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