The spicy, garlicky scent of One Pot Shawarma Chicken bubbling on the stove? Takes me straight back to summer nights with windows open and music playing low. This easy dinner is all over Pinterest and TikTok—cozy, crave-y, fuss-free. If you’ve got 10 minutes and one pot, you’re in. It sizzles, it simmers, and wow, that cinnamon-sweet cumin hit—pure comfort.
It’s a cozy one pot chicken rice dish that warms the soul. Chicken thighs, fragrant spices, and jasmine rice—stuff you already got. Like mom’s casserole, but with a passport stamp. Full details in the blog!
We first cooked up something like this in our tiny overseas kitchen, my mom teaching with her wooden spoon. Took me a few tries to get it just right—had to rework the rice twice. I keep it real—no fancy tools. The spice blend? I tweaked it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice is weeknight magic at its best. Bold Middle Eastern spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon create deep, comforting flavors, while everything cooks together in one pan (hello, easy cleanup!). With tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice, it’s a dish that feels both practical and a little fancy. Bonus: It’s on the table in under an hour. Cozy, nostalgic, and oh-so satisfying!
The Ingredients That Make It Shine
The secret to this dish? Everyday ingredients that transform into something extraordinary. Chicken thighs are the hero here—juicy, flavorful, and practically foolproof. Add in basmati rice, which is perfect for soaking up that spice-packed broth without turning mushy. Speaking of spices, the shawarma blend, cumin, and warm cinnamon do the heavy lifting, while fresh garlic and onion tie it all together. Don’t forget a sprinkle of parsley and a squeeze of lemon at the end—they bring everything to life.

Ingredient | Why It Works |
---|---|
Chicken Thighs | Stay tender and juicy during cooking. |
Basmati Rice | Light and fluffy; absorbs bold spices easily. |
Shawarma Spice Blend | Layers of bold, fragrant Middle Eastern flavor. |
A Step-by-Step Guide from My Kitchen
First, sear the seasoned chicken thighs in olive oil until golden on both sides—this locks in flavor and gives the dish a rich base. Set them aside, then sauté sliced onions and garlic in the same pot until soft and aromatic. Sprinkle in the shawarma spice blend, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, giving everything a warm, toasty vibe.
Add the rinsed basmati rice, stirring to coat it in the spices for maximum flavor. Pour in the chicken broth, nestle the chicken back into the pot, and let it all simmer gently. Pro Tip: Keep the heat low so the rice cooks evenly, and avoid peeking too often! Once the liquid is absorbed, let the pot rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
Step | Cook Times | Tips |
---|---|---|
Sear Chicken | 5–8 minutes | Don’t crowd the pan for a good crust. |
Simmer | 15–20 minutes | Keep heat low to avoid burning the rice. |
Rest | 5 minutes | Letting it rest helps the rice finish cooking perfectly. |
Customizing Your Shawarma Bowl
You can easily make this dish your own by pairing it with fresh, vibrant toppings. A handful of chopped cucumbers, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of tzatziki adds a lovely contrast to the warm spices. Want to switch things up? Use jasmine rice instead of basmati, or swap the chicken for chickpeas for a vegetarian twist—just adjust the cooking time so the legumes don’t overcook.
Looking to serve it family-style? Pile it onto a platter, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for everyone to squeeze over their portions. It’s a one-pot meal with endless possibilities!
Storing, Reheating, and Serving Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store the shawarma chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll keep for up to 3 days. When reheating: Add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring the moisture back, and gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
This dish is also fantastic for meal prep. Divide it into portions and pair with a side of mixed greens or even wrap it in naan for a portable option. Whatever you do, don’t skip the parsley garnish and lemon wedges—they brighten up every bite, even the next day!
Expert Says: The Appeal of One Pot Shawarma Chicken
One Pot Shawarma Chicken streamlines the classic Middle Eastern flavors into a convenient cooking method without sacrificing depth. Using a single pot allows spices to meld beautifully, concentrating the aromas and creating tender, juicy chicken with minimal cleanup—a smart choice for weeknight dinners.
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The Joy of Perfecting One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice
After several kitchen experiments—some too spicy, others a bit dry—I finally nailed my One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice. Each attempt was a lesson in balance and patience, and this recipe now holds the warmth of family dinners and the flavors I’ve gathered over years of cooking and tasting.
FAQs ( One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe )
How long does it take to make One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice?
This recipe usually takes about 40 to 50 minutes from start to finish. It includes prepping the chicken, marinating it with shawarma spices, and then cooking everything together in one pot so the flavors meld beautifully. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful dinner!
Can I use basmati rice or should I stick to long grain?
You can definitely use basmati rice for this dish! Basmati’s fragrant aroma and fluffy texture complement the shawarma spices wonderfully. Just make sure to rinse the rice well before cooking to avoid it being too sticky.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free spices and broth. Always double-check your spice blends to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Prepare it in advance and enjoy quick lunches or dinners during the week. Just reheat it gently on the stove or microwave to keep the chicken juicy and the rice fluffy.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Shawarma Chicken And Rice?
Great side dishes include fresh cucumber-tomato salad, garlic sauce, or a simple tzatziki dip. You can also add some roasted vegetables or warm pita bread to round out the meal and enhance those delicious shawarma flavors.
Wrapping Up Your One Pot Shawarma Chicken Adventure
One Pot Shawarma Chicken brings bold, comforting flavors to your kitchen without fuss. In under an hour, you’ll have tender chicken and fragrant rice that tastes like a warm hug after a long day. Trust me, you’ll wanna make this one again and again.
Feel free to swap chicken thighs for chickpeas or add fresh veggies on top—cucumbers and tzatziki are a winner. Leftovers warm up like a dream, especially with a splash of broth. A little kitchen trick I’ve learned: resting the pot really seals the magic in.
Got your own twist or memories tied to shawarma? Share your photos and stories below! This recipe is more than a meal—it’s a thread in our homemade family table. Pass it on, enjoy every bite, and keep cooking with heart.
PrintOne Pot Shawarma Chicken
A flavorful and easy one pot shawarma chicken and rice recipe perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. Packed with spices and tender chicken, it’s a complete meal in a single pot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 2 cups basmati rice rinsed
- 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
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced onion and garlic sauté until soft.
- Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in shawarma spice blend cumin paprika and cinnamon cooking for 2 minutes.
- Add rinsed basmati rice and chicken broth bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked and chicken is tender.
- Remove from heat let rest covered for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor marinate the chicken in shawarma spices for 1 hour before cooking
- Adjust spice level to taste
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg