Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

4 servings
Say "hello" to your newest lunchtime obsession: my Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing is proof that salads are anything but boring. Made from a combination of tender, perfectly-cooked chicken, crisp Persian cucumbers, a bed of crispy seasoned rice, and a creamy lemon-tahini dressing to bring it all together, this salad is bursting with a medley of Middle Eastern-Inspired flavors and textures. It's no wonder this recipe has over 5 million+ views and counting!

Ingredients

  • Rice

    cooked and cooled

    2 c
  • Olive Oil
    1 tbsp
  • Paprika
    1 tsp
  • Oregano
    1 tsp
  • Garlic Powder
    ½ tsp
  • Boneless

    Skinless Chicken Thighs, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

    1 lb
  • Olive Oil
    2 tbsp
  • Turmeric
    2 tsp
  • Cumin
    2 tsp
  • Cinnamon
    1 tsp
  • Garlic Powder
    1 tsp
  • Ground Black Pepper
    ½ tsp
  • Persian Cucumbers

    thinly sliced

    5
  • Baby Tomatoes

    halved

    1 c
  • Red Onion

    finely sliced - this is approximately 1/2 cup

    ½
  • Dill Pickles

    chopped

    3
  • Mint

    chopped - this is approximately 1/2 cup

    1 bunch
  • Greek Yogurt
    ½ c
  • Tahini
    ⅓ c
  • Olive Oil
    ¼ c
  • Lemon Juice

    this is approximately 1 whole lemon

    ¼ c
  • Garlic
    2 clove
  • Kosher Salt
    1 tsp
  • Honey or Maple Syrup

    this is optional, but I love adding it in for a little bit of sweetness

    1 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    To make this salad, start by preparing the crispy rice topping. Preheat your oven to 400F.

  2. 2

    Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

  3. 3

    Cook the rice according to your preferred method and allow it to cool fully. Then, add it to the baking sheet.

  4. 4

    Toss the cooled rice with the olive oil, paprika, oregano, and garlic powder.

  5. 5

    Then, transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake the rice for 30-35 minutes, or until it's nice and crispy. Toss it halfway through, to ensure that it cooks evenly.

  6. 6

    While the rice is in the oven, prepare the chicken. Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl and season them with the ground turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, garlic powder, and ground black pepper.

  7. 7

    Then, heat a skillet, on the stove, over medium heat, and add in the olive oil.

  8. 8

    Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan. Cook until it's fully cooked through, then remove the chicken from the heat.

  9. 9

    Once the rice is done, remove it from the oven and set it aside.

  10. 10

    Next, prepare the salad. Wash and chop the Persian cucumbers, baby tomatoes, red onion, dill pickles, and mint, and add them to a large bowl.

  11. 11

    Add the cooked chicken to the salad alongside the cooled crispy rice.

  12. 12

    Finally, prepare the dressing. Add all of the dressing ingredients - the greek yogurt, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, kosher salt, and honey or maple syrup (if using) to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

  13. 13

    Pour the dressing on top of the salad and toss to fully combine.

  14. 14

    Once the salad is done, serve it immediately and enjoy!

Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

60 min4 servings574 cal

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About this Recipe

Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad: Your New Favorite Lunch

Say goodbye to boring salads and hello to a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures with our Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing! This isn't just any salad; it's a culinary journey packed with Middle Eastern-inspired flavors that have captivated millions. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken shawarma nestled atop a bed of irresistible crispy seasoned rice, all brought together with a luscious, creamy lemon-tahini dressing.

What makes this crispy rice salad truly special is the thoughtful combination of fresh ingredients. We're talking crisp Persian cucumbers, sweet baby tomatoes, zesty dill pickles, and refreshing mint, all contributing to a symphony of taste in every bite. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. Plus, it's a fantastic gluten-free option, making it accessible for even more to enjoy this delightful dish.

Tips for Success & Delicious Variations

Achieving that perfect crispy rice is key to this salad's charm. Ensure your cooked rice is well-cooled and patted dry before pan-frying with olive oil and spices to get that beautiful golden crunch. For the chicken shawarma, don't skimp on the spices – turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon create that authentic, aromatic profile.

Want to make it your own? Here are some ideas:

  • Add-ins: Consider tossing in some roasted chickpeas for extra protein and fiber, or some thinly sliced bell peppers for more crunch and color.
  • Dressing Boost: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the lemon-tahini dressing can add a delightful kick if you like a bit of heat.
  • Herb Power: Experiment with fresh parsley alongside the mint for an even fresher herbaceous note.

This Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive dish to share with friends. Get ready to fall in love with its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures!

Frequently Asked Questions