There’s something magical about a one-pot meal — the aroma that fills the kitchen, the flavors that deepen as everything cooks together, and the ease of serving up a wholesome dinner with minimal cleanup.
This One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice brings all the exotic warmth of Middle Eastern street food into your home kitchen.
Tender, golden-spiced chicken thighs are seared to perfection, then simmered gently with fragrant basmati rice and aromatic spices — creating a comforting meal that’s rich, colorful, and deeply satisfying. Each bite delivers layers of flavor: smoky paprika, zesty lemon, warm cumin, and the subtle sweetness of onions and garlic.
This dish is the perfect balance of comfort food and culinary adventure — hearty enough for a family dinner yet elegant enough for guests.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 35 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 50 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
🔥 Calories: ~540 kcal per serving
🧂 Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 600 g)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a subtle smoky depth)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (or more for extra heat)
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Rice and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, finely sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 cup (180 g) uncooked long-grain rice or basmati rice
- 2 cups (480 ml) hot chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
💡 Tip: The balance of spices is key. Cumin adds earthiness, coriander lends citrusy brightness, and cardamom gives a touch of warmth that makes the dish irresistibly fragrant.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken – Build the Flavor Base
Start by slicing the chicken thighs horizontally for even cooking.
In a large bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, paprika, smoked paprika, turmeric, cardamom, chili flakes, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well until you have a thick, aromatic paste.
Add the chicken pieces and massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring every piece is well coated.
Let it rest for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the fridge if you have time — this helps the spices penetrate the meat for deeper flavor.
As the chicken marinates, your kitchen will already start smelling amazing — like the bustling shawarma stalls of Beirut or Istanbul.
2️⃣ Sear the Chicken – The Golden Crust
Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and drizzle in a little olive oil.
Once hot, lay in the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer.
Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until the meat develops a golden crust and caramelized edges.
This browning process is where the flavor magic begins — the spices bloom, the meat seals in its juices, and the bottom of the pan collects a treasure trove of flavor fond.
Add the onion slices and crushed garlic between the chicken pieces during the last minute of searing. Let them soften slightly and absorb those delicious cooking juices.
💡 Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — if needed, cook in batches to ensure proper searing instead of steaming.
3️⃣ Toast the Rice – Infuse the Aromas
Once the chicken is golden, stir in the uncooked rice.
Let the rice toast gently for 1 minute, stirring occasionally until it becomes slightly translucent. This step deepens the nutty flavor and helps it absorb the spices better.
You’ll see the rice turning golden and fragrant, infused with oil, onion, and shawarma seasoning — an irresistible foundation for the dish.
4️⃣ Add the Stock – The One-Pot Transformation
Pour in the hot chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the caramelized bits stuck from searing (that’s pure flavor right there!).
Gently stir everything to distribute the rice evenly around the chicken.
Bring it all to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low.
Do not stir again once the rice begins to cook — this ensures fluffy grains that don’t clump together.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
5️⃣ Steam and Rest – The Secret to Fluffiness
After the rice is cooked and tender, turn off the heat but keep the lid on.
Let the dish steam for 10–12 minutes — this final resting phase allows the flavors to settle and the rice to become perfectly fluffy.
During this time, the chicken stays juicy, and the spices continue to mingle, creating a cohesive and aromatic meal.
6️⃣ Garnish and Serve – A Feast for the Senses
Uncover the pot and inhale that intoxicating aroma — smoky, spiced, and comforting all at once.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, taking care not to break the grains.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, a pinch of dried dill, and a final touch of salt and pepper if needed.
💡 Optional: Add a drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce or a spoon of tahini dressing for creaminess and contrast.
Serve immediately, either straight from the pot family-style or plated with fresh lemon wedges on the side for brightness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can take it to the next level with simple, complementary sides:
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
- Garlic Yogurt Sauce or Tzatziki: Creamy, tangy, and cooling.
- Warm Pita Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last grain of rice.
- Pickled Onions or Olives: Add a briny, sharp note to balance the richness.
💡 Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead — you’ll still get that same shawarma-style warmth and aroma.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerate: Keeps well in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Store for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
- Meal Prep Idea: Divide into individual portions — this reheats beautifully for work lunches.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Perfectly spiced — warm, fragrant, and balanced.
- Fluffy, aromatic rice that soaks up all the juices.
- Feels like a takeout favorite, but made at home with love.