Shawarma Chicken and Rice One Pot Easy Dinner Recipe
Introduction
Embark on a culinary journey to the Middle East with our mouthwatering Shawarma Chicken and Rice recipe. This one-pot wonder brings the vibrant flavors of street food to your home kitchen, combining tender chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice in a single, satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive entertaining, this recipe promises to deliver an authentic taste experience with minimal fuss.
Why is it Perfect for You?
This shawarma chicken rice recipe one pot dinner easy meal prep Middle Eastern chicken fluffy basmati rice is the ideal solution for those seeking a flavorful, wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a versatile dish that caters to various dietary needs and preferences, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. The combination of protein-rich chicken and fiber-packed rice ensures a balanced meal that will keep you satisfied and energized.
Ingredients List
◾ 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
◾ 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
◾ 1 large onion, finely diced
◾ 4 cloves garlic, minced
◾ 2 tbsp olive oil
◾ 3 cups chicken broth
◾ 1 tbsp shawarma spice mix (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder)
◾ 1 tsp salt
◾ 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
◾ 1 lemon, juiced
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by mixing the shawarma spice blend with olive oil to create a marinade. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly and let them sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with that authentic shawarma taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté the diced onions until they turn translucent and slightly golden. This process usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Push the onions and garlic to one side of the pan and add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. This step locks in the juices and creates a flavorful base for your dish.
Step 4: Add Rice and Liquid
Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, ensuring it’s well-coated with the spices and oil. Pour in the chicken broth and add salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork and let it rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Nutritional Information
This Shawarma Chicken and Rice dish is not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced. It’s high in protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the rice, and essential vitamins and minerals from the spices and herbs.
Calories per Person
Approximately 450-500 calories per serving, based on a 6-serving portion.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this dish even healthier, consider these modifications:
◾ Use brown basmati rice for added fiber
◾ Incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini
◾ Opt for skinless chicken breast instead of thighs to reduce fat content
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your Shawarma Chicken and Rice experience with these complementary sides:
◾ A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad
◾ Warm pita bread
◾ Tangy tzatziki sauce
◾ Pickled vegetables for added crunch
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Overcooking the rice, leading to a mushy texture
◾ Skimping on spices, which are essential for authentic flavor
◾ Not allowing the chicken to marinate, resulting in less flavorful meat
◾ Forgetting to rinse the rice, which can affect the final texture
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a bit of water over the dish and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. This helps maintain the moisture and prevents the rice from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written is gluten-free, but always check your spice mixes and broths to ensure they don’t contain any gluten-based additives.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the spice mix in advance to save time.
What if I don’t have all the spices for the shawarma mix?
You can find pre-made shawarma spice blends in many grocery stores or online if you’re missing some ingredients.
Conclusion
This Shawarma Chicken and Rice recipe brings the exotic flavors of Middle Eastern street food right to your dinner table. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with the right spices and techniques, can create a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
