Irresistible Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad Recipe

Indulging in a Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is like taking your taste buds on a rollercoaster ride of flavors, textures, and aromas. Imagine juicy marinated chicken, crispy rice that crunches with every bite, and a medley of fresh veggies dancing together in perfect harmony. This dish promises to be the life of the party at any table.

Growing up, I remember my family gatherings, where diverse flavors melded together like a symphony of deliciousness. The anticipation of diving into a vibrant salad made every occasion special. With this Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad, you can make those fond memories come alive again, whether you’re hosting friends for game night or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts will suffice for a hearty salad; adjust as needed based on your crowd.
• Shawarma Spice Blend: A mix of cumin, coriander, paprika, and garlic powder gives the chicken that signature taste.
• Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil to help marinate the chicken and provide richness.
• Cooked Rice: Short-grain rice works best for that crispy texture; feel free to use brown rice for a healthier option.
• Cucumber: Diced cucumber adds crunch and freshness; choose firm cucumbers for optimal flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color to the salad.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a zesty kick; soak them in water if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the entire dish with its tangy goodness.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds an aromatic finish that complements all the flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

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How to Make Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining your shawarma spice blend with olive oil in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Coat your chicken breasts in this tasty mixture, cover them up, and let them marinate in the fridge for at least an hour (or overnight if you’re feeling ambitious).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill each marinated chicken breast for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F or around 74°C). Let them rest for five minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

While your chicken is cooking, prepare your rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool slightly so that it crisps up when baked later.

Step 4: Crisp Up That Rice

Preheat your oven to broil. Spread the cooled rice onto another baking sheet in an even layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Broil it for about five minutes until golden brown and crispy (watch closely so it doesn’t burn!).

Step 5: Assemble Your Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and lemon juice.

Step 6: Add Chicken & Serve

Slice your rested chicken into strips and place them atop your colorful salad mix. Toss gently once more before transferring everything onto serving plates

Now you have yourself an irresistible Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad that’s sure to impress! Don’t forget to dig in immediately while it’s warm—this dish is best enjoyed fresh!

So next time you’re craving something refreshing yet hearty that’ll leave everyone begging for seconds (and thirds), whip up this delightful salad! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those mouthwatering juices. While it sizzles, prepare the crispy rice and chop up your favorite veggies. Assemble everything together, and voilà, dinner is served!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or beef if you’re feeling adventurous! Toss in some extra veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers, or drizzle on a tangy dressing for that extra zing.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet to maintain that delightful crispiness of the rice.

Sometimes, I whip this dish up when friends come over, and their compliments make my heart swell with joy—especially when someone asks for seconds!

FAQs:

What is Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad?

Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is a delicious and vibrant dish that combines tender, spiced chicken with crispy rice, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. This salad offers a delightful crunch from the rice and a burst of flavor from the shawarma seasoning. It’s perfect for a light meal or as a side dish.

How do I make the chicken for Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad?

To make the chicken for Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad, marinate chicken pieces in a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Grill or sauté the marinated chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Allow it to rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces to add to your salad.

Can I customize the ingredients in my Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad?

Yes! You can customize your Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad by adding your favorite vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or tomatoes. You can also switch up the rice by using brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition. Feel free to experiment with different dressings to suit your taste preferences.

Is Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is an excellent choice for meal prep. Prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness. This way, you can enjoy this flavorful dish throughout the week without losing its delicious crunch.

Conclusion for Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad:

In summary, Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together marinated chicken, crispy rice, and fresh veggies. Its versatility allows for customization based on personal preferences or seasonal ingredients. Ideal for meal prep, this salad maintains its crunch while providing nutrition and taste all week long. Enjoy creating this delightful recipe that will surely impress family and friends!

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Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines juicy marinated chicken, crispy rice, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for any gathering or a cozy dinner at home, this salad boasts a delightful crunch and aromatic spices, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it warm or cold; it’s customizable to suit your taste!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp shawarma spice blend
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
• 2 cups cooked short-grain rice
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: Mix shawarma spice blend with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat chicken breasts in the mixture and marinate for at least one hour in the fridge.
2. Cook the chicken: Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F). Let rest before slicing.
3. Prepare the rice: Cook rice according to package instructions. Spread cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool.
4. Crisp the rice: Preheat oven to broil. Spread cooled rice on another baking sheet, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and broil for about five minutes until golden brown.
5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and lemon juice. Toss gently before adding warm crispy rice.
6. Add chicken & serve: Slice rested chicken into strips and place on top of the salad mix. Toss gently and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling/Broiling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. - Substitute chicken with turkey or beef for variety. - Enhance freshness by adding extra veggies like bell peppers.