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Juicy Chicken Shawarma Rice

Juicy Chicken Shawarma Rice

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Description

This crispy rice salad gets a bold shawarma-inspired upgrade! Juicy spiced chicken, crispy golden rice, fresh veggies, and crunchy halloumi are tossed with a creamy garlic tahini dressing. Make it even faster using an air fryer! Perfect for an easy dinner, meal prep, or a high-protein lunch.


Ingredients

For the Crispy Rice:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (or 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain rice)

  • 1 tbsp harissa paste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp ground turmeric

  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb (500g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1 tsp ground turmeric

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed

For the Salad:

  • 4 oz (100g) halloumi cheese, diced

  • 1 cucumber, diced

  • 10 oz (300g) tomatoes, diced

  • 2 scallions (spring onions), finely chopped

  • 1 red onion, finely diced

  • Handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped

For the Garlic Tahini Dressing:

 
  • 1/2 cup tahini

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed

  • 1/3 cup water (to thin)


Instructions

  • Cook the Rice (if not using pre-cooked):

    • Rinse and cook rice using a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio. Let it steam for 10 minutes after cooking, then spread onto a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.

  • Marinate the Chicken:

    • Preheat oven to 430°F (220°C).

    • Mix cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, lemon juice, olive oil, and crushed garlic. Coat the chicken and let it marinate (up to 24 hours for extra flavor).

  • Cook the Chicken & Halloumi:

    • Bake chicken for 15 minutes, then add diced halloumi and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.

    • Air fryer method: Cook chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, add halloumi, and cook for 5 more minutes.

  • Make the Crispy Rice:

    • Oven Method: Mix cooked rice with harissa, olive oil, turmeric, and salt. Spread onto a tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    • Air Fryer Method: Toss rice with seasonings and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then shake and cook for 5 more minutes.

  • Prepare the Dressing:

    • Whisk tahini, lemon juice, salt, and garlic in a bowl, adding water gradually until smooth and pourable.

 

  • Assemble the Salad:

    • Chop the cooked chicken and add to a bowl with cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, red onion, parsley, and crispy halloumi.

    • Add crispy rice and toss with most of the tahini dressing. Serve with extra dressing on the side.


Notes

  • Marinate Ahead: Chicken can be marinated or cooked in advance.

  • Customize: Swap halloumi for feta or omit for dairy-free. Adjust spice levels as needed.

 

  • Meal Prep: Store components separately and assemble fresh for the best texture.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 870mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg