Easy One Pot Shawarma Chicken
Imagine stepping into your kitchen, taking a deep breath, and inhaling the tantalizing aroma of spices that transport you straight to a bustling Middle Eastern market. The warmth of the fragrant shawarma spices wafting through the air invites you to savor every bite of what’s about to unfold. As the rich scent of caramelized onions and garlic mingles with the succulent chicken, your stomach grumbles with anticipation. This isn’t just another meal; it’s a feast for the senses, wrapped in a comforting embrace of fluffy basmati rice.
Table of Contents
Whenever I whip up this Easy One Pot Shawarma Chicken Recipe, it brings back vivid memories of family gatherings around the dinner table, where everyone’s laughing, sharing stories, and, of course, devouring such delectable dishes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is quick, satisfying, and full of flavor—making it an instant favorite. So grab your ingredients and let’s embark on this flavorful journey together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can have this flavorful dish ready in about 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of shawarma spices combined with tender chicken creates a savory explosion in every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the golden chicken and fluffy rice make this dish a stunning centerpiece.
- Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests at a gathering.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with the right rice and broth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless and skinless): These cut of chicken is juicier than chicken breast and remains tender during cooking. If you prefer, skinless chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- 2 cups basmati rice (rinsed): Rinsing removes excess starch, which prevents the rice from becoming sticky. You can substitute with jasmine rice if basmati is unavailable.
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced): Adds a wonderful sweetness when sautéed. Shallots are a good alternative for a slightly different flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings a robust flavor. You can use minced garlic from a jar in a pinch, though fresh is always best!
- 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend: This is the star of the show, providing that signature Middle Eastern flavor. Pre-made blends save time, but you can make your own for a personal touch.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: It adds a warm, earthy flavor. Coriander can also work well if you want to shake things up.
- 0.5 teaspoon ground paprika: For color and a hint of sweetness. Smoked paprika can add a nice depth if you fancy a little smokiness.
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This spice adds warmth. Nutmeg can substitute in a pinch for a slightly different flavor profile.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Enhances the dish’s flavor while cooking the rice. Homemade broth is preferred, but low-sodium store-bought works too.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Acts as a base for sautéing. Any neutral oil, like canola or avocado, is a suitable alternative.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing flavors; always use freshly ground pepper for a more robust taste.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds brightness and a pop of color. Cilantro can make a nice substitute for a different herb vibe.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): A squeeze of lemon brightens everything up and adds a refreshing zing.
How to Make Easy One Pot Shawarma Chicken Recipe
Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the shawarma spice blend, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the spices. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes, but if you have a little extra time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will deepen the flavors beautifully.
Sauté the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they are golden brown, about 5 minutes. This caramelization brings out their natural sweetness, which complements the savory spices of the chicken perfectly.
Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute more, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter, which we definitely want to avoid in our delicious dish!
Brown the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken thighs to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are nicely browned on all sides. This step locks in the moisture and flavors of the chicken before we add the rice.
Stir in the Rice: Introduce the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir well, ensuring it’s thoroughly mixed with the chicken and spices. This helps the rice absorb all those wonderful flavors as it cooks.
Add the Broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth into your pot. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the rice evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil, which should take a few minutes. You’ll notice the rice expanding and soaking up the fragrant broth.
Simmer and Cover: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the rice will become tender and the chicken cooked through. Keep an eye on it; the smells wafting from the pot will tempt you to peek!
Let it Rest: Remove from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period helps to marry all the flavors and ensures the rice remains fluffy. Afterward, fluff the rice gently with a fork, so it doesn’t clump together.
Garnish and Serve: Top with freshly chopped parsley for color and serve with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon brings everything to life, making each bite even more refreshing!
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers of your Easy One Pot Shawarma Chicken Recipe can be stored at room temperature for a couple of hours, but it’s best to refrigerate them within that timeframe. For refrigeration, use an airtight container and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes until heated through, but keep in mind that the rice may dry out a bit. A splash of broth or a drizzle of olive oil can help revive the flavors and moisture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the pot when browning the chicken; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Always rinse your basmati rice under cold water to remove excess starch and keep it fluffy.
- If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before marinating for the best results.
- For extra flavor, consider browning the spices briefly in the oil, enhancing their aroma even more.
- This dish also works well with other proteins like beef or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
Every bite of this Easy One Pot Shawarma Chicken Recipe is a flavorful reminder of how simple ingredients can transform into a meal that feels both special and comforting. The combination of spices, tender chicken, and fragrant rice is not just satisfying; it invites you to experiment in the kitchen, trying out different herbs or even adding your favorite veggies. Enjoy the process and make it your own!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but keep in mind that they can dry out more easily. Ensure not to overcook them, and they’ll still be delicious in this recipe.
What if I don’t have shawarma spice blend?
No worries! You can easily make your own using a combination of cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon. Adjust the spices to your taste to still capture that shawarma essence.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas can enhance the nutrition and flavor. Just add them when you stir in the rice to let them cook through during the simmering stage.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To turn up the heat, consider adding some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. Always start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice tolerance!
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy One Pot Shawarma Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Easy One Pot Shawarma Chicken is packed with irresistible flavors and is a breeze to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it combines juicy chicken thighs, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of shawarma spices for an enticing dinner that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
- 2 cups basmati rice (rinsed)
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon ground paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken thighs with the shawarma spices for at least 10 minutes.
- Sauté sliced onions in olive oil until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for one more minute.
- Brown the marinated chicken thighs in the pot for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the rinsed basmati rice until coated with spices.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff the rice.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Rinsing basmati rice is crucial to prevent stickiness.
Frozen chicken should be completely thawed before marinating for best results.
Experiment with different vegetables for added nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
