Name: Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp turmeric; Salt & pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked rice (cooled); 1 cucumber, diced; 2 tomatoes, chopped; ½ red onion, sliced; Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped; ¼ cup tahini; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; Water to thin dressing (about 2-4 tbsp)

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Introduction

Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines tender spiced chicken with crunchy rice and fresh vegetables. This flavorful salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, offering a delicious mix of textures and bold Middle Eastern-inspired flavors.

A white plate holds a colorful dish with three main layers; the bottom layer is a bed of cooked rice mixed with diced green cucumbers and finely chopped herbs, giving a mix of beige, green, and white colors. The middle layer shows a creamy white sauce drizzled unevenly over the rice, speckled with chopped leafy greens and thin slices of red onion. The top layer features several pieces of richly browned, crispy-looking meat, possibly chicken, arranged in a mound, garnished with fresh chopped green herbs and thin golden fried onion strips. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp turmeric
Salt & pepper to taste
2 cups cooked rice (cooled)
1 cucumber, diced
2 tomatoes, chopped
½ red onion, sliced
Fresh parsley or cilantro
¼ cup tahini
Juice of 1 lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Water to thin dressing

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into pieces.
Step 3: Heat a skillet with 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the cooled rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is golden and crispy. Alternatively, crisp the rice in an air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Dice the cucumber and tomatoes, slice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley or cilantro.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and enough water to achieve a creamy dressing consistency. Chill the dressing for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 6: To assemble, layer the crispy rice on a serving dish. Top with the sliced chicken, diced vegetables, and herbs. Drizzle generously with the tahini dressing. Garnish with pickles if you like.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the chicken marinade.
Use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant crispy texture.
If you prefer, swap chicken for lamb or beef strips marinated in the same spices.
Serve with warm pita bread or flatbreads on the side for a fuller meal.
Roast or grill the vegetables slightly for a smoky variation.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to avoid sogginess. Reheat the chicken and rice gently in a skillet or microwave, then add fresh vegetables and dressing before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a dish with a base layer of golden-brown rice mixed with chopped cucumbers and red onion pieces, topped with a layer of white sauce speckled with green herbs, and finished with a generous mound of dark red, spiced shredded chicken garnished with fresh, finely chopped green herbs, all served in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep the meat juicy and tender.

How do I get the rice crispy without an air fryer?

Use a non-stick skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat, spreading the rice evenly. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring, so it forms a crispy golden crust.