Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad
A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired salad featuring tender chicken, crispy rice, and a creamy yogurt dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs patted dry
- 5 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
For the Rice and Salad
- 3 cups basmati rice cooked and chilled overnight
- 1 cup green cucumbers diced uniformly
- 1 cup red cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.5 cup purple red onions thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh green parsley finely chopped
- 1 tsp sumac powder
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper to create a vibrant marinade.
- Add the patted dry chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight in the fridge.
- Cook the basmati rice according to package instructions, then chill it overnight.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chilled basmati rice, spreading it out evenly. Let it fry without stirring for about 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Stir occasionally until all the rice is heated through and crispy. Set aside.
- In another skillet, add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until charred and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from heat and let it rest before slicing.
Assembly
- In a large serving bowl, add the crispy rice as the base. Layer the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, and the sliced chicken on top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and sumac powder until smooth. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Toss gently to combine all the ingredients and serve immediately while the rice is still warm and crispy.
Notes
For best flavor, marinate the chicken longer and use chilled rice for frying. Consider using grilled chicken for a healthier option, and feel free to add additional vegetables.