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One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 113 reviews

This One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and easy meal combining succulent chicken thighs marinated in a warm blend of shawarma spices with fragrant basmati rice cooked together in one pot. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner that delivers Middle Eastern inspired flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Spice Blend

  • 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Rice and Aromatics

  • 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Garnishes

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the shawarma spice blend, ground cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well ensuring all pieces are evenly coated with the spices. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken thighs to the pot with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through.
  4. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rinsed basmati rice evenly into the pot with the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and gently stir to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Simmer to Cook Rice and Chicken: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let everything simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  6. Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

  • Rinsing the basmati rice thoroughly before cooking removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy, separate grains.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts but cooking time might vary slightly.
  • Adjust the shawarma spice blend to your preference for heat and flavor intensity.
  • Keeping the lid on while simmering is essential to cook the rice properly and maintain moisture.
  • For a gluten-free version, verify that the shawarma spice blend is gluten-free.

Keywords: One Pot Chicken Shawarma, Shawarma Chicken and Rice, Middle Eastern Chicken Recipe, Easy One Pot Meals

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/one-pot-shawarma-chicken-and-rice-recipe/