Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad (Printable View)

Spiced chicken and crispy rice combine with fresh vegetables in a tangy yogurt dressing for a quick, satisfying bowl.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

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

→ 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 salt. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, approximately 6–8 minutes. Remove and keep warm.
03 - Wipe skillet clean, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, then add cooked rice. Press into even layer and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until bottom is golden and crispy. Stir and let crisp for another 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
04 - In large bowl, combine cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
05 - Add crispy rice and cooked chicken to vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
06 - Drizzle with Greek yogurt. Toss again or serve with yogurt dolloped on top. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The crispy rice creates these incredible crunchy pockets that soak up all the spiced chicken juices
  • Seven ingredients means zero stress but maximum flavor impact
  • Warm chicken meets cool vegetables in every single bite
02 -
  • The rice needs to be cold and already cooked or it will steam instead of crisp up
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken or it will boil in its own juices
  • Let the rice develop a serious crust before stirring even if it smells amazing
03 -
  • Cook the rice in a cast iron skillet if you have one for the ultimate crust
  • Double the spice blend and use the extra on roasted vegetables later in the week

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