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Shawarma Chicken and Rice Recipe Perfect for Busy Nights

shawarma chicken and rice - featured image

A flavorful and comforting Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring shawarma-spiced chicken and fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 thinly sliced red onion
  • Freshly chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Cook the rice: In the same skillet, add sliced red onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add rice and stir to coat in the oil. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender.
  5. Combine and serve: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the skillet, layering it over the cooked rice. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.’, ‘Use chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results.’, ‘Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.’, ‘If short on time, use pre-cooked rice and mix it with sautéed onion and chicken broth.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: shawarma chicken, chicken and rice, Middle Eastern recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, one-pan recipe