Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad
This Chicken Shawarma Crispy Rice Salad combines spiced, juicy shawarma chicken, golden crispy rice, and a fresh Mediterranean salad, finished with a creamy garlic-yogurt dressing. It’s high-protein, balanced, and weight-loss friendly while still feeling indulgent.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
Shawarma Chicken
300 g chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp coriander powder
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp turmeric
Salt & black pepper
Juice of ½ lemon
Crispy Rice
1 cup cooked basmati or jasmine rice (cold works best)
1 tsp olive oil
Pinch salt
Salad Base
1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
½ cucumber, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro
1 tbsp pickled onions
Creamy Garlic Yogurt Dressing
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 small garlic clove, grated
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tsp olive oil
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate & Cook Chicken
Mix olive oil, spices, salt, pepper, and lemon juice
Toss chicken well and rest 10 minutes
Cook in a hot pan 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through
Set aside
2. Make Crispy Rice
Heat olive oil in a wide pan
Add cooked rice, spread flat
Cook undisturbed 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy
Season lightly with salt
3. Prepare Dressing
Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy
4. Assemble Salad
In a bowl, layer lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, herbs
Add crispy rice and shawarma chicken
Drizzle generously with garlic yogurt dressing
Optional: add extra lemon or chili flakes
Tips
Use leftover rice for best crispiness
Air-fry rice at 200°C for 12–15 min as an alternative
Add sumac or za’atar for authentic Mediterranean flavor
For lower calories, reduce rice slightly and add more greens
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this weight-loss friendly?
Yes — high protein, fiber-rich veggies, controlled fats
Can I make it meal-prep?
Yes — keep rice, chicken, and salad separate until serving
Can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes or harissa to the dressing
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use tahini-lemon dressing instead of yogurt
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430 kcal
Protein: 35–38 g
Carbs: 40 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 6–8 g