Experience the vibrant taste of One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice! Tender, spiced chicken marries fluffy Basmati in a single pot, making weeknights delicious and easy.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs, diced into 1-inch pieces
Basmati rice: 1.5 cups, rinsed
Chicken broth: 2.5 cups
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Shawarma spice blend: 2 tablespoons
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of the shawarma spice blend, and the lemon juice. Marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon of shawarma spice blend and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir the rinsed basmati rice into the pot, coating it with the spices and onion mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Return the browned chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice and liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time.
Step 5: Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff the chicken and rice with a fork before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
To store leftovers, ensure the dish cools completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to individual portions before microwaving or gently warming on the stovetop to keep the chicken and rice wonderfully moist.
For an authentic touch, serve your Shawarma Rice with a side of creamy plain yogurt or a zesty tahini sauce, and a simple salad of diced cucumbers and tomatoes.
A chef's secret for deeper flavor: marinate the chicken for at least an hour, or even overnight if time allows, to let those delicious shawarma spices truly penetrate every piece.