Juicy Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, then this Juicy Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is about to become your new favorite dish! Imagine tender, spiced chicken, juicy and flavorful, paired with crispy rice and a medley of crunchy vegetables, all tossed together in a creamy, tangy dressing. Every bite is a balance of textures—crunchy, juicy, savory, and zesty. It’s the kind of salad that you can’t stop eating because it’s just that satisfying! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a total game-changer. You get all the flavors you love from shawarma, plus the freshness of a salad, making it the best of both worlds.

Why You’ll Love Juicy Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad

• Flavor-Packed: The chicken is marinated in a mix of spices that give it a rich, deep flavor that you’ll absolutely love. Add in crispy rice and a tangy dressing, and you’ve got a dish that bursts with flavor.
• Versatile: This salad is a great base for customization. You can swap out the rice for quinoa, couscous, or even a low-carb option like cauliflower rice.
• Quick and Easy: With some simple ingredients and a bit of marinating time, this salad comes together easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend treat.
• Crunchy & Fresh: From the crispy rice to the crunchy veggies, every bite of this salad is an explosion of texture that keeps things interesting.
• Satisfying & Filling: Thanks to the juicy chicken, crispy rice, and fresh vegetables, this salad is hearty enough to be a main course, but light enough to feel refreshing.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this juicy chicken shawarma crispy rice salad:

For the Chicken Shawarma:

• Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless): Juicy and tender, chicken thighs are the perfect choice for shawarma because they stay moist during cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will infuse the chicken with a savory depth.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a fresh zing to the marinade.
• Olive Oil: To help coat the chicken and create a tender texture when cooking.
• Ground Cumin, Paprika, Turmeric, Coriander: These spices will give the chicken that classic shawarma flavor—warm, earthy, and slightly smoky.
• Ground Cinnamon (optional): A pinch of cinnamon adds a subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.

For the Crispy Rice:

• Rice (cooked, leftover works great!): Day-old rice is ideal for crispy rice because it’s a little drier, which helps it crisp up better.
• Olive Oil: For frying the rice to achieve that perfect crispy texture.

For the Salad:

• Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy, cucumbers add a cool bite to the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they balance the savory chicken and crispy rice.
• Red Onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and color to the salad.
• Fresh Parsley and Mint: These herbs bring freshness and vibrancy to the dish.
• Feta Cheese (optional): Crumbled feta adds creaminess and a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

For the Dressing:

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, Greek yogurt is the perfect base for the dressing.
• Tahini: Adds richness and a nutty flavor that complements the shawarma spices.
• Garlic: A little more garlic for that sharp, aromatic punch.
• Lemon Juice: For a burst of acidity to balance out the creamy dressing.
• Olive Oil: To smooth out the dressing and add richness.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Water: To thin out the dressing to your desired consistency.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this juicy, crispy, and flavorful salad!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken well to coat in the marinade. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 3: Make the Crispy Rice

In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cooked rice and press it down into an even layer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring, so it crisps up. Flip the rice over and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Salad

While the chicken and rice are cooking, chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and herbs. Toss them together in a large bowl, along with the crumbled feta if using.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add water to thin it out to your desired consistency—thicker for a dip, thinner for a dressing.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, toss the crispy rice with the salad mixture. Add the sliced chicken on top and drizzle with the yogurt-tahini dressing. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 120mg
  Sodium: 550mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g
  Protein: 28g
  Vitamin A: 20% DV
  Vitamin C: 25% DV
  Calcium: 10% DV
  Iron: 15% DV
  Potassium: 650mg (18% DV)

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient choices and serving sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (not including marinating time)

How to Serve Juicy Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad

This salad is hearty enough to be a main course, but you can also pair it with any of these sides to make it a full meal:

• Pita Bread or Flatbread: Serve with some warm pita or flatbread for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
• Hummus: A creamy hummus dip pairs beautifully with the salad, enhancing the flavors even more.
• Pickled Vegetables: A side of pickled cucumbers or radishes will add an extra layer of tang to balance out the richness of the salad.

Additional Tips

• Use Leftover Rice: If you’ve got leftover rice, this is the perfect way to turn it into something delicious. Fresh rice works too, but day-old rice crisps up better.
• Make It Spicy: For an extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce or sprinkle chili flakes over the chicken before serving.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out any vegetables in the salad for what you’ve got on hand—roasted carrots, bell peppers, or even avocado would be great additions.
• Make Ahead: The chicken can be marinated overnight, and the salad ingredients can be prepped ahead of time. Just assemble and serve when ready.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are more flavorful and juicy, making them ideal for this dish.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.

Q3: Can I use quinoa or couscous instead of rice?
A3: Yes! Feel free to use quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Q4: Can I make the crispy rice ahead of time?
A4: It’s best to make the crispy rice fresh, but you can store leftover crispy rice in the fridge for a day or two and reheat it in a pan.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover salad and chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the crispy rice, it’s best served fresh but can be stored separately for up to a day.

Q6: Can I use store-bought shawarma seasoning?
A6: Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, store-bought shawarma seasoning will work perfectly.

Q7: Can I add more spices to the chicken marinade?
A7: Absolutely! Feel free to add more spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or a pinch of chili powder for an extra flavor boost.

Q8: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A8: The chicken can be marinated ahead of time, and the salad ingredients can be chopped and stored separately. Just assemble everything when you’re ready to serve.

Q9: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A9: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you make sure to use gluten-free pita or flatbread if you’re serving it with those.

Q10: Can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Yes, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to the chicken or salad to adjust the spice level to your liking.

Conclusion

This Juicy Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is an absolute flavor explosion that you’ll crave over and over again. With tender chicken, crispy rice, and a creamy tahini dressing, it’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or preparing it for meal prep, this salad is sure to hit the spot!

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