There’s something truly magical about One-Pot Shawarma Rice with White Sauce Recipe that instantly transports you to the bustling streets of the Middle East with every fragrant, tender bite. This dish combines perfectly spiced chicken thighs with fluffy basmati rice, simmered together with just the right blend of warming spices, creating a comfort-food masterpiece that requires just one pot to prepare. And that creamy, zesty white sauce? It’s the perfect partner, balancing bold flavors with smooth, tangy goodness. If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal without the fuss, this recipe is your new best friend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of several white bowls and plates placed on a white marbled surface. There is a large white bowl filled with uncooked white rice in the top left. Below it, a white bowl contains chopped white onions. To the right, a white bowl holds raw pieces of light pink meat. Towards the top right, a small white bowl holds white creamy yogurt, and next to it is a small white bowl with a spoon containing more thick white creamy substance. Above these bowls, a white plate has some spices arranged in small piles: dark brown, reddish-brown, light beige, dark green, and black. There is also a white plate with a half lemon. Three cloves of garlic rest on the surface near the center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role. From the tender, juicy chicken to the aromatic spices, every component adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color to make this dish irresistible.

450 g chicken thighs (cut into bite sized pieces): Well-marbled for juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender during cooking.
2 crushed garlic cloves: Adds depth and a punch of savory aroma to the marinade.
1 teaspoon cumin: Earthy and warm, this spice is essential for authentic shawarma flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and a beautiful reddish hue.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a sweet warmth that rounds out the spice profile beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the marinade and rice.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of heat that perfectly complements the spices.
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking): Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
2 small onions (roughly 1 cup diced): Sweetness and texture, softened to mellow out the spices.
3 cloves garlic (crushed): A double dose of garlic to elevate the rice fragrance.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing onions and spices, adding richness.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Continues the warm flavor theme in the rice.
1.5 teaspoons salt: Seasoning the rice for balanced taste.
1/2 teaspoon turmeric: Beautiful golden color and mild earthiness.
1/4 teaspoon cumin: Reinforces the layered spice notes.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gentle heat for the rice layer.
2 cups basmati rice: Long-grain with a fragrant aroma and fluffy texture.
3 cups water: Perfect for cooking the rice tender and fluffy.
1 cup full fat plain yogurt: The creamy base for the luscious white sauce.
1.5 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Seasoning the white sauce for balance.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (more per preference): Adds a subtle peppery kick to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh garlic): Imparts gentle garlic flavor in the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon chili powder: For a slight touch of spice to wake up the palate.
2-3 teaspoons lemon juice (per preference): Brings brightness and acidity to the creamy sauce.
2 tablespoons tahini (optional): Adds nuttiness and depth if you have it on hand.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make One-Pot Shawarma Rice with White Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by combining your chicken thighs with the crushed garlic, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Letting the chicken marinate overnight is a dream for flavor absorption, but even a short rest before cooking will give lovely results. This step sets the foundation for the juicy, spice-infused meat you’ll be savoring.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan with high sides. Sear the chicken pieces over high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown. This caramelization creates that irresistible shawarma taste and aroma. Set the chicken aside once done; don’t worry, it’s about to get even better.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Spices

In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with diced onions and salt. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes until the onions soften and become sweetly translucent. Add crushed garlic and the rice spices—cinnamon, salt, turmeric, cumin, and black pepper—letting them cook for another 2 minutes to fully bloom their flavors.

Step 4: Toast the Rice and Combine

Stir in the washed and drained basmati rice, coating each grain with the luscious spiced onion mixture. This toasting step adds delightful texture and fragrance. Return the golden chicken to the pot before pouring in 3 cups of water, readying everything for a harmonious cook.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the pot to a gentle bubble, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to become fluffy. This one-pot method means less mess and more deliciousness.

Step 6: Prepare the White Sauce

While your rice is cooking, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, lemon juice, and optional tahini. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. This creamy, tangy sauce is the perfect counterpart to the rich, spiced rice and chicken.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once the cooking time is complete, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Serve your warm, aromatic shawarma rice with a generous drizzle of the white sauce and prepare for all the compliments coming your way.

How to Serve One-Pot Shawarma Rice with White Sauce Recipe

The image shows two white bowls side by side, both placed on a white marbled surface. The left bowl contains a dish with a base layer of white rice topped with slivered brown nuts scattered all around. The right bowl shows light yellow rice mixed with thin brown pieces scattered evenly, topped with several small pinkish pieces of cooked chicken, arranged mostly in the center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, toasted pine nuts, or even some crisp pomegranate seeds can add delightful freshness, crunch, and bursts of color to brighten your plate and elevate the dish visually and texturally.

Side Dishes

This shawarma rice pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, or some warm pita bread to scoop up every last bit of the white sauce. Roasted vegetables or pickles add great contrast and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your One-Pot Shawarma Rice with White Sauce Recipe in small bowls for a casual meal or layered in a glass trifle dish for festive gatherings. Wrapping portions in flatbread with extra sauce creates a delicious shawarma-style wrap perfect for on-the-go meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice will continue to soak up the flavors, making next-day meals even tastier.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked shawarma rice in portions for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing and use freezer-safe containers. The flavor and texture hold up remarkably well when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the rice moist. Serve with freshly made or reserved white sauce to maintain that creamy, fresh zing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, though thighs stay more tender and juicy with this cooking method.

Is basmati rice necessary for this recipe?

Basmati rice is ideal because of its fluffy texture and fragrant aroma, but you can use other long-grain rice varieties if basmati isn’t available.

Can I make the white sauce vegan?

Absolutely! Swap yogurt and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives and use a vegan tahini to keep the flavor profile intact.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mildly spiced, but you can adjust the chili powder and black pepper to increase or decrease heat according to your taste.

What’s the purpose of tahini in the sauce?

Tahini adds a silky, nutty depth to the white sauce, but it’s optional—feel free to leave it out if you don’t have it on hand.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of making and sharing this delicious One-Pot Shawarma Rice with White Sauce Recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with so much flavor that it quickly becomes a go-to favorite for any occasion. Give it a try, and I promise this dish will soon feel like your own little secret to impressing friends and family with minimal effort and maximum taste.