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Delicious Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad served in a bowl

Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad

A flavorful and vibrant salad featuring spiced chicken, crunchy rice, and fresh veggies, drizzled with a creamy tahini dressing, perfect for a quick dinner.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts Use your preferred cut of chicken.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil For marinating the chicken.
  • 2 tsp cumin Adds warm flavor.
  • 1 tsp paprika For color and depth.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Enhances flavor.
  • ½ tsp turmeric Provides color and health benefits.
  • to taste Salt & pepper Adjust according to preference.
For the Salad
  • 2 cups cooked rice (cooled) Use leftover rice for best results.
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced Adds crunch.
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped Fresh and juicy.
  • ½ medium red onion, sliced For sharpness.
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro For garnish and freshness.
For the Dressing
  • ¼ cup tahini Creamy base.
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced Adds acidity.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Fresh garlic for flavor.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil For richness.
  • to taste Water to thin dressing Adjust for desired consistency.

Method
 

Marinating the Chicken
  1. Mix the olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken with the mixture and let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken until it’s cooked through and golden brown. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Crisping the Rice
  1. Heat a skillet with 1 tbsp oil and crisp the cooled rice until golden and crunchy. Alternatively, air-fry it if preferred.
Preparing the Dressing
  1. Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and water until creamy. Chill for 15 minutes.
Assembling the Salad
  1. Layer the salad starting with the crispy rice, followed by sliced chicken, diced veggies, and a generous drizzle of dressing. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh herbs and let the dressing chill before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.