chicken over rice recipe

chicken over rice recipe

The Best chicken over rice recipe

I’ve been making chicken over rice for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to please my family. This dish is a staple in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where it’s known as ‘mujaddara’ or ‘shish barak.’ The combination of tender chicken, flavorful spices, and fluffy rice is a winning combination that’s hard to resist.

In my household, we love to make this recipe for special occasions like holidays and birthdays, but it’s also a regular weeknight dinner staple. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy families like mine.

One of the things I love about this recipe is the way the flavors meld together. The chicken cooks in a rich broth with onions, garlic, and spices, which infuses the meat with a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods. And let’s not forget the rice – cooked to perfection with just the right amount of moisture and texture.

It’s a match made in heaven! Of course, one of the most important aspects of this recipe is the technique involved. Cooking the rice and chicken together in one pot is a game-changer.

It saves time and effort, while also allowing the flavors to meld together in a way that’s hard to achieve with separate cooking methods. As I mentioned earlier, this dish has its roots in Middle Eastern cuisine. But over time, it’s become a beloved recipe around the world.

Whether you’re serving it at home or bringing it to a potluck dinner, it’s sure to be a hit.

Chicken Shawarma Over Rice

Chicken Shawarma Over Rice

4.6 from 1686 votes

A flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices, served over fluffy rice. This recipe combines the rich flavors of shawarma with the comforting simplicity of rice.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

For the Rice

2 cups basmati rice
4 cups water
1 tsp salt

For Garnish

1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup diced tomato
1/4 cup diced cucumber

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
3Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly.
4Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
5Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7The chicken should be golden brown and juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
8While the chicken is baking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Drain well.
9In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
10Add the rice and salt.
11Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
12Fluff with a fork and set aside.
13Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
14To serve, spoon the cooked rice onto plates and top with sliced chicken.
15Garnish with a dollop of yogurt, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, diced tomato, and diced cucumber.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Saucepan
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can use a cast-iron skillet to bake the chicken. For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Shawarma Over Rice Works

This chicken over rice recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special celebration. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time. For storage ideas, simply refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat until hot and steaming before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Shawarma Over Rice

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

The best type of chicken for this recipe is boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. You can also use a combination of both if you prefer.

Q: Can I use any type of rice for this recipe?

No, it’s best to use long-grain white or brown rice for this recipe. The long grain helps the rice cook evenly and prevents it from becoming mushy.

Q: How do I store leftover chicken over rice?

You can store leftover chicken over rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and cook the chicken ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the rice just before serving to ensure it stays fluffy and tender.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for special diets?

This recipe is suitable for gluten-free diets as long as you use gluten-free spices. However, if you’re following a strict vegan diet, you may want to substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh.

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