Description
This Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is a delightful Middle Eastern-inspired dish that combines tender shawarma-spiced chicken with crispy rice on a bed of fresh greens, topped with a creamy yogurt sauce. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Shawarma:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Crispy Rice:
- 2 cups cooked and cooled basmati or jasmine rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- pinch of salt
For the Salad Base:
- 2 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or mint
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and all the shawarma spices. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred.
- Make the Crispy Rice: In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cooled rice in an even layer and press down lightly. Cook without stirring for 5–7 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and crispy. Season with a pinch of salt. Break into chunks and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or serving platter, layer the chopped greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and herbs. Top with the crispy rice and sliced shawarma chicken.
- Make the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Serve: Drizzle the salad with the yogurt sauce just before serving. Optional: garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of sumac.
Notes
- For even crispier rice, use day-old rice and resist stirring too soon.
- This salad is also great with added feta or pickled red onions.
- Make it dairy-free by using a tahini-based dressing instead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg