The Ultimate One-Skillet Chicken Shawarma & Rice Pilaf Recipe

Chicken shawarma with rice pilaf creates a magical Mediterranean melody in one spectacular skillet.

Aromatic spices dance through tender meat and fluffy grains.

Warm cumin, paprika, and garlic weave deep flavor layers into each delicious bite.

Weeknight dinners demand simple, satisfying solutions that feel like culinary adventures.

Home cooks can master this restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques or endless cleanup.

Crispy chicken edges and perfectly seasoned rice make you feel like a professional chef.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this incredible meal comes together.

Why This Skillet Chicken Shawarma Is a Weeknight Hero

• Unlock One-Pan Magic: Transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this single-skillet wonder that combines juicy chicken and aromatic rice without creating a mountain of dishes.
• Spice Adventure Simplified: Dive into a world of Middle Eastern flavors through an accessible recipe that brings complex spices together with minimal cooking skills required.
• Family Feast Made Easy: Craft a delicious meal that satisfies diverse taste buds, offering a perfect blend of protein and grains that appeals to both kids and adults with its comforting yet exciting taste profile.
• No-Fuss Gourmet Experience: Enjoy restaurant-quality shawarma and rice pilaf at home without complicated techniques, making restaurant-style dining accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

What’s in Baked Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that becomes the main star of this one-skillet meal and absorbs the delicious shawarma spices.

• Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, Turmeric, Cayenne: A robust spice blend that creates the authentic shawarma flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a sharp and aromatic depth to the marinade.

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich base for the marinade and helps to coat the chicken and rice.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and helps cook the rice to perfect tenderness.

• Basmati Rice: A fragrant long-grain rice that serves as the perfect foundation for the chicken.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the rice pilaf.
• Raisins: Optional ingredient that brings a subtle sweetness to the rice.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, green finish to the dish.

How to Cook Chicken Shawarma One-Pan Style

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

• Olive oil
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Cayenne
• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the marinade into chicken thighs and let them soak up the deliciousness for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Fire up a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

Sizzle the marinated chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Carefully transfer the partially cooked chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Build the Rice Foundation

In the same skillet, dance some chopped onions around until they turn soft and translucent. Introduce basmati rice to the pan, stirring to coat with the leftover spices and oil.

Step 4: Create a Liquid Landscape

Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle raisins for a sweet surprise. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Layer and Bake the Magic

Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil.

Slide the skillet into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Step 6: Let the Oven Work Its Wonder

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

The rice should become tender, and the chicken should reach perfect doneness.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Pull the skillet from the oven.

Fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Juicy Chicken and Fluffy Pilaf

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier eating. Rinse basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains. Select an oven-safe skillet with a tight-fitting lid to maintain moisture during baking. Substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped apricots for varied sweetness and texture in the rice pilaf.

Flavor Ideas for Chicken Shawarma and Pilaf

• Mediterranean Lamb Swap: Replace chicken thighs with tender lamb pieces, keeping the same spice blend for a rich, hearty alternative.
• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or firm tofu, using vegetable broth and adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Spicy Moroccan Style: Increase cayenne pepper, add harissa paste to the marinade, and incorporate preserved lemons for an intensely flavorful North African version.
• Coconut Curry Fusion: Replace chicken broth with coconut milk, add curry powder instead of traditional shawarma spices, and mix in some diced carrots for a Southeast Asian-inspired variation.

What Goes Great with Chicken Shawarma and Rice

• Pair Zesty Tzatziki: Cool, creamy Greek yogurt sauce with cucumber and dill perfectly balances the warm, spicy chicken shawarma, cutting through the rich flavors.
• Complement with Crisp Rosé Wine: Light, fruity rosé wine from Provence matches the Middle Eastern spices, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's robust seasonings.
• Serve Alongside Bright Mediterranean Salad: Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and parsley dressed with lemon and olive oil provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the hearty rice and chicken.
• Match with Sparkling Mint Lemonade: Refreshing, zesty drink with fresh mint leaves cleanses the palate and echoes the lemony marinade, creating a harmonious flavor experience.

Leftover Love: Storing Shawarma Pilaf Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and rice to maintain best texture.
• Freeze: Pack cooled chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken and rice in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to retain moisture.

Shawarma and Rice Pilaf FAQ Roundup

• What are the key spices in this shawarma recipe?

The key spices are cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne, which create the classic Middle Eastern shawarma flavor profile and give the chicken a deep, aromatic taste.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out more quickly than chicken thighs. Adjust cooking time and monitor the internal temperature.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

This one-skillet meal is relatively healthy, packed with protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and beneficial spices that offer anti-inflammatory properties and boost metabolism.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

You only need an oven-safe skillet with a lid or foil for covering.

One-Skillet Baked Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken Shawarma and Rice Pilaf brings Middle Eastern comfort to your kitchen with a single-pan magic. Spices dance through tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper

Cooking and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a flavorful marinade by whisking together aromatic spices, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Submerge chicken thighs thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Allow flavors to penetrate for minimum 15 minutes at room temperature.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F and select a large oven-safe skillet with deep sides.
4. Sear marinated chicken over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a rich golden-brown exterior. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.
5. In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions until translucent and softened, releasing their natural sweetness.
6. Introduce rinsed basmati rice to the skillet, stirring to coat grains with residual spices and onion essence.
7. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, incorporating raisins for subtle sweetness. Gently bring liquid to a soft simmer.
8. Strategically arrange seared chicken thighs atop the rice layer, creating an even distribution.
9. Securely cover skillet with tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil to trap moisture and steam.
10. Transfer covered skillet to preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches perfect internal temperature.
11. Carefully remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and herbaceous finish before serving.

Notes

• Marinating Magic: Let chicken sit in the spice blend for at least 30 minutes for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that will make your taste buds dance.
• Rinsing Rice Trick: Always rinse basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that won’t become sticky or clumpy.
• Spice Flexibility: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat tolerance, creating a personalized spice level that suits your palate without overwhelming the dish.
• Dietary Adaptations: Easily transform this recipe by using cauliflower rice for a low-carb version or swapping chicken thighs with tofu for a vegetarian alternative that maintains the same aromatic spice blend.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg