One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice: An Effortless Weeknight Meal

One night a few years ago, I was craving something comforting but also a little exotic. I rummaged through my pantry and fridge, and an idea for One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice started to come together. I knew I had all the essentials – chicken, aromatic spices, rice, and some veggies. What could be better than a one-pot meal that combined the flavors of smoky, savory shawarma with the simplicity of a rice dish?

I got to work, searing the chicken, blooming the spices, and layering everything into my trusty Dutch oven. As the aromas started to fill my kitchen, I couldn’t wait to dig in. When the timer went off and I opened the lid, I was greeted with the most perfectly cooked, fluffy rice studded with tender, juicy bites of One Pot Shawarma Chicken. It was love at first bite! Since that night, this dish has become a staple in my dinner rotation – it’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve to company.

Why This One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The secret behind this perfect One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice lies in the blend of warming spices and the technique of cooking everything together in one pot. By searing the chicken first to develop a nice crust, then nestling it into the rice along with aromatics like onion and garlic, you end up with unbelievably flavorful and moist chicken that infuses the entire dish. The rice cooks up light and fluffy, almost like it was steamed, thanks to the chicken juices and spices. It’s a complete meal in one pot that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

The Secret Behind Perfect One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice

What makes this One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice recipe so special is the unique blend of Middle Eastern-inspired spices. We’re talking aromatic cumin, earthy coriander, smoky paprika, and a hint of cinnamon and cloves. These spices come together to create the signature flavor of shawarma, that beloved street food that’s slowly roasted on a spit. By incorporating those same spices into this one-pot dish, you get all the comforting, complex flavors without the hours of prep work.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

– Chicken thighs – Bone-in, skin-on for the most flavor and juiciness.
– Basmati rice – Its long, slender grains are perfect for soaking up all the delicious cooking liquid.
– Onion – Finely diced to create a fragrant base.
– Garlic – Minced for pungent flavor.
– Cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and cloves – The signature spice blend that makes this dish so irresistible.
– Chicken broth – Provides the liquid for cooking the rice.
– Lemon juice – Adds a brightening note to balance the rich, savory flavors.

Step-by-Step One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice Instructions

Preparing Your One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice

This One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice comes together in about an hour, with just 15 minutes of active prep time. You’ll need a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to make this all happen in one go. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking!

1- Season the chicken thighs all over with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a bit of oil in your pot over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken skin-side down until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
2- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and starting to brown, about 5 minutes.
3- Add the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
4- Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
5- Add the rice and return the seared chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the rice. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6- Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice, and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Success

To ensure your One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:

– Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most flavor and juiciness. Boneless, skinless breasts can dry out.
– Be sure to sear the chicken well to get that delicious caramelized crust – this adds tons of flavor.
– Don’t skimp on the spices! The shawarma-inspired blend is what makes this dish so special.
– Let the rice sit for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the grains to finish absorbing the liquid for the fluffiest texture.
– Keep an eye on the pot during the simmering stage and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.

Serving and Storing Your One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice

Perfect Pairings for One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice

This One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice is a complete meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette would be an excellent accompaniment. A side of roasted vegetables, like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower, would also be delicious. And don’t forget the garnishes – a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro, a drizzle of tahini sauce, or a scattering of toasted nuts or seeds all work wonderfully.

Print