If you’re searching for a simple, one-pan meal that’s absolutely bursting with flavour, you are going to fall in love with this One-Pot Chicken Shawarma and Rice. It’s packed with a rich blend of Middle Eastern spices and is a guaranteed dinner-time winner.

There are few recipes I’m more confident my family will adore than chicken shawarma. We love the ritual of building our own bowls with fresh toppings and enjoying a delicious meal together.

But on those busy weeknights when time is tight, this one-pot version is a culinary lifesaver. It’s the perfect quick and satisfying meal when you’re craving those incredible shawarma flavours without all the effort. I get the main dish simmering on the stove, and while it works its magic, I have just enough time to prep all our favourite sides. It’s a seamless process, and in just a few minutes, a fantastic family meal is ready to be devoured.

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What is Chicken Shawarma?

Chicken shawarma is a mouthwatering Middle Eastern dish that I simply can’t get enough of. It starts with tender chicken marinated in an irresistible blend of aromatic spices. Traditionally, the marinated chicken is stacked and cooked on a vertical rotisserie, allowing the juices to drip down and keep the meat incredibly moist and succulent as it cooks.

In our simplified version, we capture that same amazing flavour but make it weeknight-friendly. We brown the seasoned chicken in a pan before adding the rice and cooking it all together. This transforms it into an effortless one-pan dinner that delivers all the authentic shawarma taste you love, with a fraction of the work.

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma and Rice

Here are a few notes on the key ingredients you’ll need to bring this flavourful dish to life.

• Chicken: This recipe works best with skinless, boneless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. You can certainly use chicken breast, but for the best flavour and texture, I highly recommend thighs.
• Shawarma Seasoning Blend: We use a mix of paprika (both smoked and sweet), ground cumin, ground coriander, chilli flakes, ground cardamom, and turmeric. This combination creates that classic, warm shawarma flavour.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will always give you the brightest, best flavour, but bottled will work in a pinch.
• Olive Oil: Don’t be tempted to swap this for a low-calorie cooking spray! The olive oil is essential for browning the chicken perfectly and adds a wonderful richness to the finished dish.
• Onion & Garlic: The aromatic base of our dish. I use a standard white onion and fresh minced garlic, but jarred garlic is a great time-saver.
• Rice: Simple long-grain white rice is perfect here. It absorbs all the delicious flavours from the chicken and stock.
• Chicken Stock: Using the right amount of stock is key. Different stock cubes have different salt levels, so be sure to follow the package instructions to avoid a dish that’s either bland or too salty.
• Fresh Herbs: I love finishing this dish with freshly chopped parsley and a little dried dill. If you only have dried parsley, use it sparingly, as it can be more potent.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavours together. We season the chicken at the start and then adjust the final dish to taste.

For exact measurements, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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Expert Tip: Choosing the Perfect Pan for One-Pot Recipes

To get the best results, your choice of pan matters. I recommend using a large, deep-sided frying pan or skillet with a lid.

• Why? A wide base gives the chicken and rice plenty of space, so they cook evenly instead of steaming. The high sides prevent any spillover, and the lid is crucial for trapping steam to cook the rice perfectly.
• Best Materials: Pans made from stainless steel, cast iron, or heavy-duty aluminium are great because they conduct heat evenly, preventing hot spots. A good non-stick coating is also a bonus for easy cleanup!

What to Serve with Chicken Shawarma (The Perfect Shawarma Bowl!)

While classic shawarma is often served in a pita, this one-pot meal is fantastic for building your own shawarma rice bowls. We love to set out small bowls of fresh toppings so everyone can customize their own.

Our favourite toppings include:

• Diced Cucumber
• Chopped Tomatoes
• Thinly Sliced Red Onion
• Radishes
• Mixed Olives
• Toasted Pita Strips
• Creamy Garlic Mayo (see our recipe below!)

Other delicious additions:

• Canned Chickpeas (rinsed)
• Fried Halloumi Cheese
• Pickled Turnips or Onions
• A simple leafy green salad

Easy Homemade Garlic Shawarma Sauce

No shawarma bowl is complete without a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce! This simple recipe is the perfect finishing touch.

Simply mix the following ingredients together in a small bowl:

• 4 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 4 tablespoons fat-free plain yoghurt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley

Stir until smooth, and it’s ready to serve!

Calorie Information

This One-Pot Chicken Shawarma and Rice serves four people and contains approximately 430 calories per serving (not including sides or sauce).

If you’re looking for more delicious meals in this range, check out my collection of 400+ calorie recipes!

Please remember, calorie counts are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. For precise tracking, using a personal calorie calculator is always recommended.