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If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy dinner, Shawarma Chicken and Rice is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender, spice-rubbed chicken with fluffy, aromatic rice, all baked together in one pan. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, and those lazy dinners when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Inspired by Middle Eastern shawarma flavors, this recipe transforms classic oven baked chicken and rice into a bold, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Shawarma Chicken and Rice

This Shawarma Chicken and Rice is a bold, comforting one pan chicken and rice dish made with fragrant spices, juicy oven-baked chicken, and perfectly seasoned rice. Ideal for lazy dinners, cozy family meals, and reliable recipes for dinner, this flavorful chicken rice bake is simple, hearty, and packed with comfort.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs chicken thighs drumsticks, or breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1½ cups long-grain rice uncooked
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat Oven
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
• Season Chicken
• In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
• Prepare Rice Base
• Spread uncooked rice in the baking dish. Add onion and garlic, then pour in chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
• Assemble Dish
• Arrange the seasoned chicken on top of the rice, pressing slightly so the chicken sits partially in the liquid.
• Bake Covered
• Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
• Uncover & Finish
• Remove foil and continue baking for 15 minutes, until the chicken is golden and the rice is fully cooked.
• Rest & Serve
• Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

 

Chicken legs or thighs stay extra juicy and work great for baked chicken legs in the oven.

For creamy chicken and rice, stir in ¼ cup cream or Greek yogurt after baking.

Add carrots or bell peppers for a full one pan chicken and rice meal.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat covered to keep rice moist.

Why Make Shawarma Chicken and Rice?

Chicken and rice is a timeless combination, but shawarma seasoning takes it to a whole new level. The warm spices infuse the chicken and rice as they cook together, creating layers of flavor with minimal effort. This recipe fits perfectly into your weekly rotation of dependable meals and easy recipes for dinner.

Why this dish stands out:

• Everything cooks in one dish for easy cleanup

• A flavorful alternative to traditional baked chicken and rice recipes

• Customizable for creamy or veggie-packed versions

• Great for leftovers and meal prep

If you enjoy simple chicken recipes that feel comforting and filling, this is one to bookmark.

How Shawarma Chicken and Rice Comes Together

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Seasoned chicken is arranged over uncooked rice, then baked until the rice absorbs all the savory juices. The result is tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice infused with shawarma spices.

This cooking method is similar to a classic chicken rice bake, where everything finishes at the same time. It also works well if you prefer one pan chicken and rice meals that save time and dishes.

You can use chicken thighs, breasts, or even adapt the recipe using baked chicken legs in the oven for a more rustic version.

Ingredients Overview

This recipe relies on everyday ingredients that come together beautifully:

• Chicken (breasts, thighs, or legs)

• Long-grain rice

• Onion and garlic

• Olive oil

• Chicken broth

• Shawarma spice blend (paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic)

• Salt and black pepper

Optional additions include yogurt or cream for creamy chicken and rice, and vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra texture.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.

2. Season the Chicken
   Toss the chicken with olive oil, shawarma spices, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

3. Prepare the Rice Base
   Spread the uncooked rice in the baking dish. Add chopped onion and garlic, then pour in chicken broth. Stir gently to distribute.

4. Assemble the Dish
   Place the seasoned chicken on top of the rice mixture, pressing it slightly into the liquid.

5. Bake Covered
   Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 40 minutes.

6. Uncover and Finish
   Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the chicken is golden and the rice is tender.

7. Rest Before Serving
   Let the dish rest for a few minutes so the flavors settle.

How to Serve Shawarma Chicken and Rice

This dish is filling enough to serve on its own, but it pairs well with simple sides:

• Fresh cucumber or tomato salad

• Steamed or roasted vegetables

• Flatbread or pita

• A drizzle of yogurt or garlic sauce

It also works well as leftovers, making it a smart choice for weekly meals and meal prep.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness

• Keep the dish tightly covered while baking so the rice cooks evenly

• Add a splash of cream or yogurt after baking for creamy chicken and rice

• Include vegetables directly in the pan for extra nutrition

• Avoid stirring during baking to prevent mushy rice

These tips help ensure success whether you’re new to oven baked chicken and rice or already love one-pan meals.

FAQs

Is this a one pan chicken and rice recipe?
Yes, everything cooks together in a single baking dish.

Can I use chicken legs?
Absolutely. This recipe works well with baked chicken legs in the oven, though cooking time may increase slightly.

Can I make it creamy?
Yes, add cream or yogurt for a rich creamy chicken and rice version.

Is this good for busy nights?
Definitely. It’s perfect for lazy dinners and quick weeknight cooking.

Final Thoughts

Shawarma Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings bold spices to a classic chicken-and-rice bake. Whether you’re looking for dependable recipes for dinner, easy chicken recipes, or satisfying one-pan meals, this recipe delivers every time.

It’s simple, customizable, and perfect for families who love hearty, homemade food with minimal effort.