I love making One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice when I want bold, aromatic flavors without a sink full of dishes. Tender, spiced chicken cooks together with fragrant rice in one pot, allowing all the Mediterranean-inspired seasonings to blend beautifully. For me, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that feels both vibrant and hearty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how everything cooks in a single pot, which makes cleanup incredibly simple. The rice absorbs all the shawarma spices and chicken juices, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
I also appreciate how filling and balanced this dish is. The protein-rich chicken, warm spices, and fluffy rice come together into a complete meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving to guests when I want something impressive but easy.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Optional garnish: chopped parsley, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, or yogurt sauce
Directions
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I heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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I add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on the outside, about 5–7 minutes. I remove them from the pot and set aside.
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In the same pot, I sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
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I stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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I add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to lightly toast it for about 1–2 minutes.
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I sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat the rice evenly.
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I pour in the chicken broth and return the chicken to the pot.
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I bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
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I let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
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I remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
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I fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in the lemon juice.
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I garnish with parsley, fresh vegetables, or a spoonful of yogurt sauce before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add sliced bell peppers or carrots to the pot for extra vegetables. When I want a spicier version, I include a pinch of cayenne pepper.
If I prefer a richer flavor, I marinate the chicken in the spices and a bit of yogurt for 30 minutes before cooking. I also enjoy topping the finished dish with toasted almonds or a drizzle of tahini sauce.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I warm the rice gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent drying out. I can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each interval for even heating.
If I want to freeze it, I let it cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, I can use either. I find thighs stay slightly juicier, but breasts work well too.
What type of rice works best?
I prefer long-grain rice because it cooks up fluffy and separate.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare it for meal prep since it reheats well.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
I rinse the rice before cooking and keep the heat low once it begins to simmer.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, the base recipe is already dairy-free. I simply skip yogurt-based garnishes if needed.
Conclusion
I find One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice to be a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. The warm spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice create a comforting dish with bold character. Whenever I want something aromatic and filling without extra cleanup, this recipe is always a favorite in my kitchen.
