Description
This Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is a delightful Middle Eastern-inspired dinner combining tender, spiced chicken with crunchy golden rice and fresh vegetables, all brought together by a creamy tahini dressing. It’s an easy, flavorful recipe perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt & pepper to taste
Salad
- 2 cups cooked rice (cooled)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- ½ red onion, sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Tahini Dressing
- ¼ cup tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Water to thin dressing
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces evenly with this marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat or pan-sear it in a hot skillet until cooked through and golden on the outside, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Crisp Rice: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cooled cooked rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice develops a golden, crispy crust, about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, place rice in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Prepare Vegetables: Dice the cucumber and tomatoes, slice the red onion thinly, and chop fresh parsley or cilantro to use as herbs for garnishing the salad.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and enough water to thin the dressing to a creamy consistency. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Assemble Salad: On a serving platter or individual bowls, layer the crispy rice first, then top with the sliced chicken, diced vegetables, and fresh herbs. Drizzle generously with the tahini dressing and optionally garnish with pickles for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or breasts for a leaner option.
- The crispy rice can be made in an air fryer or skillet depending on your preference.
- Adjust the seasoning in the marinade according to your taste; add cayenne for heat.
- Leftover rice works great for crisping and adding texture.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Crispy Rice Salad, Middle Eastern Dinner, Tahini Dressing, Easy Chicken Recipe
