Description
This Chicken Shawarma Rice recipe offers a flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring marinated chicken breast cooked to perfection and served on a bed of buttery basmati rice simmered in savory chicken broth. The blend of warm spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper provides a deliciously spiced chicken shawarma experience that is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Shawarma Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, trimmed and sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken breast with olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients well so the chicken is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Transfer the rinsed rice to a saucepan, add the chicken broth and butter, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed. After cooking, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the chicken is browned on the outside and completely cooked through on the inside.
- Serve: Plate the cooked basmati rice and top it with the cooked chicken shawarma. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for best results and even cooking.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Basmati rice rinsing removes starch and helps produce fluffy, separate grains.
- If chicken broth is not available, use vegetable broth as a substitute for a lighter flavor or water with added seasoning.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds color but also freshness and a slight herbal note.
