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Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad

A flavorful blend of spiced chicken, crispy rice, and fresh vegetables that brings a unique twist to traditional shawarma.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 500 grams boneless chicken thighs Look for organic or free-range for the best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin is recommended for a richer taste.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust for spice preference.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad
  • 200 grams long grain rice, cooked and cooled Jasmine rice is preferred for its aroma.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced Remove seeds for crunch.
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced Soak in cold water to mellow the flavor.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Marinating the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes.
Cooking the Rice
  1. Cook rice according to package instructions until tender. Spread cooked rice on a baking sheet to evaporate excess moisture.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add cooked rice and sauté, stirring occasionally, until grains are golden and crisp, about 8–10 minutes.
  3. Transfer the crispy rice to a bowl and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In the same skillet, add the marinated chicken. Cook over medium-high heat until cooked through and browned, about 6–8 minutes per side.
  2. Remove chicken from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes, then slice it thinly.
Assembling the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine crispy rice, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, chopped mint, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
  3. Divide salad among serving plates, and top with sliced chicken shawarma. Drizzle with pan juices.

Notes

Make sure the butter for any additional sides is at room temperature for easy mixing. Substitute chicken thighs with breasts if preferred, but thighs offer more flavor. Feel free to swap the fresh herbs based on what you have!