Name: an incredible ultimate Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground paprika; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 15 reviews

If you’ve been searching for your next weeknight hero, let me introduce you to an incredible ultimate feast: one pot shawarma chicken and rice. This dish captures the essence of beloved shawarma flavors, all tucked into fluffy basmati rice and tender chicken thighs for a meal that tastes as vibrant as it looks. Imagine golden, savory, and warmly spiced chicken mingling with aromatic rice, all in one pot with zero fuss. Not only does it satisfy hearty appetites, but it also delivers that “wow” factor with every bite, making it the kind of recipe you’ll eagerly revisit again and again.

an incredible ultimate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this an incredible ultimate recipe is all about simplicity elevated by a few key ingredients. Each component brings texture, color, and unbeatable flavor, so don’t skimp—let these essentials shine and watch your one-pot marvel come together.

Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy, absorb the spices beautifully, and guarantee tender bites every time.
Basmati rice: This fragrant long-grain rice cooks up light and fluffy, and soaks up all that savory broth and shawarma seasoning.
Onion: Sliced thin, the onion breaks down to a sweet, golden base that infuses every spoonful with rich undertones.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds that unmistakable, aromatic kick—just be sure not to overcook it.
Shawarma spice blend: The soul of this dish, this blend delivers those classic Middle Eastern flavors you crave.
Cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth that rounds out the flavor profile.
Paprika: Just a touch brings gentle smoky undertones and a pop of color.
Cinnamon: Only a pinch, but it weaves in subtle sweetness and depth you’ll notice in every bite.
Chicken broth: Cooking the rice in broth instead of water amps up the savoriness and makes the flavors shine.
Olive oil: For sautéing—choose extra virgin for the best flavor foundation.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, bringing all the ingredients into delicious harmony.
Fresh parsley: A shower of bright green at the end makes the finished dish pop.
Lemon wedges: Squeezing fresh lemon over your plate transforms every bite with brightness and zing.

How to Make an incredible ultimate

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken thighs a flavor jumpstart. Toss them in a bowl with the shawarma spice blend, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. This quick marinade allows the spices to permeate, ensuring every bite tastes like an incredible ultimate version of your favorite street food. Ten minutes is all you need, but if you can wait a bit longer, up to two hours will make the flavor even deeper and richer.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your sliced onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and caramelized—about 5 minutes. This is the secret to a savory, slightly sweet base that takes this an incredible ultimate dish from good to unforgettable.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic, letting its sharp, sweet aroma bloom in the hot oil. Be alert here—garlic turns from golden to burnt in a flash, so give it just about a minute to work its magic without browning too far.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Nestle those marinated chicken thighs into your pot. Let them sear and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Browning locks in the juices and caramelizes the spices onto the chicken, so don’t rush this part—think of it as laying flavor foundations for your incredible ultimate meal.

Step 5: Add Rice

Rinse your basmati rice well, then stir it into the pot, making sure each grain gets coated in the spices and mingles with the onion and chicken. This step is crucial for building the signature texture and flavor of an incredible ultimate shawarma chicken and rice.

Step 6: Pour in Broth

Add the chicken broth gently, then give everything a gentle stir. The liquid will bring everything together and allow the rice and chicken to cook harmoniously, absorbing all the spices and aromatics.

Step 7: Simmer

When things come to a boil, lower the heat, cover, and leave it to simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. This quiet time lets all the flavors meld and the rice become irresistibly tender—bringing you to an incredible ultimate one-pot wonder with almost no effort.

Step 8: Fluff and Serve

Take the pot off the heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes—this final pause perfects the rice. Then, fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains while keeping it all beautifully light and airy.

Step 9: Garnish

Scatter freshly chopped parsley over everything, and don’t forget the lemon wedges. A squeeze of lemon right before eating adds the perfect nuancing touch, turning each serving into an incredible ultimate bite.

Step 10: Enjoy

Serve your One Pot Shawarma Chicken And Rice while it’s piping hot. Gather everyone around the table and watch this easy, aromatic meal disappear—trust me, this is dinnertime at its finest.

How to Serve an incredible ultimate

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a must for visual appeal and a pop of herbal freshness, but don’t overlook the transformative power of lemon wedges. A little squeeze perks up the savory notes and brings your an incredible ultimate platter to life!

Side Dishes

Pair your shawarma chicken and rice with classic sides like cooling yogurt sauce, crisp cucumber-tomato salad, or pillowy flatbreads. These simply elevate every forkful and help create an incredible ultimate Middle Eastern-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, serve this dish family-style right from the pot for easy hosting, or pack into individual bowls for meal prep. Try topping with pickled red onions or a dollop of garlicky toum to add even more incredible ultimate flavor and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Rest assured—the flavors become even more unified after sitting, making it an ideal meal to enjoy again on busy days.

Freezing

This an incredible ultimate chicken and rice freezes surprisingly well. Simply portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in the microwave or gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist. Stirring occasionally helps the chicken and rice heat evenly—easy and just as satisfying as day one.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can swap in boneless chicken breast, though chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and add more flavor. If using breast, just be careful not to overcook so the meat doesn’t dry out.

I don’t have a shawarma spice blend; what can I use?

If you’re out of shawarma seasoning, combine equal parts cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch each of turmeric, allspice, and cinnamon. This homemade version will keep the an incredible ultimate flavor profile alive!

What’s the best way to prevent the rice from sticking?

Be sure to rinse your basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before adding it to the pot. Also, keep an eye on your simmer—too high a heat can scorch the bottom, so low and slow is the way to go.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken for hearty vegetables like cauliflower and chickpeas, use vegetable broth, and keep the spices the same. You’ll still get an incredible ultimate flavor explosion with each bite.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, as written, this one pot shawarma chicken and rice is gluten free. Just double-check your shawarma spice blend or broth for hidden gluten-containing additives if you have dietary concerns.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to embark on your next culinary adventure, this one pot shawarma chicken and rice is truly an incredible ultimate recipe to have on hand. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, invite a few hungry friends, and enjoy the comfort and irresistible spice that will have you making this family favorite again and again!