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Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad

A delightful blend of spiced chicken, crispy rice, and fresh toppings, making for a vibrant and satisfying Middle Eastern dinner.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 540 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice Salad

  • 1 cup jasmine rice Rinsed under cold water
  • 2 cups chicken broth Used to cook the rice
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1 small tomato, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh mint, chopped

For the Dressing

  • 1 quarter cup tahini
  • 1 tablespoon water (to thin tahini) Add more as necessary for desired consistency
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Optional Toppings

  • Chopped nuts for crunch Use at your discretion

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and mix well to coat. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Prepare the Rice

  • Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

Cook the Chicken

  • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Combine the Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, parsley, and mint. Toss gently to mix all ingredients.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and water until smooth.

Serve

  • Place a generous amount of the rice and vegetable mixture on a plate, top it with sliced chicken, and drizzle with tahini dressing. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch.

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Notes

Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor. Use chicken broth for added flavor in the rice. Adjust spices to taste as needed.
Keyword Chicken Shawarma, Crispy Rice, Easy Dinner, Healthy Meal, Salad