This one-skillet chicken shawarma and rice pilaf is a flavor-packed dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying. The spiced chicken thighs are perfectly seared, and the rice pilaf soaks up all those incredible flavors, creating a dish that is both rich and comforting.
What makes this dish even better is how simple it is to prepare. With just one pan, you can create a stunning and mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a special family gathering. The combination of spices, tender chicken, and fragrant rice creates a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
Full Recipe:
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4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon shawarma seasoning
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1 cup basmati rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, season with shawarma seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Add the spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and turmeric. Stir to coat the onions and garlic evenly in the spices, cooking for another 2 minutes.
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Add the rice and stir it into the spiced mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice.
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Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of Shawarma and Rice Pilaf
Shawarma, a popular Middle Eastern dish, has become a beloved staple around the world. This dish is traditionally made by stacking marinated meat, often lamb, beef, or chicken, onto a vertical rotisserie and slowly cooking it over time. The slow roasting process gives the meat a crispy, flavorful exterior while keeping it tender and juicy inside. Shawarma is typically served in pita bread with a variety of garnishes and sauces, including tahini, hummus, and pickled vegetables.
The dish is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire, which spanned parts of the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Over time, the concept of rotisserie cooking spread across the region, and shawarma evolved to reflect local ingredients and tastes. Chicken shawarma, in particular, has become one of the most popular versions of this dish due to its mild flavor and versatility.
Rice pilaf, on the other hand, is a dish with origins in Central Asia and the Middle East. Pilaf refers to rice that is cooked in a flavorful broth, often with spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat. The rice absorbs all the flavors from the seasonings and liquid, resulting in a fragrant, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with many types of proteins, including chicken. When combined with shawarma, rice pilaf creates a harmonious blend of flavors, texture, and color.
The Perfect Combination of Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf
One-Skillet Baked Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf is a dish that brings the rich, spiced flavors of shawarma together with the comforting, aromatic rice pilaf. This recipe simplifies the traditional shawarma preparation by using chicken thighs, which are marinated in a mix of shawarma spices and baked alongside the rice in a single skillet. This one-pan meal saves time and effort without sacrificing any of the flavors that make shawarma so delicious.
The chicken is seared to perfection, allowing the spices to coat the meat, and then baked with the rice, which absorbs all the flavors from the chicken, spices, and broth. The result is a perfectly cooked chicken with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior, paired with fluffy rice that is infused with the savory spices of the shawarma. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why One-Skillet Cooking is So Convenient
One of the major advantages of this recipe is its simplicity and convenience. Cooking everything in a single skillet minimizes both prep time and cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Not only does it save you time, but it also ensures that all the flavors meld together as they cook, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and aromatic.
By using just one pan, you also ensure that the chicken remains moist and tender while the rice absorbs the delicious seasoning and spices. This method of cooking eliminates the need for additional pots or pans, which is especially useful when you’re short on time or want to avoid the hassle of cleaning multiple dishes.
How to Serve One-Skillet Baked Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf
This dish is highly versatile when it comes to serving options. Traditionally, shawarma is served with pita bread or flatbreads, and this recipe pairs wonderfully with either option. You can also serve the chicken and rice with a fresh salad for added crunch and freshness. A side of roasted vegetables or sautéed greens like spinach or kale would complement the flavors and add a nutritious touch.
For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a bit of homemade or store-bought tahini sauce over the chicken and rice, or add a spoonful of tangy yogurt. The coolness of yogurt balances out the spices, while tahini adds a creamy richness to the dish. Pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers or turnips, can also be served alongside to provide a tangy contrast to the rich, spiced chicken.
If you prefer a more filling meal, consider adding a side of hummus and pita bread to create a more complete Middle Eastern-inspired feast. You can also serve the chicken shawarma and rice pilaf as part of a larger spread, allowing your guests to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures.
Variations and Customizations
While this recipe is already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For instance, if you’re looking to make the dish lighter, you can substitute the chicken thighs with skinless chicken breasts. While the thighs provide a richer flavor and juicier texture, chicken breasts will still work well in this recipe when cooked properly.
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with tofu or another plant-based protein. Tofu is a great option as it absorbs the spices and flavors from the rice and the shawarma seasoning. Alternatively, roasted vegetables like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or eggplant could make a satisfying meat-free option. Just ensure that the vegetables are properly seasoned and roasted to bring out their natural sweetness.
You can also play around with the spices in the shawarma seasoning. While the classic blend usually includes cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and turmeric, feel free to add other spices like garlic powder, allspice, or cardamom to create your own variation. If you prefer a spicier version, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Health Benefits of One-Skillet Baked Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall health. It also provides important vitamins and minerals like B vitamins (especially niacin and B6), zinc, and phosphorus.
Rice, particularly basmati rice, is a whole grain that offers a good source of energy, fiber, and essential nutrients. The spices used in shawarma seasoning—such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon—are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These spices have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to support digestion, boost metabolism, and reduce inflammation in the body.
This dish is also customizable to suit various dietary needs. For example, using gluten-free rice or serving it without bread makes it suitable for those following a gluten-free diet. Additionally, by adjusting the seasonings and portion sizes, you can make the dish work for different dietary preferences, such as low-carb, paleo, or keto diets.
Conclusion
One-Skillet Baked Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf is a flavorful, satisfying, and versatile meal that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner, a dish to impress guests, or a healthy meal prep option, this recipe is sure to please. The combination of juicy, spiced chicken and aromatic rice, all cooked in one pan, makes it a convenient and delicious choice for any occasion.
By embracing the rich flavors of shawarma and the comfort of rice pilaf, this dish brings the best of Middle Eastern cuisine to your table. Its ease of preparation, customizable options, and health benefits make it a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation. Whether served with a side of fresh salad, a dollop of yogurt, or some warm pita bread, this dish will surely become a family favorite.