Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad

Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the bold, spiced flavors of traditional shawarma with the satisfying crunch of crispy rice and a refreshing salad. This recipe offers a unique fusion of Middle Eastern and contemporary cuisine, delivering a delightful balance of textures and tastes in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is perfect for those who love hearty yet refreshing meals. The savory, well-seasoned chicken pairs beautifully with the lightness of the greens and the crispiness of the rice, making it a dish that feels both indulgent and healthy. It is an excellent option for meal prepping, quick dinners, or an impressive addition to a gathering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken thighs or breasts
shawarma seasoning
olive oil
cooked rice
salad greens (such as arugula, romaine, or spinach)
cucumber
cherry tomatoes
red onion
fresh parsley
lemon juice
Greek yogurt
garlic
salt
pepper

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken in shawarma seasoning and olive oil for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil and press the cooked rice into an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed until the bottom is golden and crispy.
4. While the rice is crisping, prepare the salad by tossing the greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley in a large bowl.
5. Make the dressing by mixing Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
6. Break up the crispy rice and mix it into the salad.
7. Top the salad with sliced chicken shawarma.
8. Drizzle the yogurt dressing over the top before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Substitute chicken with lamb or beef shawarma for a richer flavor.
• Use quinoa or bulgur instead of rice for a different texture.
• Add pickled onions or olives for an extra burst of flavor.
• Make it vegetarian by using crispy chickpeas instead of meat.
• Spice it up by adding a touch of harissa to the yogurt dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover salad and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat the chicken, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. The salad and crispy rice are best eaten fresh, but you can lightly re-crisp the rice in a skillet if needed.

FAQs

What type of rice is best for making crispy rice?

Short-grain or medium-grain rice like sushi rice or jasmine rice works best for achieving a crispy texture.

Can I use store-bought shawarma seasoning?

Yes, a good quality store-bought shawarma seasoning will work perfectly for this recipe.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Absolutely. You can marinate and cook the chicken up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

How do I keep the rice from sticking to the pan?

Use a nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron pan and ensure the rice is pressed firmly into the pan with a little oil.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative or use a tahini-based dressing.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

It is excellent for meal prep if you keep the crispy rice and salad separate until you’re ready to serve.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?

Yes, baking the chicken at 400°F (200°C) until fully cooked is a healthier alternative.

What can I add for extra crunch?

Add toasted nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, for an extra crunchy texture.

How spicy is the shawarma seasoning?

It usually has a warm, spiced flavor without being overly hot, but you can adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper.

Can I use leftover rice for the crispy rice?

Yes, using leftover rice is ideal as it tends to crisp up better than freshly cooked rice.

Conclusion

Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is a fresh, satisfying, and flavorful meal that brings together the best of crispy textures and savory shawarma spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s a recipe that offers both comfort and excitement on the plate. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and hearty satisfaction this dish brings!

2/2

Print