound Chicken strips Can be swapped for boneless thighs.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin For the iconic shawarma flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Part of the spice blend.
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Contributes to flavor and color.
  • to taste Salt Essential for flavor enhancement.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for flavor enhancement.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice Brightens the dish.
For the Rice
  • 1 cup Basmati rice Base of the dish.
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow or white is best.
  • 2 cups Broth or Water Chicken or vegetable broth is preferred.

Equipment

  • heavy-bottomed pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, stirring well to create a smooth marinade. Add the chicken strips and coat them thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and drizzle in a bit of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken strips and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are beautifully browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
  4. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the drained rice to the pot, stirring for 1-2 minutes until the rice is well coated and slightly toasted. Sprinkle in turmeric and a pinch of salt.
  5. Pour in the broth, ensuring the rice is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then return the seared chicken to the pot, nestling it among the rice. Cover and let simmer for 18-20 minutes.
  6. After cooking, turn off the heat and let sit covered for an additional 5-10 minutes. Gently fluff the rice with a fork and mix in the chicken before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For extra nutrition, add frozen peas or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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