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–+ servings
Delicious grilled chicken over saffron rice with fresh salad, topped with creamy sauce and herbs. Perfect Mediterranean meal.

One-Pot Chicken Shawarma & Rice

Craving the bold and aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern food but don’t want to deal with multiple dishes? This one-pot chicken shawarma and rice recipe is the perfect solution. Packed with warm spices, tender chicken pieces, and fluffy rice, it’s an all-in-one meal that brings the vibrant flavors of shawarma to your dinner table with minimal cleanup.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 3
Calories 592 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Chicken

  • 3 lbs chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper

Rice

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • ½ white or red onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed

White Sauce

  • 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup Kewpie mayo I like the taste of this brand
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove grated
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp sumac
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Mediterranean Salad

  • ¼ tsp salt and pepper
  • 2 large tomatoes diced
  • 3 Persian cucumbers diced
  • ⅓ cup red onion diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp dried mint
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • ½ tsp sumac

Instructions
 

Rice & Marinate the Chicken

  • Wash your rice and soak for 20 minutes.
    Person holding metal bowl with rice soaking in water on a wooden countertop, preparing for cooking in kitchen setting.
  • Slice your chicken thighs into strips. In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic powder, turmeric, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate for 30 minutes or while you prep the other ingredients.
    Squeezing lime juice over marinated chicken in a bowl on a wooden countertop.

Cook the Chicken

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes undisturbed on each side, until the chicken is golden brown.
    Cooking marinated chicken pieces in a pan for a flavorful dish.
  • Turn the heat to medium and add the diced onions and garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
    Adding chopped onions to a sizzling skillet with seasoned chicken for a flavorful dish.

Prepare the Rice

  • Drain and stir in the basmati rice and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
    Adding basmati rice to a pot of spiced curry chicken on a kitchen counter.
  • Pour in hot chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cook uncovered for 6-7 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
    Pouring broth into a pan with rice and chicken for a flavorful homemade dish.
  • Reduce the heat to medium low, cover with a kitchen cloth and lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
    Person handling a glass pot lid covering a blue towel, demonstrating a cleaning method.

Make the White Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, sumac, turmeric, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
    Whisking creamy batter in glass bowl, close-up; perfect for baking and cooking tutorials.

Prepare the Mediterranean Salad

  • In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, dried mint, chopped parsley, sumac, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is well mixed.
    Plate of spiced rice with chicken and fresh salad being served with a spoon, showcasing a colorful and appetizing meal.

Assemble and Serve

  • Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and top with the cooked chicken thighs. Serve with the Mediterranean salad on the side and drizzle with the white sauce. Garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley if desired.
    Chicken and rice bowl with naan bread, topped with white sauce and a side of fresh salad.

Video

Notes

These nutrition facts are to be used as an estimate. 

Nutrition

Calories: 592kcalCarbohydrates: 110gProtein: 12gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 1274mgPotassium: 431mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 749IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 3mg
Keyword one pot, shawarma
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