Savory, spiced, and made in just one pot — this One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice recipe is a lazy dinner you’ll make on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

If there’s one thing better than shawarma, it’s shawarma made easy. And that’s exactly what this One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice delivers. No rotisserie, no takeout — just bold Middle Eastern spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, all cooked in one pan for a no-fuss meal.

I love how the warm, earthy blend of cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon transforms ordinary chicken into something exotic, rich, and comforting. Pair that with golden rice cooked in all the pan juices? It’s pure magic — and no extra dishes to wash.

This dish is a weeknight wonder, but it tastes like something from a street-side shawarma stand.

What Ingredients Are in One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice?

This one-pan wonder uses pantry-friendly spices and a few fresh ingredients to create layers of flavor without the hassle.

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1½ cups basmati or jasmine rice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley, cucumber-yogurt sauce, lemon wedges

Chicken thighs give this dish a juicy, flavorful base, but you can easily swap them for chicken breast or even chickpeas if you’re going meatless.

How to Make One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, mix cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss in the chicken thighs to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight if you’re meal prepping like a pro).
2. Sear the Chicken:
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken thighs for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden (they don’t need to be cooked through yet). Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant — about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add Rice & Broth:
   Stir in the rice and let it toast for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the pan.
5. Simmer to Perfection:
   Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
6. Rest & Garnish:
   Let sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Top with parsley or a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a refreshing contrast.

Shawarma Chicken and Rice Variations & Substitutions

You can easily customize this dish to match your taste or pantry:

• Swap rice for quinoa or bulgur
• Make it vegetarian with chickpeas or tofu
• Add spinach or peas during the last few minutes for color and nutrients
• Use store-bought shawarma spice blend to save time
• Top with tahini sauce or garlic yogurt for extra creaminess

What to Serve with One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few extras to make it sing:

• Cucumber-tomato salad with lemon and mint
• Hummus or baba ghanoush with warm pita
• Pickled red onions for a tangy punch
• Garlic yogurt sauce (just Greek yogurt + minced garlic + salt)

It also pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or a minty iced tea.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice proves that you don’t need a dozen dishes or complicated techniques to create a bold, restaurant-worthy meal.

With rich spices, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked rice all made in a single pot, this is comfort food with a Middle Eastern flair — and practically no cleanup.

If you’re craving something flavorful, satisfying, and easy on the time (and dishes), this recipe is calling your name.

📌 Add it to your lazy dinner rotation — you’ll be hooked.