Are you craving a taste of the Middle East? Shawarma chicken and rice is a savory dish bursting with flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a bustling market in the heart of the Middle East. With tender marinated chicken thighs, aromatic spices, and perfectly cooked rice, this one-pan meal is both delicious and easy to make. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this shawarma chicken and rice dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients List
Shawarma Chicken Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, raw (trimmed of visible fat) – approx 600g (21oz)
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons of ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- ½ teaspoon of turmeric
- ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon of chili flakes (red pepper flakes) – adjust to taste
- 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, halved and finely sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
Rice Ingredients
- 180g (1 cup) of uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups (480ml) of hot chicken stock
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon of dried dill
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this delicious Shawarma Chicken and Rice dish, having the right kitchen tools will ensure everything runs smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: A large skillet will give you enough space to cook the chicken and rice evenly.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: To slice the onions and chop the parsley.
- Mixing Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
- Wooden Spoon: To stir the rice and chicken mixture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring spices, liquids, and rice.
With these tools on hand, you’ll be ready to prepare a perfect Shawarma Chicken and Rice meal that’s sure to impress!
Preparing the Shawarma Chicken
Marinating the Chicken
The key to a flavorful shawarma dish lies in the marination process. Start by combining the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, turmeric, ground cardamom, and chili flakes in a mixing bowl. Mix these spices well to create a beautiful, aromatic spice blend. Add the lemon juice and olive oil to the spice mixture to form a marinade.
Next, place the chicken thighs in the bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the chicken. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
Cooking the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil to the skillet and then place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of the spices will fill your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Preparing the Flavorful Rice
Sautéing the Onions and Garlic
With the chicken cooked and set aside, it’s time to prepare the flavorful base for our rice. In the same skillet used for cooking the chicken (do not clean it out; we want to keep all those delicious brown bits!), add the sliced onions. Sauté the onions over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add the crushed garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for another minute. The aroma of garlic and onions cooking together is irresistible and is the foundation of our dish’s flavor. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning.
Toasting the Rice
After the onions and garlic are perfectly sautéed, it’s time to add the uncooked long-grain rice. Stir the rice into the skillet, mixing it with the onions and garlic. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step allows the rice to absorb the flavors of the spices and chicken drippings left in the pan, adding a deeper layer of taste to the dish. Toasting the rice also gives it a slightly nutty flavor, which complements the spices well.
Adding the Chicken Stock
Once the rice is toasted and coated in the onion-garlic mixture, pour in the hot chicken stock. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rice cook for about 15-18 minutes. The rice will absorb the chicken stock, becoming fluffy and infused with all the wonderful flavors from the shawarma spices.
Combining the Chicken and Rice
Reintroducing the Chicken
As the rice cooks and absorbs the flavorful chicken stock, it’s time to bring the shawarma chicken back into the mix. After the rice has cooked for about 15 minutes and most of the liquid has been absorbed, place the cooked chicken thighs on top of the rice. This allows the juices from the chicken to seep into the rice, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Cover the skillet again and continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes over low heat. This step ensures that the chicken remains warm and that any remaining flavors meld together perfectly. You’ll notice the fragrant aroma of the shawarma spices filling the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Fluffing the Rice
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully use a fork to fluff the rice, mixing it gently to incorporate the onions and spices evenly throughout. The rice should be tender and fully cooked, with a rich golden color from the turmeric and spices. As you fluff the rice, the chicken thighs will settle nicely into the dish, absorbing some of the steam and remaining juices, making them even more tender.
Garnishing
To add a fresh, vibrant touch to your Shawarma Chicken and Rice, sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of dried dill. The herbs provide a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich, spicy flavors of the chicken and rice. If you prefer, you can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra burst of tanginess.
Serving and Enjoying Shawarma Chicken and Rice
Plating the Dish
Your Shawarma Chicken and Rice is now ready to be served! Carefully transfer the rice to a serving platter, spreading it out evenly to create a bed for the chicken. Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice, arranging them attractively. The combination of golden-yellow rice and beautifully browned shawarma chicken creates a visually appealing presentation that is sure to impress.
Suggested Accompaniments
This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and condiments. Here are a few suggestions to complete your meal:
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A fresh salad with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and a light lemon vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the shawarma chicken.
- Tzatziki Sauce: A cool and creamy tzatziki sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill can be drizzled over the chicken for added flavor and texture.
- Pita Bread: Warm pita bread served on the side is perfect for scooping up the rice and chicken, making each bite even more satisfying.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shawarma Chicken and Rice also makes for an excellent meal prep option. Simply divide the dish into individual portions and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before enjoying.
Conclusion
Making Shawarma Chicken and Rice at home allows you to enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with ease. This one-pan meal is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The tender chicken thighs marinated in warm spices and the perfectly seasoned rice create a comforting dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself to a homemade shawarma experience that will transport your taste buds to the streets of the Middle East.
Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends!