Description
This Juicy Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad brings together flavorful, spiced chicken shawarma with crispy rice and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s a hearty, balanced meal that’s both satisfying and full of vibrant, bold flavors. Perfect for a quick dinner, lunch, or as a crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Shawarma:
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tsp ground cumin
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2 tsp ground paprika
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1 tsp ground turmeric
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1 tsp ground coriander
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/2 tsp ground allspice
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1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Juice of 1 lemon
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3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Salad:
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2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice for better texture)
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 cucumber, diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
For the Dressing:
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1/4 cup tahini
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Marinate the chicken:
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In a bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, garlic powder, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
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Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the spice mixture. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
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Cook the chicken:
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Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
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Make the crispy rice:
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the cooked rice to the skillet, pressing it down with a spatula. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes without stirring until the bottom is golden and crispy.
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Flip the rice and cook the other side until crispy. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare the salad ingredients:
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While the chicken and rice are cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the parsley and mint. Set aside.
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Make the dressing:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and water. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
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Assemble the salad:
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In a large bowl, combine the crispy rice, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint. Toss gently to combine.
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Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad and drizzle with the tahini dressing.
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Serve:
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Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for a more refreshing meal. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
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Notes
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You can use leftover rice for the crispy rice, which adds even more texture to the salad.
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If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts.
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For a dairy-free version, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure that your tahini is pure (without added dairy).
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The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the rice may lose some of its crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad, Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg