Delicious Juicy Chicken Shawarma Rice You’ll Crave Again & Again

Chicken shawarma rice is a dish that brings together the best of Middle Eastern and Asian flavors.

This aromatic meal captures the imagination with its enticing blend of spices and textures.

Juicy marinated chicken turns simple rice into something truly special, bursting with rich and savory tastes.

The tender meat paired with fragrant rice makes for a comforting yet exciting dining experience.

Both seasoned cooks and beginners love this dish for its versatility and depth of flavor.

Whether enjoyed at home or in a restaurant, shawarma rice continues to captivate taste buds everywhere with its perfect mix of traditional ingredients and cooking styles.

Side Dishes For Juicy Chicken Shawarma Rice

• Pair Spicy Zesty Cocktails: Mix a refreshing mojito with mint, lime, and a hint of chili to complement the shawarma's bold spices and cut through the richness of the chicken and halloumi.
• Serve Cooling Mediterranean White Wine: Choose a crisp Assyrtiko from Greece or a Sauvignon Blanc that balances the dish's warm spices with its bright, acidic profile and cleansing properties.
• Match Herbal Sparkling Mocktail: Create a cucumber-mint spritzer with soda water, fresh herbs, and a splash of lemon to provide a light, refreshing counterpoint to the intense flavors of the shawarma rice.
• Recommend Citrus-Infused Iced Tea: Brew a cold green tea with orange and lemon slices, offering a tangy, subtle drink that echoes the citrusy notes in the tahini dressing and marinade.

Ways To Change Juicy Chicken Shawarma Rice

• Vegetarian Shawarma Rice: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or seitan, marinated in the same spice blend. Use plant-based halloumi or skip cheese for a vegan option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free. Swap regular rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for added nutrition.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use fewer starchy ingredients and increase vegetable content for a lighter meal.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add harissa paste directly to chicken marinade for extra heat. Include roasted red peppers and swap regular onions for pickled jalapeños to amp up the spice level.

FAQ For Juicy Chicken Shawarma Rice

• What spices give shawarma its authentic flavor?

The key spices are cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. These warm spices create the signature shawarma taste, providing a deep, aromatic profile that makes the dish truly special.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to keep the meat juicy and tender.

• Is halloumi necessary for this recipe?

While halloumi adds a delicious crispy texture, it’s optional. If you can’t find halloumi, you can substitute with paneer or simply skip the cheese altogether without compromising the overall flavor of the dish.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your spices and tahini are certified gluten-free, and double-check any packaged ingredients to maintain a gluten-free preparation.

What Makes Juicy Chicken Shawarma Rice So Good

• Quick and Effortless Meal Prep: This shawarma rice recipe breaks down complex cooking into simple, manageable steps that anyone can master, even with limited kitchen skills.
• Flavor-Packed Versatility: The dish offers multiple cooking methods like oven and air fryer, allowing flexibility for different kitchen setups and personal preferences.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Home cooks can easily adjust spices, swap proteins, or modify ingredients to suit dietary needs or taste preferences without compromising the recipe's core essence.
• Restaurant-Quality Experience at Home: By combining crispy rice, marinated chicken, and creamy tahini dressing, this recipe delivers a gourmet-level meal that rivals professional restaurant offerings, all prepared in your own kitchen.

All Ingredients For Juicy Chicken Shawarma Rice

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that absorbs the rich shawarma spices beautifully. Choose fresh, boneless cuts for even cooking.
• Halloumi Cheese: A firm, salty cheese that becomes crispy when baked. Look for traditional Cyprus-style halloumi for best results.

• White Rice: The foundation of the dish with a neutral flavor. Long-grain rice works best for achieving separate, fluffy grains.

• Cumin, Coriander, Cinnamon, Turmeric: Classic Middle Eastern spice blend that gives deep, warm flavors to the chicken. Use fresh, high-quality ground spices for maximum aroma.
• Salt: Enhances all other flavors in the dish. Use sea salt or kosher salt for better flavor distribution.

• Garlic: Adds pungent depth to marinades and dressing. Fresh garlic cloves provide the most intense flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, acidic notes that tenderize the chicken and balance rich flavors.

• Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Scallions, Red Onion, Parsley: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, color, and nutritional value to the salad. Choose ripe, seasonal produce for best taste.

• Tahini: Creamy sesame paste that creates a rich, nutty dressing. Stir well before using to incorporate natural oils.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps with marinating and cooking. Choose extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.

