Juicy Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad Recipe: A Flavor Fiesta

Crafting a mouthwatering chicken shawarma crispy rice salad can transport you straight to Middle Eastern street food paradise.

Aromatic spices dance through tender marinated chicken, promising an explosion of flavors.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire this vibrant dish that blends crisp textures with rich, complex seasonings.

Marinating chicken becomes an art form, infusing each bite with warmth and depth.

Crispy rice adds unexpected crunch, creating a delightful contrast against succulent meat.

Layers of fresh herbs and zesty dressing complete this remarkable culinary adventure.

You’ll find yourself craving every single bite of this irresistible meal that feels both familiar and exotic.

Why Chicken Shawarma Rice Salad Has a Crunchy Kick

• Craft Flavor-Packed Fusion: Combine Middle Eastern shawarma spices with crispy rice for a mouthwatering culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Master Flexible Cooking Techniques: Navigate between oven and air fryer methods, giving home cooks ultimate flexibility to create this dish using their preferred kitchen equipment without compromising taste or texture.
• Customize Your Culinary Experience: Easily adapt ingredients to personal preferences, swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or modify vegetables to suit individual taste buds and dietary requirements.
• Transform Ordinary Ingredients: Elevate simple components like rice, chicken, and vegetables into a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive and tastes incredible, making everyday cooking feel gourmet and exciting.

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma With Crispy Rice

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the primary component of the shawarma salad.
• Halloumi: A salty, firm cheese that adds a golden, crispy texture to the dish.

• Rice: A versatile grain that becomes crispy and provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft chicken and vegetables.

• Cumin, Coriander, Cinnamon, Turmeric: Aromatic spices that create a warm and complex flavor profile for the chicken.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Provides moisture and helps bind the spices to the chicken.
• Crushed Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
• Harissa: A spicy chili paste that brings heat and depth to the crispy rice.

• Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Scallions, Red Onion, Parsley: Crisp and fresh ingredients that add color, texture, and nutritional value to the salad.

• Tahini: A creamy sesame seed paste that forms the base of the smooth and tangy dressing.
• Water: Used to thin out the tahini and achieve the desired consistency.

• Salt, Garlic: Additional seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dressing.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma Rice Salad Bowl

Step 1: Prepare Fragrant Rice Base

Rinse rice thoroughly under cold water. Cook rice using water, creating a fluffy foundation.

After cooking, spread rice onto a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate to develop texture.

Step 2: Create Zesty Chicken Marinade

• Cumin
• Coriander
• Cinnamon
• Turmeric
• Salt
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Crushed garlic

Massage marinade into chicken, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate.

Step 3: Roast Protein Perfectly

Preheat oven to 430F. Bake chicken for 15 minutes.

Add diced halloumi and continue roasting until golden and crispy. Alternative air fryer technique: Cook chicken at 400F for 10 minutes, then incorporate halloumi for additional 5 minutes.

Step 4: Transform Rice into Crispy Delight

Select cooking method:

• Harissa
• Olive oil
• Turmeric
• Salt

Spread on tray, bake 25-30 minutes, stirring periodically.

Air Fryer Option: Toss rice with seasonings, air fry at 400F for 10 minutes, shake, then cook additional 5 minutes.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Tahini Sauce

• Tahini
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Garlic

Gradually add water, whisking until smooth and drizzle-ready.

Step 6: Construct Vibrant Shawarma Salad

Chop roasted chicken.

• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Scallions
• Red onion
• Parsley
• Crispy halloumi

Toss with crispy rice and most of tahini dressing. Serve with extra sauce alongside.

Tips to Assemble Crispy Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl

• Spread freshly cooked rice on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate to prevent clumping and achieve perfect texture for crispy rice.
• Marinate chicken for up to 24 hours to develop deeper, more complex spice profiles and tenderize the meat thoroughly.
• Use high heat (430F/400F) when baking rice and chicken to create golden, crunchy exteriors without drying out the ingredients.
• Gradually add water to tahini sauce, whisking carefully to create a smooth, pourable dressing that coats ingredients perfectly.
• Marinate chicken and cook rice components in advance to streamline final assembly and reduce day-of cooking time.

