Name: Easy One Pot Shawarma Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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)

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The enchanting aroma of warm spices wafts through the kitchen, drawing you in as the sautéed onions transform into a golden symphony of flavors. Visualize chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant shawarma blend, bubbling away alongside fluffy basmati rice, all mingling in a single pot that promises minimal cleanup. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a cozy embrace on a busy weeknight. Memories of family dinners and laughter fill the air, reminding us that even on hectic days, delicious food can bring joy and togetherness.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy One Pot Shawarma Chicken Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy One Pot Shawarma Chicken

Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or a bright spring afternoon, the Easy One Pot Shawarma Chicken Recipe serves up comfort and flavor without the fuss. After just a quick prep time of 15 minutes, watch as your kitchen turns into a flavorful haven. Gather your loved ones, because this dish is one you’ll want to share over heartfelt conversations and good company. Get ready to savor those delicious moments.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in under an hour, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with a warm, exotic taste and tender textures.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful spices and fluffy rice are as delightful to the eyes as they are to the taste buds.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family meals, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to modify for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless and skinless): Using thighs keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, chicken breasts can work, but may result in dryer meat, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
2 cups basmati rice (rinsed): This long-grain rice cooks beautifully, soaking up the flavors of the spices. If unavailable, jasmine or even brown rice can be substituted, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
1 large onion (thinly sliced): Sautéed to golden perfection, onions add a sweet depth. For a milder flavor, use shallots.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic intensifies the dish’s savoriness and pairs perfectly with the spices. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best for flavor.
2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend: This sweet-and-spicy mix is what brings the magic. You can buy it pre-made or mix your own with cumin, coriander, allspice, and cardamom.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: This earthy spice enhances the warm flavors. If necessary, substitute with coriander for a different taste.
0.5 teaspoon ground paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of sweetness. Sweet or smoked paprika can be used based on personal preference.
0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This aromatic spice adds a lovely sweetness that balances the savory elements.
3 cups chicken broth: Using broth instead of water gives depth. You can swap it for vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian option.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing and adds healthy fats. Avocado oil works too if that’s your go-to.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Always season your food well! Adjust to your liking as this can vary based on personal preference.
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A sprinkle adds color and brightness to your dish. You can swap with cilantro if you enjoy that flavor more.
Lemon wedges (for serving): The zesty acidity of fresh lemon brightens the dish, making those flavors pop!

How to Make Easy One Pot Shawarma Chicken Recipe

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the shawarma spice blend, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the chicken is beautifully coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes (you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for a more robust flavor) while you prepare the other ingredients.

Sauté the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, which should take about 5 minutes. This caramelization creates a lovely depth of flavor in our one pot wonder, so don’t rush this step!

Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for another minute. You want it fragrant but careful not to allow it to burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and spoil the dish. This step is where the smell in your kitchen becomes irresistible!

Brown the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken thighs to the pot, ensuring they’re well-distributed. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are nicely browned. This adds color and more layers of flavor.

Add Rice: Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, mixing it well with the chicken and aromatic spices. You want the rice to soak up all those delicious flavors, so give it a good mix to coat.

Pour in Broth: Carefully add the chicken broth to the pot, bringing the mix to a boil. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed, as this ensures even cooking. Once it reaches a rolling boil, it’s time to move to the next step!

Simmer Away: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. When it’s done, the pot should be filled with fragrant smoke and you might even want to lift the lid halfway to enjoy the gorgeous scent!

Fluff and Serve: Once the time is up, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and the rice to finish cooking in its steam. Afterward, fluff the rice gently with a fork and top with freshly chopped parsley. Serve brightened with lemon wedges for that zing!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Easy One Pot Shawarma Chicken Recipe, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to put it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply use the microwave at medium power or warm it on the stovetop over low heat—just be careful not to overcook, as the rice might get mushy.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pot with too much chicken as it may steam instead of browning.
Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
If you want a bit of crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds as a topping.
If the rice isn’t as tender as you’d like at the end, add a splash more broth and continue to cook for a couple more minutes with the lid on.
Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or peas for an extra nutrient boost; just toss them in with the rice.

You’ll find that this dish not only nourishes the body but creates beautiful moments in the kitchen. With each serving, the flavors remind you of far-off places, yet it’s so simple to make at home. Explore other spices or serve it with yogurt or tahini for extra freshness. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice instead of basmati?

Absolutely! While basmati adds a wonderful texture and flavor, you can certainly use jasmine rice, or even quinoa, if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative. Just be aware that cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions for the best results.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken earlier in the day or even a day before. Just keep it sealed in the refrigerator. Simply cook it as instructed when you’re ready for dinner. This will save you time during your busy evenings.

What if I don’t have shawarma spices?

No worries! You can easily make your own shawarma spice blend. A mix of ground cumin, coriander, allspice, paprika, and a hint of cinnamon will create a similar flavor profile. Adjust based on your taste preferences for a unique spin.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe isn’t particularly spicy, as shawarma spices tend to lean more towards warmth and sweetness rather than heat. However, if you’d like to kick it up a notch, feel free to add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce while cooking!