This one-skillet chicken shawarma dish brings together tender, spiced chicken with fragrant, fluffy basmati rice in a single pan. The chicken is marinated in a bold mix of Middle Eastern spices and then seared before being baked on top of the rice, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The final result is a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity – just one pan, minimal cleanup, and a hearty, flavorful meal that’s ready in under an hour. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional raisins, this dish offers a delightful contrast of savory, spicy, and sweet. Serve it as is, or with a side of yogurt and fresh salad for a complete meal.
Full Recipe:
- 4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the marinated chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned but not cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the rinsed basmati rice and stir to coat in the remaining oil and spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add raisins, if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven, fluff the rice, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
One-Skillet Baked Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf: A Flavorful Middle Eastern Delight
Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its bold and aromatic spices, and one dish that beautifully captures this is Chicken Shawarma. Shawarma is typically prepared by marinating chicken (or other meats) in a mix of spices, then roasting or grilling it to achieve tender, juicy meat. In this One-Skillet Baked Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf, the complex flavors of shawarma are paired with fragrant basmati rice, creating a well-balanced, satisfying dish that’s as simple as it is delicious.
Why Chicken Shawarma?
The origins of shawarma date back centuries, making it a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Traditionally, shawarma is made by stacking marinated meats on a vertical spit and cooking them as the spit rotates. The meat is shaved off in thin slices and typically served in pita or flatbread, often with garlic sauce, pickles, and veggies.
In this recipe, we’ve simplified the cooking method to suit home kitchens while retaining all the delicious flavors that make shawarma so beloved. Rather than using a vertical spit, the chicken is marinated in traditional shawarma spices and baked in the oven, ensuring that the flavors penetrate deep into the meat. By cooking the rice alongside the chicken in the same skillet, the dish becomes a complete one-pan meal with minimal cleanup required.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
There are several reasons why this One-Skillet Baked Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf is a must-try for home cooks:
- One-Skillet Simplicity: This recipe requires only one skillet, reducing the number of dishes you need to clean. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying, home-cooked meal without the hassle.
- Baked, Not Fried: Shawarma is typically roasted, but this version is baked in the oven. This method not only keeps things simple but also allows for a healthier preparation since no additional frying or grilling is required.
- Bold Flavors: The marinade for the chicken includes a mix of warm, fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. These spices are characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine and lend the chicken its distinct, rich flavor. The addition of garlic and lemon juice provides brightness and balance to the dish.
- Fragrant Rice Pilaf: Instead of serving the chicken on its own, it’s paired with basmati rice cooked in the same skillet. As the rice simmers in chicken broth, it absorbs the flavor of the spices and any juices released by the chicken, resulting in a deeply flavorful pilaf. Optional additions like raisins add a hint of sweetness, which complements the savory chicken perfectly.
- Customizable and Versatile: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can switch up the vegetables, use different grains (such as quinoa or couscous), or even make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. The flavors remain just as rich and satisfying, no matter how you customize it.
A Perfect Meal for All Occasions
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is an excellent choice because it offers something for everyone. Here are a few occasions when this recipe would shine:
- Weeknight Dinners: It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup. The entire meal can be prepared in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Meal Prep: This recipe reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. You can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Family Gatherings: The vibrant spices and colorful presentation make this dish perfect for family gatherings. The flavors are bold enough to impress, yet the recipe is simple enough that you won’t be stuck in the kitchen for hours.
Health Benefits of Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients that make it a healthy choice for any meal:
- Lean Protein: Chicken thighs are rich in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Opting for skinless, boneless thighs keeps the dish lower in fat while still maintaining the juiciness of the meat.
- Spices for Wellness: The blend of spices used in shawarma offers several health benefits. Cumin, for example, is known to aid digestion and boost the immune system. Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, while garlic is celebrated for its ability to boost heart health.
- Whole Grains: Basmati rice, particularly when you use the brown variety, is a great source of fiber. Fiber helps regulate digestion, maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promote heart health.
- Low-Calorie Meal: Despite being rich in flavor, this recipe is relatively low in calories. At approximately 450 kcal per serving, it’s a filling meal that won’t weigh you down.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
Achieving the perfect One-Skillet Baked Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf is easy if you follow a few simple tips:
- Marinate the Chicken: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate for a few hours or overnight for even more intense flavor.
- Sear the Chicken First: While the chicken will cook through in the oven, searing it first helps lock in the juices and adds a layer of caramelization that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Use Basmati Rice: Basmati rice is the perfect choice for this dish because of its fragrant, light texture. Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Cover While Baking: Covering the skillet while baking ensures that the rice steams properly and absorbs all the flavorful broth, resulting in tender, fluffy grains.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to add a little cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade. For a milder version, you can reduce or omit the cayenne entirely.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is satisfying on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments to elevate the meal:
- Yogurt Sauce: A simple yogurt and garlic sauce pairs beautifully with the spiced chicken and rice, adding a creamy, tangy element to the dish.
- Fresh Salad: Serve with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced chicken and rice.
- Flatbread: For an extra touch of authenticity, serve the meal with warm pita or flatbread. The bread can be used to scoop up the rice and chicken, making for a delightful eating experience.
Conclusion: A Flavorful, Healthy, and Convenient Meal
This One-Skillet Baked Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf is the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. Its simplicity makes it accessible to even the most novice home cooks, while the bold Middle Eastern spices elevate it to a dish worthy of any dinner party or family gathering. Not only is it packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of health-boosting spices, but it’s also a great option for those looking to meal prep or feed a hungry family with minimal effort.
The combination of succulent, spice-rubbed chicken and fluffy, aromatic rice makes this dish a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re drawn to it for its ease, its flavor, or its health benefits, this baked chicken shawarma dish is sure to delight anyone who tries it.