03/14/2026
One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice dish, featuring tender, boldly spiced chicken served over fragrant basmati rice, topped with a creamy yogurt sauce, chickpeas, and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken: 1 lb (500 g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces or chunks.
Aromatics & Veggies: 1 diced onion, 3–5 minced garlic cloves.
Rice: 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed.
Liquids: 1½–2 cups chicken stock or water, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp lemon juice.
Shawarma Spice Blend: 1 tsp each of paprika, cumin, and coriander; ½ tsp turmeric; and a pinch of cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
Toppings: Greek yogurt (or tahini), cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans), fresh parsley, and lemon wedges.
Instructions
Marinate & Brown: Combine olive oil, garlic, and the spice blend in a bowl. Toss the chicken to coat. In a large skillet or pot, brown the chicken over medium-high heat until golden on both sides, then remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and any remaining spices for about a minute until fragrant.
Toast Rice: Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot. Stir for 1 minute to coat it in the spiced oils, which adds a nutty depth to the flavor.
Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock and lemon juice. Place the browned chicken back on top of the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy.
Serve: Garnish the dish with a generous dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of tahini, chickpeas, fresh chopped parsley, and lemon wedges.