Name: Juicy Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 tablespoon harissa paste; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 2 teaspoons ground turmeric, divided; 2 teaspoons salt, divided; 1 lb chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided; 5 garlic cloves, crushed and divided; 4 oz halloumi cheese, diced; 1 cucumber, diced; 10 oz tomatoes, diced; 2 scallions, finely chopped; 1 red onion, finely diced; Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup tahini; Water, to thin dressing

This Juicy Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is one of my favorite fresh, filling meals. I get spiced chicken, crispy harissa rice, salty halloumi, crunchy vegetables, herbs, and a creamy garlic tahini dressing all in one bowl.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups cooked rice

1 tablespoon harissa paste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 lb chicken thighs

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

3 garlic cloves, crushed

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

4 oz halloumi cheese, diced

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

10 oz tomatoes, diced

1 cucumber, diced

2 scallions, finely chopped

1 red onion, finely diced

Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped

1/2 cup tahini

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

2 garlic cloves, crushed

Water, to thin

Directions

I toss the cooked rice with harissa paste, olive oil, turmeric, and salt. Then I crisp it in an air fryer at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or I bake it at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes.

I mix the chicken thighs with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, lemon juice, olive oil, and crushed garlic.

I cook the chicken at 450°F for about 15 minutes. Then I add the diced halloumi and cook for 10 minutes more, until the chicken is cooked through and the halloumi is golden.

I whisk the tahini, lemon juice, salt, garlic, and water until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

I chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then I add the chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, scallions, red onion, parsley, halloumi, and crispy rice to a large bowl.

I drizzle everything with tahini dressing, toss gently, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 668 kcal per serving

Variations

I like swapping chicken thighs for chicken breast when I want a leaner option. I can also use grilled shrimp, roasted chickpeas, or tofu for a different protein.

For extra crunch, I add shredded lettuce, radishes, or toasted pita chips. When I want more heat, I add extra harissa or a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

I store the chicken, halloumi, vegetables, crispy rice, and dressing separately when possible. This keeps the rice crispy and the vegetables fresh.

I refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. I reheat the chicken and halloumi gently in a skillet, oven, or air fryer, then I assemble the salad fresh before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I can prep the chicken, vegetables, dressing, and rice ahead of time. I keep everything separate and toss it together right before serving.

Can I use leftover rice?

Yes, I like using leftover cooked rice because it crisps up well and saves time.

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes, I bake the rice at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes until crispy.

What can I use instead of halloumi?

I can use feta, grilled paneer, or simply leave the cheese out.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, I like it for meal prep as long as I store the crispy rice and dressing separately until serving.

Conclusion

This Juicy Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor. I love how the spiced chicken, crispy rice, halloumi, vegetables, and garlic tahini dressing come together into one satisfying bowl.

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