Name: One Pan Shawarma Chicken & Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 4-5 chicken thighs (bone off, skin on); ¼ cup Greek yogurt; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon turmeric; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 Tablespoons avocado oil or light olive oil; ½ cup diced onion; 4-5 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice (uncooked); 2 cups chicken stock or water

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If you love vibrant, aromatic flavors and one-pot meals that make life easier, you are going to fall head over heels for the One Pan Shawarma Chicken & Rice Recipe. This dish is everything you want on a busy night—rich, tender chicken marinated in a symphony of Middle Eastern spices, nestled atop fluffy, fragrant rice all cooked together in a single pan. It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that delivers bold flavors without a fussy process, making weeknight dinners exciting yet approachable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with four pieces of raw chicken covered in a thick, creamy yellow-orange marinade, speckled with black pepper and spices. The marinade fully coats each piece, showing smooth and slightly textured surfaces. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with some of the marinade slightly smeared on the inside edges of the bowl. The photo is taken from directly above, highlighting the creamy texture and rich color of the marinade photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key for a perfectly balanced One Pan Shawarma Chicken & Rice Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in layering flavors, from the tangy yogurt to the warm, earthy spices and the fluffy rice that soaks up all those delicious juices.

Chicken thighs: Choose bone-off, skin-on thighs for juicy meat with crispy edges after searing.
Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tenderizes the chicken while balancing spices with a touch of tang.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and cuts through richness for a fresh flavor punch.
Ground spices: Cumin, coriander, chili powder, and a seven-spice blend bring authentic shawarma warmth.
Avocado or light olive oil: Perfect for searing and infusing a subtle fruitiness without overpowering.
Diced onion: Forms the savory base, cooking down for sweetness and depth.
Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant, pungent kick that complements the spice blend beautifully.
Jasmine or basmati rice: Both are fragrant grains that absorb the spices and liquids perfectly.
Chicken stock or water: The cooking liquid that infuses flavor and steams the rice.

How to Make One Pan Shawarma Chicken & Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Rice and Spices

Begin by rinsing your basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch for fluffy, separate grains. Soak it lightly while you mix the vibrant spice blend. Combining cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, plus that warm seven-spice mixture upfront ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss the chicken thighs with Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and half of your homemade spice blend. This marinade simultaneously tenderizes and infuses the chicken, promising juicy, spiced perfection after cooking. Let the chicken soak up these seasonings while you get everything else ready.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken and Cook Aromatics

Heat your oil in a heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat, then add the chicken, searing for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until it develops a beautiful charred crust. This caramelization adds incredible depth. Remove the chicken and cook diced onions in the same pan until softened and translucent, then toss in minced garlic just long enough to release its fragrance. This step layers a sweet and savory base that enhances the rice.

Step 4: Cook the Rice with Spices and Stock

Drain your soaked rice and add it to the pan with the remaining spice mixture, toasting it briefly for about 2 minutes to release nutty aromas. Pour in the chicken stock or water, nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan with their juices, and bring everything gently to a boil.

Cover the pan, lower the heat to the lowest setting, and let the magic happen for 20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek because the trapped steam is exactly what cooks the rice into tender, flavorful perfection.

Step 5: Let It Smoke and Rest

Once the timer goes off, turn off the heat but keep the pan covered to let the rice finish steaming and the flavors meld for another 5 minutes. For an extra-special touch, add a bit of smokiness by placing a small piece of foil over the rice, topping it with a hot coal drizzled with oil, then immediately covering the pan again. This infuses a subtle smoky aroma that elevates the dish wonderfully.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

When ready, remove the lid, gently fluff the rice to separate the grains, and prepare to indulge in a feast of flavors and textures straight from one pan.

How to Serve One Pan Shawarma Chicken & Rice Recipe

A white bowl shows a meal with three layers: at the bottom is yellow-orange seasoned rice, topped with a piece of dark grilled fish with crispy edges, and layered on top are bright pink pickled onion slices. On one side of the fish is a dollop of creamy white sauce with green herbs mixed in, and beside the rice is a small heap of mixed diced vegetables including red tomatoes, green cucumber, and purple onion. A gold fork rests on the edge of the bowl. The bowls sit on a white marbled background with small scattered green herb leaves. Nearby are two small white bowls, one with more pink pickled onions, and the other with more of the creamy white sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten every bite, fresh chopped cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of herbaceous color and fragrance. These greens bring a lively bite making the dish feel even more inviting and balanced.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines beautifully alongside a refreshing Shirazi salad or a crisp Mediterranean cucumber salad. Their cool crunch and zesty dressings cut through the spice warmly present in the chicken and rice. Complementing that, pickled turnips or pickled red onions add tangy punch and a delightful contrast in texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken and rice wrapped in warm pita bread with a drizzle of shawarma sauce for a handheld meal packed with flavor. You can also layer this dish into a bowl with dollops of garlic sauce and sprinkled with toasted pine nuts for an elevated presentation that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your One Pan Shawarma Chicken & Rice Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days, retaining its delicious flavors and moisture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, this dish freezes nicely. Portion the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to label and date them so you can enjoy this hearty meal anytime without extra work.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or gently warm frozen portions in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to revive the rice’s moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts with a lid or cover to avoid drying out the chicken and rice.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, though they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster, so monitor cooking time carefully. Marinating well and not overcooking ensures they stay juicy and flavorful in the One Pan Shawarma Chicken & Rice Recipe.

Is it necessary to soak the rice before cooking?

Soaking basmati or jasmine rice helps remove excess starch and promotes fluffier grains that cook evenly. While optional, it’s highly recommended to enhance the texture of the rice in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

While this particular recipe centers on chicken, you can swap the meat for hearty vegetables like cauliflower florets or chickpeas, adjusting cooking times accordingly. For a vegan version, replace yogurt with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

What is seven-spice mix? Can I make it at home?

Seven-spice is a popular Middle Eastern blend combining cinnamon, turmeric, garlic powder, black pepper, and other warming spices. You can easily prepare it at home by mixing these in equal parts or purchasing a pre-made blend at specialty stores.

How do I add smoky flavor without the charcoal step?

If you’re unable to use charcoal, a small splash of smoked paprika added to the spice mix can mimic that subtle smokiness. Alternatively, cooking the chicken a bit longer on a high-heat grill pan can also bring a slightly charred, smoky essence.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Shawarma Chicken & Rice Recipe is pure comfort food magic—full of spices, simplicity, and smiles at the dinner table. Cooking everything in one pan saves time and clean-up while delivering a feast packed with flavor. I really encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a delicious meal prep option. Once you taste that unforgettable shawarma seasoning melding with tender chicken and aromatic rice, it might just become your go-to weeknight favorite!