Description
One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, hearty Middle Eastern-inspired dish that combines aromatic spices with tender chicken thighs and perfectly cooked long-grain rice. This fuss-free recipe cooks everything together in a single pot for an easy, flavorful, and colorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 500g skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed well
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend (natural) – includes cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander
Liquids & Condiments
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken and Spices: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and thoroughly mix them with the shawarma spice blend (natural), minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Ensure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Sauté Onions and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the spiced chicken pieces and gently brown them, locking in juices and building a rich base.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Liquids: Stir in the tomato paste (natural), apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and additional garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any flavorful browned bits.
- Add Rice and Simmer: Pour rinsed rice into the pot and gently stir to combine all ingredients. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let simmer until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the flavorful liquids, and the chicken is tender, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Final Touches: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for a deeper flavor but increase cooking time accordingly.
- Toast the shawarma spice blend lightly in the pot before adding liquids to enhance aroma.
- Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.
- Keep the pot covered during simmering to steam the rice perfectly without losing moisture.
- Allow the dish to rest off heat for a few minutes post cooking to let flavors meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: shawarma chicken, one pot meal, middle eastern chicken rice, easy dinner, spiced chicken rice
