Authentic Chicken Shawarma with Spiced Rice

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Middle Eastern street food favorite featuring tender chicken marinated in spices and served with fragrant basmati rice. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 75 minutes pairs chicken thighs, ground cumin, ground paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1.5 lbs chicken thighs with 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground paprika, 1/2 tsp sumac, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Marinate for 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden and juices run clear. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a pot, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add 1.5 cups basmati rice, 1/2 tsp saffron threads, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for 15-18 minutes, until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Serve the chicken with a side of spiced rice, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Chicken Shawarma with Spiced Rice take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (40 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Chicken Shawarma with Spiced Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Chicken Shawarma with Spiced Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Chicken Shawarma with Spiced Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Chicken Shawarma with Spiced Rice?

Middle Eastern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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