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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

This one-pot chicken shawarma rice recipe is the perfect solution for when you are craving the bold and aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern food truck. 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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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: one pot, shawarma
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 604kcal
Author: Lola Jay

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs 4-5 chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper

Rice

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

White Sauce

  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup Kewpie mayo I like the taste of this brand
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove grated
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon sumac
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Mediterranean Salad

  • ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper
  • 2 large tomatoes diced
  • 3 Persian cucumbers diced
  • cup red onion diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon dried mint
  • 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • ½ teaspoon 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.

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.
  • Turn the heat to medium and add the diced onions and garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

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.

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.

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

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 604kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 869mg | Potassium: 537mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 556IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 3mg