Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad (Print View)

Spiced chicken meets crispy rice and fresh veggies in a tangy yogurt dressing. Ready in 40 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 oz)

→ Grains

02 - 2 cups cooked basmati rice, preferably cold and 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 Make It:

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 marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, approximately 6–8 minutes. Remove from pan and keep warm.
03 - Wipe the skillet clean. Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and 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 diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
05 - Add crispy rice and cooked chicken to the vegetables. Toss gently to combine all components.
06 - Drizzle Greek yogurt over the salad. Toss again to coat evenly or serve with yogurt dolloped on top.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while rice remains crispy.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The crispy rice creates this incredible crunch that makes every bite exciting
  • Its ready in under an hour but tastes like something youd wait all day for
02 -
  • Dont rush the crispy rice step, that golden crust is what makes this salad special
  • Let the chicken marinate while you prep the vegetables to save time
03 -
  • Cut your chicken against the grain into thin, even strips for the most tender texture
  • Let the skillet get properly hot before adding the rice, it makes all the difference

Go Back