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Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad

Savor the Flavor: Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad Recipe

This Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad combines marinated chicken, crispy rice, fresh vegetables, and a tangy tahini dressing for a delightful experience.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts substitute chicken tenders or tofu for a vegetarian option
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin essential for shawarma flavor
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika for more flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or use fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric adds warmth and color
  • to taste salt & pepper elevate flavors
For the Rice
  • 2 cups cooked rice jasmine or basmati recommended
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for crisping the rice
For the Salad
  • 1 medium cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 handful fresh parsley or cilantro
For the Tahini Dressing
  • 1/4 cup tahini or peanut/almond butter
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • to taste tablespoons water to thin the dressing

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Grill Pan or Skillet
  • non-stick skillet
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add 1 pound of chicken, coat thoroughly, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  3. In a non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cups of cooled, cooked rice and cook for 5-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Wash and chop the vegetables: dice 1 cucumber, halve 1 cup of tomatoes, and slice 1/2 red onion. Combine with fresh parsley in a large bowl.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tahini, juice of 1 lemon, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Adjust with water until creamy.
  6. On a serving platter, layer the crispy rice, top with sliced chicken, fresh vegetables, and drizzle with tahini dressing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For the best flavor, chill the tahini dressing for 15 minutes and ensure rice is cooled completely before crisping. Store salad components separately for freshness.

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