Devastating One Pot Chicken Shawarma Rice in 20 Minutes

Okay, so, listen up! If you’re anything like me – always scrambling for a tasty, easy dinner – you’re gonna flip for this One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice. I have been so busy recently, and one-pot meals have saved my sanity! Seriously, the beauty of this recipe is that it’s all done in *one* pot, which means less mess and more time to, you know, actually relax after a long day. Plus, that incredible shawarma flavor? Forget about it! It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth, but without all the fuss of traditional shawarma. We’re talking tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a spice blend that’ll transport you straight to the Middle East. The absolute best part is how simple it is to change this recipe to meet your tastes! Whether you’re craving something savory or something a bit spicy, you can easily experiment to find your perfect *One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice*.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Okay, seriously, where do I even start? This One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice is a total weeknight *dream*. You’re gonna love it because:

• **Quick Prep:** Throw everything in one pot and BAM! Dinner’s basically done.
• **Easy Cleanup:** One pot = less scrubbing. Enough said.
• **Flavorful:** Seriously, the shawarma spices are out of this world. You won’t believe a simple one-pot dish taste so delicious.
• **Customizable:** Add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice – make it YOURS.
• **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will gobble this up. Trust me, I know.

Ingredients for One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! For this One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice, you’ll need these ingredients. Don’t worry, most of ’em are pantry staples, but make sure you have that shawarma spice blend – it’s the *magic*!

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (I like thighs because they stay juicy!)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for a little healthy fat and delish flavor)
• 1 onion, chopped (yellow or white, whatever ya got!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (adds sweetness and color)
• 1.5 cups basmati rice, rinsed (rinsing is key to avoid sticky rice!)
• 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium is always a good call)
• 2 tbsp shawarma spice blend (you can find this at most grocery stores, or make your own!)
• 1 tsp salt (kosher salt is my go-to)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground, if you’re fancy!)
• Optional toppings: chopped parsley, lemon wedges, yogurt sauce (these really take it to the next level, promise!)

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

Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Here’s how we’re gonna transform those humble ingredients into a One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice masterpiece. Seriously, it’s easier than ordering takeout (and way more delicious!). Just follow these steps, and you’ll be golden.

1. First things first: Grab your largest pot or Dutch oven and plop it on the stove. Crank the heat to medium-high and drizzle in that olive oil.
2. Now, add your chicken pieces. Spread them out so they aren’t crowded. Cook ’em until they’re browned on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through just yet – we’ll get there!
3. Scoop the chicken out of the pot and set it aside for a sec. We need to make room for the veggies!
4. Toss in your chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook ’em until they’re softened, and the onion turns translucent – about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Careful not to burn the garlic; nobody likes bitter garlic! This step is important as getting a good fry in the aromatics will really boost the flavour of the whole dish.
5. Time for the rice! Dump in your rinsed basmati rice, shawarma spice blend, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together really well so the rice gets coated in all that yummy spices. It should be so fragrant already!
6. Nestle the chicken back into the pot on top of the rice. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Make sure the liquid covers everything evenly.
7. Now comes the (slight) waiting game. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes. Seriously, don’t peek! This is critical so ensure that the rice is cooked perfectly.
8. Once the timer dings, take the pot off the heat and let it stand (still covered!) for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb any leftover liquid. Trust me, don’t skip this step!
9. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork. This helps separate the grains and prevents stickiness. Give it a good mix to distribute the chicken and veggies.
10. Serve it up hot! Top with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and a dollop of yogurt sauce (if you’re feeling fancy). Then, prepare for a delicious flavor explosion!

Tips for the Best One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Want to take your One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips – learned from plenty of happy (and very full!) bellies.

• **Don’t skip the browning!** That initial sear on the chicken creates so much flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes.
• **Rinse, rinse, rinse that rice!** Get rid of that extra starch! Running the rice under water until it runs clear is what stops your rice from ending up a sticky mess. No one wants that!
• **Spice it your way!** Start with the 2 tablespoons of shawarma spice, but don’t be afraid to add more. Remember that you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it some extra heat!
• **Watch for sticking!** If you notice the rice sticking to the bottom of the pot, add a splash more chicken broth. Usually, it means the heat’s a tad too high.

Variations for Your One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe, but feeling a little adventurous? Awesome! One of the things I love most about this One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice is how easy it is to switch things up. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• **Veggie Power:** Toss in some zucchini, eggplant, or even some spinach right before serving!
• **Protein Party:** Shrimp or chickpeas instead of chicken? YES, please! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• **Spice It Up (Even More!):** Play around with different spices like cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika. Each will add a totally unique twist!

Serving Suggestions for One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Alright, your One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice is ready – but what else should you serve with it? Well, lemme tell ya, this dish is pretty darn amazing on its own, but a few simple sides can totally elevate the whole meal. Here are a few of my go-to’s:

• **A Simple Salad:** A refreshing salad cuts through the richness of the rice. You can even try this Homemade Ranch Dressing!
• **Yogurt Sauce:** A dollop of cool, creamy yogurt sauce adds a lovely tang. I like to mix plain yogurt with a little lemon juice, garlic, and chopped mint.
• **Pita Bread:** Warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of that delicious chicken and rice.
• **Hummus:** Serve it on top of the rice for a creamy sauce or as a dip with the pita bread.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Got questions about this One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things folks ask me – hopefully, this clears everything up!

Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice?

Definitely! Brown rice will work, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook than basmati, so you’ll probably need to simmer it for around 45 minutes to an hour. Just keep an eye on the liquid level and add more chicken broth if needed!

How long does this One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice last in the fridge?

Store it in an airtight container, and it’ll last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. I like to portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s heated through.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for chickpeas or lentils. They’re both super flavorful and add a great texture. Also, make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth! For a yummy vegan topping, try a tahini-based sauce instead of yogurt.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yup, you can use chicken breast, but keep in mind that it tends to dry out more easily than thighs. If you use chicken breast, I recommend cutting it into slightly larger pieces and reducing the simmering time by a few minutes. Just check to make sure it’s cooked through before serving!

Nutritional Information for One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice

Okay, so just a heads-up: the nutrition info below is an estimate! It’ll totally vary depending on the brands you use and how big your servings are. It’s not, like, *exact*, ya know?

Enjoy Your Delicious One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice!

Alright, my friend, that’s it! I hope you totally crush this One Pot Shawarma Chicken Rice recipe and enjoy every single, flavorful bite! Seriously, let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and tell me what variations you tried – or even just rate the recipe if you loved it! And hey, if you’re feeling social, share a pic on your socials! Happy cooking, y’all!

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