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Shawarma Chicken Rice: Savor 2x Flavor

Shawarma Chicken Rice
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Flavorful chicken shawarma served over fluffy basmati rice and topped with a creamy garlic white sauce (Toum). A delicious and customizable Middle Eastern-inspired meal!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (optional, for color and flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 cup ice water
  • 2–3 cups neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or grapeseed)
  • Pita bread, warmed
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Chopped cucumbers
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Pickled turnips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
  2. Cook the Rice: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add rinsed rice and stir to coat. Toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, turmeric, saffron (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed. Let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred method: Oven-Baked: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread marinated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through (165°F/74°C). Pan-Fried: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer (in batches if needed). Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and browned. Grilled: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers (if desired). Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and has grill marks. Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
  4. Make the White Sauce (Toum): Place garlic cloves and salt in a food processor. Process until finely minced. Add 1/4 of the lemon juice and process until a smooth paste. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the oil, a few drops at a time at first. As the sauce thickens, gradually increase the rate of the oil drizzle. Alternate adding small amounts of the remaining lemon juice and ice water, continuing to drizzle in the oil. Continue processing until all ingredients are added and the sauce is thick, white, and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  5. Assemble the Shawarma Chicken and Rice: Spoon rice onto plates, into pita pockets, or create bowls. Top with cooked chicken, a dollop of Toum, and your favorite toppings (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, pickled turnips). Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight will result in the most flavorful and tender meat.
  • When cooking the rice, avoid lifting the lid during simmering to ensure even cooking.
  • Making Toum requires patience. Add the oil very slowly at the beginning to create a stable emulsion. If the sauce breaks, follow the troubleshooting steps provided.
  • Customize the toppings to your liking!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastysizzle.com/shawarma-chicken-rice/

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