Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad
A vibrant and flavorful dish combining Middle Eastern spices with crispy rice and fresh vegetables, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs Tender and juicy for a hearty meal
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric For a golden touch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds a hint of warmth
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste
- 1 piece lemon (juice) For brightness
- salt and black pepper To taste
For the Crispy Rice
- 3 cups cooked basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
- salt To taste
For the Salad
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 piece English cucumber (diced)
- 0.25 piece red onion (thinly sliced)
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 0.25 cup fresh mint (chopped)
For the Lemon Tahini Sauce
- 0.33 cup tahini
- 1 piece lemon (juice)
- 1 small grated garlic clove
- 2-4 tablespoons warm water To reach desired consistency
- salt To taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and salt and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients until they blend seamlessly.
- Marinate the chicken thighs in this mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
Cooking Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat a grill pan on medium-high.
- Cook the marinated chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Crispy Rice
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the cooked basmati rice, turmeric, and salt. Press the rice down evenly.
- Cook without stirring for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
Salad Assembly
- In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint. Toss gently.
Making the Sauce
- Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, grated garlic, and salt. Gradually add warm water until desired consistency.
Final Assembly
- Spread the crispy rice on a serving platter, top with sliced chicken, fresh salad mixture, and drizzle with tahini sauce.
Notes
For added flavor, grill the chicken instead of baking it. Adding other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes can enhance the salad. For a milder dish, reduce or omit cayenne pepper.