Okay, so weeknights? They’re *crazy*, right? Between school, sports, and just trying to keep the house somewhat tidy, cooking a decent meal sometimes feels impossible. That’s where my One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice comes in to save the day! Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver. I remember the first time I had shawarma – it was from this little street vendor, and the flavors just blew me away. I wanted to recreate that magic at home, but without all the fuss. After tons of tweaking, I finally nailed this recipe, and I swear, the family begs for it. What I love most? It’s all made in one pot. Yup, chicken, rice, amazing shawarma spices… all in one glorious pot! Easy cleanup is the BEST, isn’t it?

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Seriously, are you *still* not convinced you need this recipe in your life? Alright, check this out:

Super quick prep: We’re talking minimal chopping, and then it’s basically dump-and-go.
One-pot wonder! Hello, easy cleanup. Who wants to do dishes all night? Not me!
That shawarma flavor? Restaurant-worthy, trust me.
The whole family will actually EAT it. No picky eater drama here!
You can totally customize it. Veggies? Spice level? You’re in charge!

Ingredients for One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice. Make sure you have everything prepped – it just makes life easier, y’know?

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (thighs are the *best* for flavor!)
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing, duh!)
1 onion, chopped (yellow or white, whatever you’ve got!)
2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on the garlic!)
1 red bell pepper, chopped (adds a little sweetness, yum!)
1.5 cups basmati rice, rinsed (rinsing is key, trust me!)
3 cups chicken broth (low sodium is my go-to)
2 tbsp shawarma spice blend (store-bought or homemade – I’ve got a great homemade recipe if you’re feeling fancy!)
1 tsp salt (kosher salt is my fave)
0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground, if possible!)
Optional toppings: chopped parsley, lemon wedges, yogurt sauce (these are game-changers!)

How to Make One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice: Step-by-Step

Alright, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, this One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice is seriously simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time!

First, grab your largest pot or Dutch oven – that’s where the magic happens! Heat up 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Next, toss in your 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (that you’ve already cut into 1-inch pieces, right?). Cook those babies until they’re browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them *all* the way through at this point; we just want some color.
Now, take the chicken out of the pot and set it aside for a sec.
Add your chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook ’em until they’re nice and soft – about 5 minutes should do it. Then, throw in your minced garlic and cook for just one minute more. Careful not to burn the garlic; nobody likes bitter garlic!
Okay, time to add the rice, chicken broth, and spices! Stir in 1.5 cups of rinsed basmati rice, 3 cups of chicken broth, 2 tbsp of shawarma spice blend, 1 tsp of salt, and 0.5 tsp of black pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes. Seriously, don’t peek! Let the rice cook and absorb all that yummy liquid.
After 20 minutes, pop the chicken back into the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature!
Finally, fluff the rice with a fork. This makes it nice and airy! Serve it up hot, and get ready for some serious yumminess!
Don’t forget those optional toppings! Chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and a dollop of yogurt sauce take this One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice to the next level!

Tips for the Best One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Want to take your One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve!

Don’t even *think* about skipping the rice rinsing! This washes off extra starch and keeps your rice from getting gummy. Trust me on this one!
Spice it up (or down)! Shawarma spice blends can vary, so adjust the amount to your liking. Start with 2 tbsp, then taste and add more if needed.
Good broth = good rice. Using high-quality chicken broth really makes a difference in the flavor. Skip the water, okay?
Patience, grasshopper! Don’t lift the lid while the rice is simmering! This lets out steam and messes with the cooking time.

Variations for Your One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Okay, so you’ve made the basic One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice and you’re loving it (of course you are!). Now, wanna mix things up a bit? Here are a couple of my favorite ways to tweak the recipe:

Veggie Power! Toss in some diced tomatoes or zucchini along with the onions and peppers. Adds some extra nutrients and a pop of color!
Quinoa Kick: Swap out the rice for quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Quinoa’s got a nuttier flavor that’s pretty darn tasty!
Spice It Up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little extra heat. Be careful, though – a little goes a long way!

Serving Suggestions for One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Alright, you’ve got your One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice all cooked up and ready to go! But what should you serve with it, huh? Here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:

Yogurt Sauce: A dollop of creamy yogurt sauce is a MUST. It adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm spices.
Side Salad: Keep it light and fresh with a simple side salad. I *love* this apple arugula salad – the peppery arugula and crisp apples are amazing with the savory chicken and rice.
Pita Bread: Warm pita bread for scooping up all that goodness! Or use it to make little shawarma wraps. Yum!

How to Store & Reheat One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Okay, so you’ve got leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to keep that One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice tasting its best:

Storing: Pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days, easy peasy!
Reheating: Microwave works like a charm! Just add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Watch it, so it doesn’t stick!

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Got questions about this One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked:

Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice?

Yep, you totally can! But keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook than basmati rice. You’ll probably need to add about 15-20 minutes to the simmering time and maybe a little extra chicken broth. Just keep an eye on it and make sure the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. The texture will be a bit different, but still delicious!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken for chickpeas or lentils. They both work great! You might want to add them in step 4, along with the rice, so they have time to soak up all those amazing shawarma flavors. I also suggest using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

You *can*, but I really recommend using chicken thighs for this recipe! They’re more flavorful and stay much more moist during cooking. Chicken breasts tend to dry out a bit. But if you only have chicken breasts on hand, just make sure not to overcook them. Maybe cut them into slightly larger pieces, so they don’t dry out as quickly.

Can I freeze this One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice?

Yep! This One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice freezes really well. Just let it cool completely, then pop it into a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Heads up! Just wanna let you know that the nutritional info is just an estimate, okay? It can change depending on the brands you use and how big your servings are. It’s not, like, a super exact science!