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Easy Flavor-Packed One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Recipe for Beginners

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A quick and easy one pot meal combining tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice infused with warm shawarma spices, perfect for busy weeknights and comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1 ½-inch chunks. Mix cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add spiced chicken pieces to the pot, stirring to coat evenly. Cook until golden on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
  4. Add rinsed rice to the pot and stir to combine with chicken and spices. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
  5. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Simmer quietly for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Turn off heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork, mixing chicken and rice together.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optional extra lemon juice. Pair with warm pita bread if desired.

Notes

If rice is not tender after 20 minutes, add a splash more broth or water, cover, and cook a few more minutes. Avoid stirring once broth is added to prevent mushy rice. Fresh lemon juice is preferred for best flavor. For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes when browning chicken. Brown chicken well for added flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: shawarma chicken, one pot meal, chicken and rice, easy dinner, Middle Eastern spices, quick recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/easy-flavor-packed-one-pot-shawarma-chicken-and-rice-recipe-for-beginners/