One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice

Created on December 17th, 2025 at 09:03 am

A Cozy One-Pot Chicken and Rice Dinner

One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice is a cozy dish that captures the essence of warming spices and hearty ingredients. As the aroma fills your kitchen, your senses awaken to the fragrant spices of cumin, cinnamon, and smoked paprika joining forces on tender chicken thighs. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures – the chicken is succulent and juicy, while the basmati rice remains fluffy, creating a beautiful canvas of soft grains dotted with golden specks of spice.

When the pot is finally lifted from the heat, a warm steam escapes, tantalizing your senses with its savory allure. The sight of perfectly cooked rice, colored a golden hue from the spices, nestling among the succulent chicken pieces creates a comforting image that instantly calms the soul. As you gather around the table, the atmosphere transforms; it’s more than just a meal – it’s a gathering filled with joy, laughter, and heartwarming moments.

This dish not only pleases the palate but also warms the spirit, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in. With the simple act of sitting down to shared plates, you invite togetherness, nourishing both body and soul with every comforting bite.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Kitchen Utensils

Having the right kitchen tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Opt for reliable, affordable utensils that support a smooth cooking adventure without overwhelming you. Here are some common utensils you’ll need for this recipe:

• Large pot with a lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

A Taste of Tradition

This One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice recipe holds a special place in my heart. It brings back memories of bustling family gatherings where the air was rich with laughter, and the table overflowed with flavors from around the world. My grandmother often prepared dishes inspired by her travels, and this recipe was a family favorite. She’d bring everyone together, sharing stories and spices while the savory essence of shawarma wafted through the home.

One particular evening, as the sun began to set, she called the family to the kitchen. We gathered around, eagerly awaiting the beautifully seasoned chicken and aromatic rice. As we enjoyed the meal together, conversations flowed effortlessly, and smiles stretched across our faces. The flavors warmed us, and the moments shared forged a strong bond that still lingers today. Now, I find joy in recreating this dish for my own family as a way to honor those cherished memories and create new ones.

The Cooking Experience

As you prepare One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice, you’ll witness a delightful transformation of fresh ingredients. The vibrant colors of chopped onions, sliced garlic, and the rich spices beckon you to begin. Heat the olive oil in your pot; it will shimmer as it warms. As you mix the spices, a fragrant cloud dances through the air, inviting you closer.

Adding the chicken pieces, the sizzle speaks of comfort. As they brown beautifully, you’ll enjoy that satisfying sound that signals flavor is developing. Next, the chopped onions and garlic join the pot, releasing their sweetness into the air, creating a warm embrace around you.

The moment you add the rice, it glistens, ready to soak in all the flavors. Stirring it in coats each grain with spice, transforming it into a masterpiece ready to absorb all the delicious chicken broth. After simmering, when you unveil the dish, the sight is breathtaking – a colorful mosaic of golden rice and tender chicken awaits.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix the cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the spice mix until well-coated.
3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
5. Stir in the rice, ensuring it is well-coated in the spices and oil.
6. Return the chicken to the pot and stir everything to combine.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the pot to a boil.
8. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
9. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes.
10. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley.
11. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness.

Tips & Substitutions

• For a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper.
• If you prefer, chicken breast works as a lean alternative to thighs.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra freshness and color.
• If you don’t have basmati rice, jasmine rice can be a good substitute.
• For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or a mix of roasted vegetables.
• Pair this dish with yogurt or a simple salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Make it your own by customizing the spice blend according to taste.

Storage & Make Ahead

To keep One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice fresh, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently warm it in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to bring back the moisture.

For a quicker meal, prep the rice and spice mix ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in the spices a few hours or a day before cooking for an extra punch of flavor. This dish not only simplifies dinner but also saves you time on busy nights.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?
While brown rice can be used, it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid.

Is this dish spicy?
The heat level is adjustable; simply reduce the cayenne pepper to suit your preference.

Can I use skin-on chicken?
Yes, but removing the skin will yield a lighter dish. Skin-on adds richness.

Thank You for Cooking!

Thank you for joining me in making this One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice! I hope it warms your home and creates joyful moments around the table, just as it has for my family. Save this recipe for quick dinners or cozy gatherings, and feel free to share it with friends. Happy cooking!

Shawarma Chicken and Rice

Roberto

A cozy and fragrant dish featuring tender chicken thighs and fluffy basmati rice infused with warming spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the chicken

• 4 pieces chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust for desired spice level
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the rice

• 1 cup basmati rice Can substitute with jasmine rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

For the aromatics

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced

For garnish and serving

• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped Optional garnish
• 1 lemon cut into wedges For serving

Instructions

 

Cooking the Chicken

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• In a bowl, mix the cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the spice mix until well-coated.
• Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Preparing the Rice

• In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
• Stir in the rice, ensuring it is well-coated in the spices and oil.
• Return the chicken to the pot and stir everything to combine.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring the pot to a boil.

Simmering

• Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes.
• Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley.
• Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or a mix of roasted vegetables. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious for up to three days; freeze it for up to three months.

Keyword Chicken, Comfort Food, One Pot, Rice, Shawarma