One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice (Printer-Friendly)
Juicy chicken thighs and fragrant basmati rice blend with shawarma spices for an effortless flavorful dinner.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Chicken Marinade
01 -
1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
02 -
2 tbsp plain yogurt
03 -
2 tbsp olive oil
04 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
05 -
1 tsp ground cumin
06 -
1 tsp ground paprika
07 -
1 tsp ground coriander
08 -
0.5 tsp ground turmeric
09 -
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
10 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
11 -
Juice of half a lemon
→ Rice
12 -
1 tbsp olive oil
13 -
1 small onion, finely chopped
14 -
1 garlic clove, minced
15 -
1.5 cups long-grain basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes
16 -
2.5 cups chicken broth or water
17 -
0.25 tsp ground turmeric
18 -
Salt to taste
→ Optional Garnish
19 -
Chopped fresh parsley
20 -
Toasted sliced almonds or pine nuts
21 -
Yogurt sauce or tahini drizzle
22 -
Lemon wedges
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Combine yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl. Add chicken strips and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken strips and sear 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 -
In the same pot, add more olive oil if necessary. Cook chopped onion over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
04 -
Drain soaked rice and add to the pot with onions. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to coat rice with oil and aromatics. Sprinkle turmeric and add salt.
05 -
Pour in chicken broth or water and bring to a gentle boil. Nestle browned chicken strips evenly into the rice.
06 -
Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer without lifting the lid for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
07 -
Turn off heat and let rest covered for 5 to 10 minutes. Gently fluff rice with a fork and mix chicken to combine flavors evenly.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Soaking basmati rice ensures even cooking and fluffier texture. Marinating the chicken enhances depth of flavor. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain steam.