Description
Mediterranean One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice combines aromatic spices with tender chicken and fluffy rice. Hearty comfort meets international flavor in this simple, satisfying meal you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon salt
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Instructions
- Combine chicken thighs with a robust blend of aromatic spices including cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, ginger, and cardamom. Add olive oil, minced onion, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and yogurt for a comprehensive marinade. Allow flavors to meld for minimum 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and sear marinated chicken thighs until golden brown on both surfaces. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful pan drippings.
- In the identical pot, layer uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and frozen peas. Thoroughly mix ingredients to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Strategically arrange seared chicken thighs atop the rice mixture. Increase heat to generate a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to low. Cover pot and allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes, ensuring rice becomes tender and liquid completely absorbs.
- Once cooking concludes, carefully uncover and fluff rice with a fork. Embellish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, scattered raisins, and delicate slivered almonds. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for maximum flavor depth by letting it sit in the spice mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Customize spice blend by adjusting heat levels and experimenting with different Middle Eastern spice combinations for personalized taste.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier eating, ensuring tender and juicy meat that absorbs marinade beautifully.
- Transform recipe into vegetarian version by substituting chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, maintaining the rich aromatic spice profile while creating a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg