Description
A vibrant and hearty one pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs seasoned with authentic shawarma spices, cooked together with fluffy basmati rice, aromatic onions, and garlic. This dish offers a rich, flavorful taste of Middle Eastern cuisine in a simple and time-saving preparation, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons shawarma spice mix (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
Aromatics and Base
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 2 cups chicken broth
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Spices: Mix the shawarma spice mix (natural) with olive oil, lemon juice (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Thoroughly coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and let them rest for at least 20 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic and cook until soft and golden brown to build a savory flavor base.
- Cook the Chicken: Add marinated chicken thighs to the pot and sear on both sides until a golden crust forms, locking in juices. Remove the chicken temporarily to prepare the rice.
- Add the Rice and Liquids: Stir in the tomato paste (natural) and basmati rice, coating the grains evenly. Return the chicken to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth ensuring the rice is fully submerged without excess liquid.
- Simmer and Finish: Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid and the chicken is cooked through. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer to deepen the flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking and to avoid burning.
- Avoid stirring the rice while cooking to maintain fluffy grains.
- Measure broth accurately for perfect rice texture.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: shawarma chicken, one pot rice dish, Middle Eastern chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, spiced chicken and rice
