One pot shawarma chicken and rice—you know what’s worse than dinner for one? Dishes for six. You want bold flavor, not a pile of pans. That’s where this recipe saves your solo dinner game. We’re talking tender spiced chicken, fluffy rice, and not a dish more than you need. If you’ve ever stared into your fridge thinking “ugh, cooking for one is such a hassle,” this one’s for you. Let’s get it done, fast and flavor-packed.
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Why One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Is the Answer to Your Solo Dinner Struggle
When Cooking for One Feels Like Too Much
You get home late. You’re starving. The fridge has random odds and ends, and the thought of scrubbing a mountain of dishes? Hard pass. We’ve all been there. Nights like that are when one pot shawarma chicken and rice comes to the rescue. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together fast, with bold spices that wake up your taste buds — and only one pan to wash. No sad frozen dinners. No cereal-for-dinner guilt. Real food. One pot. Done.
The Easiest Way to Cook Flavorful Meals for One
Cooking for one can feel like a juggling act. You don’t want leftovers for days, but you also don’t want to cook bland, boring meals just because they’re simple. This one pot shawarma chicken and rice hits the sweet spot. It makes just enough for one satisfying serving (or two if you’re hungry), it scales easily, and it delivers huge flavor without fancy ingredients or extra work. You can even toss in whatever veggies you’ve got hanging around — no waste.
When I first tried a version of this dish, I wasn’t expecting much. But the smell of warm spices filled my kitchen, and by the time I took the first bite, I knew I had found my new solo dinner staple. Trust me: once you try it, you’ll be adding this to your weeknight rotation.
And if you’re always hunting for more simple one pot meals that don’t skimp on flavor, you’ll love this One Pot Chicken and Rice. Just one pot, real ingredients, and no cleanup drama.
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One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: One Pot Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice — a bold, cozy solo dinner that cooks in one pan with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 small boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/2 cup long grain rice (basmati)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp shawarma seasoning
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: herbs, lemon
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a small pot or skillet with lid.
2. Cook chopped onion until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and shawarma seasoning, bloom for 30 seconds.
4. Add chicken breast and sear lightly on both sides.
5. Stir in rice to coat in spices.
6. Pour in chicken broth, season with salt and pepper.
7. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 15 minutes.
8. Let rest 5 minutes off heat. Fluff rice, garnish, serve.
Notes
- Use thighs instead of breast for juicier meat.
- Frozen peas or spinach make great add-ins.
- To freeze, cool completely and pack in single portions.
- Reheat with a splash of broth to keep rice moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: one pot shawarma chicken and rice, solo dinner, meals for one
How to Make One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice (Without a Sink Full of Dishes)
Ingredients That Work for One
When you’re cooking for one, it’s easy to overbuy or waste ingredients. That’s why this one pot shawarma chicken and rice keeps it simple. Here’s what you need:
- 1 small boneless, skinless chicken breast (or 2 small thighs if you prefer)
- ½ cup long grain rice (basmati works great)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp shawarma seasoning (store-bought or homemade*)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped cilantro or parsley, a squeeze of lemon
*If you want to make your own shawarma spice, mix: cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne.
This makes one generous portion or a light meal for two. No giant batch to manage. If you’re a fan of solo-friendly, flavor-packed one pot recipes, you’ll also love this Jerk Chicken Rice and Peas — it’s another great dinner-for-one win.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook It
- Heat the olive oil in a small pot or skillet with a lid. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and shawarma seasoning, letting the spices bloom for 30 seconds.
- Add the chicken breast (whole or cut into bite-sized pieces) and sear lightly on both sides.
- Stir in the rice, coating it in the spices. Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook on low for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest off the heat for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice, garnish with herbs and lemon if using, and serve.
And that’s it — dinner for one, done. One pot. Minimal cleanup. Full flavor.
Ways to Switch Up One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice
Spice It Up: Easy Swaps to Keep It Interesting
One of the best things about one pot shawarma chicken and rice is how flexible it is. If you’ve got a well-loved spice rack or a drawer of random jars, you can play around and create a new flavor every time.
Here’s a quick guide:
| If You Like | Try Adding |
|---|---|
| More heat | Cayenne, chili flakes, harissa paste |
| More warmth | Cinnamon, cardamom, allspice |
| Smoky flavor | Smoked paprika, a pinch of chipotle powder |
You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients. The base flavor of one pot shawarma chicken and rice is already fantastic — but a pinch of something new can keep it exciting when you’re cooking solo all week.
Add-Ins: How to Make It Even More Satisfying
Cooking for one doesn’t mean skimping. If you want to bulk up your one pot shawarma chicken and rice, here are some no-fuss ideas:
- Veggies: frozen peas, spinach, bell pepper strips, chopped zucchini
- Protein: chickpeas, extra chicken, shrimp
- Toppings: dollop of plain yogurt, chopped fresh herbs, toasted nuts
This is one of those solo recipes that works with whatever’s in your fridge. Got a bit of leftover roasted veg? Toss it in. Want it more filling after a workout? Add extra protein.
If you love solo one pot meals that can flex with your mood, you’ll also want to bookmark this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice — it brings bold southern flavors to your table in the same quick, solo-friendly format.
FAQ: One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice
What is shawarma seasoning made of?
Shawarma seasoning is a blend of warm, earthy spices typically used in Middle Eastern cooking. The basic mix includes cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for heat. You can buy it pre-mixed, or easily make your own. Adding this blend to one pot shawarma chicken and rice brings that signature bold, smoky flavor with hardly any effort.
Can you use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this dish?
Yes, absolutely. Many people prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs in one pot shawarma chicken and rice because they stay juicier and more tender. Just adjust the cook time slightly, as thighs may take a couple of extra minutes. Whether you use breast or thigh, the spices will shine.
How do you keep the rice from sticking in one pot meals?
The key is adding enough liquid and simmering gently. Use a pot or pan with a tight-fitting lid, and once you add the broth, don’t crank up the heat — low and slow wins here. Let the rice steam covered, and give it a rest for a few minutes after cooking. This method works great not only for one pot shawarma chicken and rice, but also for other reader favorites like this bright One Pot Chicken and Rice with Caramelized Lemon — a dish where texture is just as important as flavor.
Is one pot shawarma chicken and rice freezer-friendly?
It can be! Cooked one pot shawarma chicken and rice freezes well in single portions. Let it cool completely first, then pack it into freezer-safe containers. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out. While fresh is best, having a batch in the freezer means you’ll always have a quick solo meal ready to go.
Final Bite: Why One Pot Shawarma Chicken and Rice Belongs in Your Solo Dinner Rotation
When you’re cooking solo, the last thing you want is a recipe that leaves you with tons of dishes or half-used ingredients. That’s why one pot shawarma chicken and rice is such a winner. It brings bold, warming flavor in a format that truly works for one person. Plus, it’s flexible — use thighs or breast, add veggies, or play with spices.
If you loved this, you’ll also enjoy these easy one pot dinners: try this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice for a spicier twist, or brighten up your next solo dinner with One Pot Chicken and Rice with Caramelized Lemon.
Solo cooking doesn’t have to mean boring or basic — and this dish proves it. Enjoy!
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