17/01/2026
Arabic Shawaya with Rice Recipe
Ingredients
For Shawaya Chicken
1 whole chicken
3 tbsp yogurt
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp oil
1 tbsp garlic paste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp turmeric
Salt to taste
½ tsp red chili powder (optional)
For Rice
2 cups basmati rice (soaked 30 min)
1 small carrot (grated)
2 tbsp raisins
2 tbsp oil or butter
1 small onion (optional, sliced)
1 bay leaf
2 cloves
Salt to taste
4 cups water or chicken stock
Method
1: Marinate the Chicken
Mix yogurt, lemon juice, oil, garlic, all spices & salt.
Apply well on whole chicken (inside & outside).
Cover and marinate at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
2: Grill the Chicken
Oven method:
Bake at 200°C for 45–60 minutes, turning once.
Pan/BBQ method:
Grill on low flame until golden & juicy.
Brush with oil while cooking for shine.
3: Prepare the Rice
Heat oil/butter in a pot.
Add onion (optional), bay leaf & cloves.
Add grated carrot & raisins, sauté 1 minute.
Add soaked rice & salt, mix gently.
Pour water/stock, cover & cook on low flame.
When water dries, dum (steam) for 10 minutes.
4: Serving
Spread rice on a large platter.
Place full grilled shawaya chicken on top.
Garnish with raisins & carrots.
Serve with:
Yogurt sauce 🥣
Salad 🥗
Chili sauce 🌶️
