Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad (Printable)

Spiced chicken meets crispy rice and fresh vegetables in a tangy yogurt dressing for a bold, satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

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

→ Grains

02 - 2 cups cooked basmati rice, preferably cold, 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 the chicken breasts into thin strips. In a bowl, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, shawarma spice blend, and a generous pinch of salt. Set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
03 - Wipe the skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, then add the cooked rice. Press into an even layer and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until the 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 cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
05 - Add the crispy rice and cooked chicken to the vegetables. Toss gently.
06 - Drizzle with Greek yogurt. Toss again or serve with yogurt dolloped on top.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The crispy rice creates this incredible crunch that makes every bite exciting
  • Seven ingredients deliver maximum flavor without the hassle
02 -
  • Cold, day-old rice is non-negotiable for getting that restaurant-style crispy texture
  • Do not crowd the pan when cooking the chicken or it will steam instead of sear
03 -
  • Let the rice crisp longer than you think necessary, that golden crust is worth the wait
  • Warm your yogurt slightly so it drizzles beautifully instead of clumping

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