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Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad – Easy Middle Eastern Dinner Recipe

Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad - Your Quick Middle Eastern Fix

Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad – Easy Middle Eastern Dinner Recipe features tender, spiced chicken with crispy rice and a luscious tahini dressing.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts Thighs for juiciness; breasts for leanness.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For marination; avocado oil is a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Use smoked paprika for extra flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Fresh garlic can be used for stronger flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad Base
  • 3 cups cooked rice Jasmine, white, or brown rice. Ensure it's cooled.
  • 1 cup cucumber Chopped.
  • 1 cup tomatoes Cherry tomatoes recommended.
  • 1/2 cup red onion Chopped.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro Chopped.
For the Tahini Dressing
  • 1/4 cup tahini Almond butter as nut-free substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Or lime juice for variation.
  • 1 clove minced garlic Adjust to preference.
  • 2 tablespoons water Add more as needed for consistency.

Equipment

  • grill or skillet
  • Large bowl
  • medium bowl
  • large skillet or air fryer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Marinate the chicken: Combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Coat chicken thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Cook the chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  3. Crisp the rice: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or air fryer over medium heat. Spread cooled rice evenly and let it cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until it begins to brown. Stir and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. Prepare the vegetables: Chop cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop fresh parsley or cilantro.
  5. Make the tahini dressing: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and water in a medium bowl until smooth. Let it chill for at least 15 minutes.
  6. Assemble the salad: Layer crispy rice in a large bowl, arrange sliced chicken on top, scatter vegetables, and drizzle with tahini dressing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor and ensure rice is cooled before crisping.

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