Zesty Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something extraordinary, and this chicken shawarma crispy rice salad delivers pure culinary magic.

Perfectly spiced chicken mingles with crunchy rice, creating a flavor explosion that will stop your fork mid-air.

Aromatic Middle Eastern spices dance through each bite, promising a meal that’s far from ordinary.

The combination of tender marinated chicken and golden crispy rice offers a textural symphony you’ll crave again and again.

Bright herbs and a zesty dressing cut through the richness, balancing every mouthful with fresh intensity.

Each component tells a story of bold, vibrant flavors that transform a simple meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Prepare to fall in love with a dish that turns dinner into a delicious adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad

For Marinade: .

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and keeps chicken moist, choose extra virgin for rich flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Tenderizes meat and adds bright citrus notes, fresh squeezed is best.
• Garlic: Provides deep aromatic base, select firm cloves without green sprouts.
• Shawarma Spices: Blend creates authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile, look for fresh ground spices.

• Chicken Thighs: Delivers rich, juicy texture, bone-in options provide more depth of flavor.

• Cooked Rice: Serves as crispy foundation, day-old rice works perfectly for extra crunch.
• Butter or Oil: Creates golden crispy layer, use neutral oil like vegetable or clarified butter.

• Cucumber, Tomato, Red Onion: Provides crisp, refreshing contrast, choose ripe seasonal produce.
• Parsley: Adds fresh herbaceous note, select bright green leaves without wilting.

• Yogurt: Creates creamy, tangy element, choose full-fat Greek yogurt for best consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens sauce, adds zesty undertone.
• Garlic: Enhances sauce's complexity, freshly minced preferred.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances overall flavor profile, use freshly ground black pepper.

Tools for Chicken Shawarma Salad

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for marinating chicken and combining salad ingredients.
• Skillet: Crucial for cooking chicken and creating crispy rice.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice chicken and chop fresh salad ingredients.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing yogurt sauce and measuring seasonings.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning chicken while cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring and mixing ingredients.

Steps to Make Crispy Rice Salad

• Prepare Chicken Marinade

Whip up a zesty mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic spices. Coat chicken thighs thoroughly and let them soak up flavors for at least 30 minutes.

• Sear Chicken to Perfection

Fire up a skillet and cook marinated chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Allow chicken to rest before slicing into delectable pieces.

• Create Crispy Rice Base

Heat oil in a pan and press cooked rice into the surface. Let it transform into a crunchy golden layer without disturbing, seasoning lightly with salt.

• Craft Fresh Salad Topping

Chop cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Toss with bright lemon juice and olive oil for a vibrant, refreshing mix.

• Whip Up Creamy Yogurt Sauce

Blend yogurt with complementary seasonings, adjusting taste to create a smooth, tangy accompaniment.

• Build Your Delicious Meal

Layer crispy rice as the foundation, top with succulent chicken shawarma slices, scatter fresh salad, and generously drizzle with creamy yogurt sauce. Enjoy immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

Tips to Enhance Shawarma Salad

• Meal Prep Magic: Marinate chicken ahead of time and store in the fridge for quick weeknight dinners, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
• Crispy Rice Pro Tip: Use day-old rice for the crispiest texture, as slightly dried rice creates the best golden-brown crust in the skillet.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken thighs with tofu or plant-based chicken for a vegetarian version, maintaining the same robust shawarma spice profile.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes in the marinade, catering to mild or bold flavor preferences.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, making this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Shawarma Salad Bowls

• Party Plate Perfection: Spread the crispy rice on a large platter and create a beautiful, colorful arrangement with chicken and fresh salad toppings.
• Mediterranean Mezze Magic: Serve alongside warm pita bread, hummus, and olives to create a full Middle Eastern-inspired spread that feels like a feast.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack the components separately in meal prep containers for an easy, delicious work lunch that stays crispy and fresh.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley, toasted pine nuts, or a pinch of sumac on top to add extra flavor and visual appeal to the dish.

Prep & Store Shawarma Rice Salad

• Fridge-Ready Strategies: Keep chicken shawarma in an airtight container for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Quick Meal Prep: Marinate chicken ahead of time and store in sealed bags, making weeknight dinners super fast and delicious.
• Smart Leftovers Technique: Separate crispy rice, salad, and chicken in different containers to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Store cooked, sliced chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months, perfect for quick future meals and busy schedules.

Mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Chicken shawarma with crispy rice salad delivers Middle Eastern flavors in one spectacular dish. Marinated chicken nestles on fragrant rice, complemented by fresh herbs and zesty garnishes that elevate each delicious bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups cooked rice (day-old or cooled rice works best)
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 cup chopped tomato
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsps olive oil (for chicken)
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter (for rice)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for chicken)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for salad)
• ½ small red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for chicken)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (for yogurt sauce)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp salt (for chicken)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp tahini (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for salad)
• Salt & pepper to taste (for salad)
• Pinch of cayenne (optional)
• Salt to taste (for rice)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Craft a zesty marinade by combining lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic spices with olive oil. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs, allowing flavors to infuse for at least 30 minutes, ensuring deep flavor penetration.
2. Chicken Cooking: Heat skillet to medium-high, adding a thin oil layer. Sear marinated chicken thighs until a golden-brown crust forms and meat is completely cooked. Rest briefly before slicing into tender strips.
3. Crispy Rice Creation: Transform cooked rice into a crispy delicacy by spreading evenly in a hot skillet with oil. Press firmly and cook undisturbed until a golden, crunchy bottom develops, creating a textural base.
4. Fresh Salad Composition: Dice cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion, then combine with chopped parsley. Dress with a vibrant mixture of lemon juice and olive oil, seasoning to elevate the fresh flavors.
5. Yogurt Sauce Preparation: Blend yogurt with carefully selected herbs and spices, adjusting seasoning to create a harmonious, creamy complement to the dish.
6. Plating and Serving: Construct the final presentation by layering crispy golden rice as a foundation. Top with sliced shawarma chicken, scatter fresh vegetable salad, and generously drizzle with creamy yogurt sauce. Serve immediately to preserve optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let chicken thighs marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator to enhance deeper spice penetration and tenderness.
• Achieve Crispy Rice Perfection: Use day-old rice with lower moisture content, press firmly in the pan, and avoid stirring to develop a consistent golden-brown crust without breaking rice texture.
• Control Chicken Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing dryness while guaranteeing safe consumption and maintaining juicy meat quality.
• Balance Sauce and Seasoning: Taste yogurt sauce incrementally while adding herbs and spices, adjusting salt and acid levels to create a harmonious complement to the shawarma’s robust flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg