Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad (Printable Format)
Spiced chicken meets crispy rice, fresh veggies, and tangy yogurt for a bold, satisfying meal.
# What You Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 ounces)
→ Grains
02 - 2 cups cooked basmati rice, preferably cold, day-old
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 large cucumber, diced
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
→ Dairy & Dressing
06 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
→ Spices & Oil
07 - 2 tablespoons shawarma spice blend
08 - 4 tablespoons olive oil
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How-To Steps:
01 - Slice chicken breasts into thin strips. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, shawarma spice blend, and a generous pinch of salt. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from pan and keep warm.
03 - Wipe the skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, then add cooked rice. Press into an even layer and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until bottom is golden and crispy. Stir, then let crisp for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
04 - In a large bowl, combine cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
05 - Add crispy rice and cooked chicken to the vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
06 - Drizzle with Greek yogurt. Toss again or serve with yogurt dolloped on top.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately while rice remains crispy.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The crispy rice creates this incredible crunch that contrasts perfectly with tender spiced chicken
- Seven ingredients means less shopping and more time eating something that feels restaurant special
02 -
- Do not rush the crispy rice step, let it develop a proper crust undisturbed or you will miss the best texture in the whole dish
- The chicken keeps cooking slightly after you remove it from the pan, so pull it when it is just barely cooked through
03 -
- Cook the rice the night before and spread it on a baking sheet to dry out even more for maximum crunch
- Double the spice blend and keep it in a jar for quick weeknight meals