Tasty Twists for Chicken Shawarma With Rice Salad

• Mediterranean Lamb Shawarma: Swap chicken for succulent ground lamb, seasoned with similar spices for a rich, hearty protein option.
• Vegetarian Chickpea Delight: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas marinated in shawarma spices, creating a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
• Seafood Mediterranean Bowl: Use grilled white fish or shrimp instead of chicken, maintaining the crispy rice and vibrant herb profile.
• Spicy Moroccan Fusion: Add harissa paste to the marinade and increase chili flakes for a more intense, fiery version of the original recipe.

What Goes With Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad

• Refresh with Zesty Beverage: Pair this shawarma rice salad with a crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Mediterranean-style lemonade to complement the dish's bold Middle Eastern spices.
• Complement with Cool Mezze: Serve alongside creamy tzatziki, warm pita bread, and a small plate of marinated olives to enhance the meal's Mediterranean character and provide delightful texture contrasts.
• Balance with Herbaceous Accompaniment: Add a light Israeli salad or tabbouleh on the side to introduce fresh herbal notes that cut through the richness of the chicken and crispy halloumi, creating a harmonious dining experience.

How to Store Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping chicken, rice, and salad components separate to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.

Freeze chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.

Revive crispy rice and chicken by spreading on a baking sheet, covering with foil, and warming at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to restore crispness.

For quick reheating, use microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What are the key spices in the chicken marinade?

The key spices are cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric, which create a rich, aromatic flavor profile typical of traditional shawarma seasoning.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your ingredients, especially any store-bought seasonings, are certified gluten-free.

• Is halloumi necessary for this recipe?

While halloumi adds a delicious crispy texture, you can substitute it with feta cheese or simply omit it if unavailable. The dish will still be flavorful.

• How spicy is this dish with harissa?

Harissa varies in heat, so choose a mild version if you prefer less spice. You can also reduce the amount or use a small quantity to control the spice level.

Juicy Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with chicken shawarma crispy rice salad, a culinary journey blending spiced chicken and golden rice. Zesty herbs, tangy yogurt, and crunchy textures invite diners to explore bold flavors that dance across the palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (500 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 ounces (100 grams) halloumi cheese, diced

Crispy Rice and Spices:

• 2 cups cooked rice (or 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain rice)
• 1 tablespoon harissa paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons salt

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cucumber, diced
• 10 ounces (300 grams) tomatoes, diced
• 2 scallions (spring onions), finely chopped
• 1 red onion, finely diced
• Handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Garlic Tahini Dressing:

• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/3 cup water

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

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Instructions

1. Prepare the rice ahead of time by thoroughly rinsing and cooking with precise water ratio. Allow the grains to steam, then spread on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for minimal moisture retention, creating ideal texture for future crisping.
2. Create a robust marinade by blending warm spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric with zesty lemon juice, aromatic olive oil, and crushed garlic. Completely coat the chicken, ensuring deep flavor penetration. For maximum taste development, marinate up to 24 hours in refrigerator.
3. Roast marinated chicken in a preheated 430F oven for 15 minutes. Introduce diced halloumi during the final 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to caramelize and develop golden edges. Alternative cooking method includes air frying at 400F, with chicken requiring 10 minutes and halloumi needing additional 5 minutes.
4. Transform cooked rice into a crispy base by mixing with harissa, olive oil, turmeric, and salt. Spread evenly on a baking tray, creating opportunities for varied textures. Bake at 430F for 25-30 minutes, periodically stirring to ensure uniform crispiness. Air fryer alternative involves cooking at 400F for 10 minutes, followed by a 5-minute shake and additional cooking.
5. Craft a silky tahini dressing by whisking together tangy lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Gradually incorporate water until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency that complements the dish’s robust flavors.
6. Compose the final salad by combining chopped chicken, crisp vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, and red onion. Incorporate fresh parsley and golden halloumi for textural contrast. Gently toss with crispy rice and most of the prepared tahini dressing, reserving extra for individual preference.

Notes

• Chill rice completely before crisping to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent clumping during baking or air frying.
• Use day-old rice for better texture and reduced moisture, which helps achieve a more satisfying crispy result.
• Experiment with different spice combinations in the marinade to customize flavor profiles without compromising the dish’s authentic shawarma essence.
• For gluten-free adaptation, confirm all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free and replace any potential wheat-containing components.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 468 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 828 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 68 mg