How To Prepare Juicy Chicken Shawarma Rice

Step 1: Prepare Fragrant Rice

Rinse rice thoroughly. Cook using water-to-rice ratio of 2:1. Allow rice to steam for 10 minutes after cooking. Spread on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for minimum 10 minutes to achieve perfect texture.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Chicken Marinade

• Cumin
• Coriander
• Cinnamon
• Turmeric
• Salt
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Crushed garlic

Preheat oven to 430°F (220°C). Blend all marinade ingredients. Coat chicken completely and let sit (up to 24 hours for deeper flavor infusion).

Step 3: Roast Protein Beautifully

Oven Method:

Bake chicken for 15 minutes. Add diced halloumi and continue baking for additional 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Air Fryer Alternative:

Cook chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Introduce halloumi and cook for 5 more minutes.

Step 4: Transform Rice into Crispy Delight

Oven Technique:

• Harissa
• Olive oil
• Turmeric
• Salt

Spread on tray and bake 25-30 minutes, stirring periodically.

Air Fryer Approach:

Toss seasoned rice and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Shake and cook additional 5 minutes.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Tahini Sauce

• Tahini
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Garlic

Gradually add water until achieving smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 6: Craft Vibrant Shawarma Bowl

• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Scallions
• Red onion
• Parsley
• Crispy halloumi

Add crispy rice and drizzle with tahini dressing. Serve with extra sauce on side.

Tips That Work For Juicy Chicken Shawarma Rice

• Maximize Marination Magic: Let chicken soak in spices for up to 24 hours to intensify flavors and ensure tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
• Crisp Rice Perfection: Spread rice on a tray and refrigerate before crisping to remove excess moisture, guaranteeing that satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Flexibility for Dietary Needs: Swap halloumi with tofu for a vegetarian version or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative without compromising taste.
• Temperature Tricks: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked protein that's never dry.
• Sauce Savvy: Adjust tahini dressing consistency by adding water slowly, creating a smooth, drizzle-ready sauce that enhances every layer of the dish.

Best Way To Store Juicy Chicken Shawarma Rice

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken shawarma rice in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate wet and crispy components to maintain texture.
• Microwave: Reheat rice and chicken separately to prevent sogginess. Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
• Skillet Refresh: Quickly revive crispy rice and chicken in a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Stir frequently to restore crispness and prevent burning.
• Freezer Option: Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.

Sizzling Juicy Chicken Shawarma Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance through this Chicken Shawarma Rice, blending aromatic spices with tender marinated chicken over fluffy seasoned rice. Warm layers of comfort invite you to savor each spoonful of this delightful Middle Eastern-inspired culinary journey.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (500 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups cooked rice (or ¾ cup uncooked long-grain rice)
• 4 ounces (100 grams) halloumi cheese, diced
• 10 ounces (300 grams) tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon harissa paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 red onion, finely diced
• 2 scallions (spring onions), finely chopped
• 1 handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Dressing and Oils:

• ½ cup tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• ⅓ cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse rice grains under cold running water until liquid runs clear, then cook using precise liquid measurements to achieve fluffy texture.
2. Carefully create aromatic marinade by blending warming spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon with zesty lemon juice, pungent garlic, and silky olive oil.
3. Massage marinade deeply into chicken pieces, ensuring complete coating and allowing flavors to penetrate for maximum taste intensity.
4. Heat oven to high temperature and position chicken on lined baking sheet, roasting until exterior develops golden-brown caramelization and interior reaches perfect tenderness.
5. While chicken roasts, prepare halloumi by cutting into uniform cubes, then introduce to oven during final cooking stage to achieve crispy, golden exterior.
6. Transform ordinary rice into crispy delight by tossing with vibrant harissa, fragrant turmeric, and drizzle of olive oil, then spread evenly for uniform browning.
7. Create luxurious tahini dressing by whisking creamy tahini with bright lemon juice, minced garlic, and gentle splash of water until smooth and pourable.
8. Chop roasted chicken into bite-sized pieces and combine with fresh cucumber, ripe tomatoes, sharp scallions, and verdant parsley.
9. Layer crispy rice as foundation, arrange seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture on top, then generously drizzle with tahini dressing.
10. Garnish with additional halloumi crumbles and serve immediately, allowing diners to add extra dressing as desired.

Notes

• Perfectly cook rice by using cold, day-old rice or spreading freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool quickly, preventing clumping and ensuring individual grains stay separated.
• Enhance marination by scoring chicken slightly and allowing it to sit in spices for at least 2 hours, letting flavors deeply penetrate the meat for maximum taste intensity.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting cumin, coriander, and turmeric

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg