Charred Chicken Rice Salad with Harissa Kick

Charred Chicken and Rice Salad Harissa Kick Recipe

By Chef MayaAugust 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever fancy something a bit different for lunch? This Charred chicken and rice salad is it! It's got smoky chicken, creamy tahini, and a proper flavour punch.

Brief Overview

This salad is inspired by Mediterranean flavours. It's dead easy to make, taking about 20 minutes if you pre-prep some bits. This recipe makes enough for 4 hungry people.

Main Benefits

This salad is packed with protein and good fats. It's perfect for a summer BBQ or a light dinner. Honestly, this Grilled chicken salad recipe is a game changer.

What’s the Deal with This Salad?

Right, so this salad is all about banging flavours. We're talking smoky, sweet, and savoury all in one go. I love how easy it is to chuck together, especially on a busy weeknight.

The yogurt marinade really makes the chicken super tender. The chicken is first char grilled to perfection, and after that everything is quickly assembled.

Chicken thigh salad makes a statement with it's beautiful flavours and eye appealing presentation. The flavour combinations in this salad are so addictive! I literally can't get enough of this combo.

Ingredients That Make It Sing

We're starting with a Greek yogurt marinade for the chicken. Then there's the Brown butter pilaf salad , because regular rice is just a bit boring, innit? Don't forget the harissa onions for a bit of a kick.

Trust me they are amazing, and you can control the quantity you want to add depending on your spice tolerance.

This Harissa chicken salad will be your new go to recipe!

For the salad base, we're using a Chicken and rice salad with vegetables to make it a bit more healthier and filling.

This Mediterranean chicken and rice salad has a Tahini dressing salad . And let's not forget the seedy gremolata for that final flourish.

make-ahead and Enjoy

Listen, this salad is fab for meal prep. You can cook the chicken, rice, and dressing the day before. Just chuck it all together when you're ready to eat.

It travels well too, making it perfect for picnics. You know?

It is a Healthy chicken salad recipe and it tastes great too!. I hope you try out these Summer chicken salad ideas recipe, cheers!

Let's Talk Charred Chicken and Rice Salad: Ingredients & Kit

Right, let's dive into the Charred chicken and rice salad essentials. This is no ordinary salad, mind you! Think smoky, flavourful, and a little bit posh.

You know, the sort of thing you'd take to a fancy picnic.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Here’s what you need for our little taste sensation, the Charred chicken and rice salad . We’re making a dish to remember!.

Chicken Marinade:

Greek yogurt: 100g (3.5 oz). Get the thick stuff. It makes all the difference.
Lemon: 1 , zested and juiced. Fresh is best, honestly.
Garlic: 3 cloves, crushed. Don't be shy!
Olive oil: 2 tbsp . Extra virgin for that lush flavour.
Dried oregano: 2 tsp . Adds that Mediterranean touch.
Ground cumin: 2 tsp . Earthy and warm.
Paprika: 1 tsp . Sweet or smoked, your call.
Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be afraid to season properly!.
Chicken thighs: 6 , boneless and skinless, cut into bite sized bits. Thighs are juicier than breast, trust me. If you are watching the calories, go with a healthy chicken salad recipe and select the breast.

Salad Assembly:

Cabbage & Corn Slaw: 350g (12.3 oz). Shop bought is fine!
Brown Butter Pilaf: 600g (21.2 oz). Oh my gosh, this is incredible! (separate recipe).
Tahini Dressing: 100ml (3.4 fl oz). Creamy and nutty goodness. Try to get the one you love for your Tahini dressing salad
Harissa Sticky Onions: 50g (1.8 oz). Sweet, spicy, and addictive. For the Harissa chicken salad lover.
Seedy Gremolata: 4 tbsp . Brightens everything up!

Seasoning Secrets

This isn't just about chucking spices in, you know?

We're going for a Mediterranean vibe here. So, oregano, cumin, and lemon are non-negotiable. Harissa paste adds that kick. It makes it a real Harissa chicken salad .

Don't have harissa? A pinch of chili flakes will do in a pinch. I learned to love a grilled chicken salad recipe in the summer, so a little fresh herbs are welcome.

The Kit You'll Need

Nothing too fancy, promise.

Grill or grill pan. A BBQ is even better!.
Metal skewers. Optional, but makes grilling easier.
Baking tray. For easy transport.
Large bowl. For mixing the magic.
A bowl to marinate the chicken, or you can use a freezer bag.

Honestly? You could probably get away with a frying pan instead of a grill. But the char is what makes it a Charred chicken and rice salad , get it? I make a Smoked chicken rice bowl sometimes using a smoker that my husband gave it to me.

For me are the best Summer chicken salad ideas ! I love the Chicken and rice salad with vegetables for lunch.

Unleash Flavor with this Charred Chicken and Rice Salad

Fancy a bit of sunshine on a plate? This Charred Chicken and Rice Salad is where it's at. Forget boring salads.

We're talking flavour bombs, people! It's got everything: smoky chicken, vibrant veggies, and a dressing that'll make you wanna lick the bowl.

It's honestly, the Grilled chicken salad recipe you will make over and over again!. I stumbled on this idea when I had leftover chicken and rice.

And trust me, you are going to love this Summer chicken salad ideas .

Prep Like a Boss

Before we dive in, let's get organised. It's all about that mise en place , yeah? Chop your veggies, measure your spices, and get your grilling gear ready.

Makes life so much easier. A quick note, always wash your hands before handling raw chicken. And clean your surfaces afterwards.

Safety first!

Charred Chicken Perfection: step-by-step

Right, let's get cooking. This Chicken and rice salad with vegetables is ready in 5 easy steps.

Marinate your chicken for at least 1 hour . Overnight is even better.
Get your grill smoking hot. We're aiming for high heat .
Grill the chicken for 12- 15 minutes , until it's cooked through and charred.
Toss the slaw, pilaf, and dressing together in a large bowl.
Top with that glorious charred chicken and the gremolata. Boom!

Pro Tips for the Win

Want to take your salad to the next level? I've got you covered. First, don't be shy with the char on the chicken.

That's where the flavour lives! Also, If your tahini dressing is looking chunky, add a teaspoon or two of water.

You can also prepare ingredients ahead of time. The brown butter pilaf, dressing, harissa onions can all be made a day or two in advance.

This Brown butter pilaf salad is really amazing.

So, there you have it. A totally banging Harissa chicken salad recipe. It's the perfect Mediterranean chicken and rice salad for a BBQ, picnic, or just a tasty lunch.

Give it a go and let me know what you think! I know you are going to enjoy every single piece of this Healthy chicken salad recipe .

Oh, and if you are looking for a variation, consider a Smoked chicken rice bowl .

Recipe Notes for Epic Charred Chicken and Rice Salad

Right, so you're about to tackle this fantastic charred chicken and rice salad . Let's talk through some bits that will help you nail it.

It's not just a grilled chicken salad recipe ; it's an experience, innit? You're going to love it.

Make it look pretty, innit?

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, presentation is key! When I made this for my mates last week, I piled it high on a platter.

So fancy! A sprig of mint never hurts. Think about using colourful plates to make the salad colours pop. For drinks, a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio would be perfect, or even a sparkling lemonade on a hot day.

Or you could make a Smoked chicken rice bowl with vegetables, so delish!.

Keep it Fresh, yeah?

Storage Tips

If you're not scoffing the whole thing at once (unlikely!), you can keep the chicken and rice salad with vegetables separate.

The rice will keep in the fridge for up to three days. Honestly, the chicken is best eaten fresh. Freezing isn't ideal, as the salad can get a bit soggy.

You know? Reheating is best done gently in a pan if you're using the chicken, but the salad bits are lush cold!

Spice it Up or Keep it Simple

Variations

Fancy a Harissa chicken salad ? Boom! Add a dollop of harissa paste to your marinade to spice things up.

Feeling virtuous? Make this a healthy chicken salad recipe by using brown rice instead of white. I once used quinoa, and it was equally lush.

For a Mediterranean chicken and rice salad , chuck in some olives and feta. Don't be afraid to experiment! And you'll get some great Summer chicken salad ideas.

Goodness in a Bowl

Nutrition Basics

Okay, so roughly, each serving is clocking in at about 686 calories. It's packed with protein from the chicken and good carbs from the rice.

The tahini dressing gives you healthy fats too. The recipe is actually a good source of fiber, which is great for the gut.

This isn't just tasty grub; it's doing you some good. If you're trying to be healthy then you can make it with Chicken thigh salad.

Or with Brown butter pilaf salad, or Tahini dressing salad.

So, there you have it! This charred chicken and rice salad is your next culinary masterpiece. Don't overthink it; just get stuck in.

I have full faith in you! Let me know how you get on, yeah?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Charred chicken and rice salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, some components, like the brown butter pilaf, harissa onions, and tahini dressing, are great made in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble the salad shortly before serving to keep the slaw and chicken fresh. No one wants a soggy salad, do they?

What's the best way to grill the chicken for this Charred chicken and rice salad?

High heat is your friend! Aim for a good char on the chicken it adds so much flavour. I recommend using metal skewers for easier handling and even cooking, but you can also grill the chicken directly on the grate.

Just make sure to shake off any excess marinade before grilling to prevent flare ups, and always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to eat.

I don't have all the ingredients what are some easy substitutions for this salad?

No worries, a bit of improvisation never hurt anyone! If you don't have Greek yogurt, plain yogurt will do just fine. If tahini is MIA, try using a different nut butter, like peanut or almond butter. And don't be afraid to swap out the cabbage & corn slaw for any slaw mix you enjoy.

It's your salad, so make it your own!

How spicy is the Charred chicken and rice salad?

The spice level depends on the harissa you use and your personal preference. This recipe has the potential for a slight spice kick from the harissa onions, but the yogurt marinade and tahini dressing help balance it out. Feel free to adjust the amount of harissa to suit your taste.

If you're spice averse, start with a smaller amount and taste as you go you can always add more later!

Can I make this Charred chicken and rice salad vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely! For a vegetarian version, grilled halloumi cheese or pan-fried tofu make excellent substitutes for the chicken. To make it vegan, ensure your tahini dressing is made without honey and replace the chicken with the halloumi cheese substitute mentioned earlier.

You may also have to verify that other components such as harissa is vegan as it sometimes contains honey.

How long will the leftover Charred chicken and rice salad last?

Leftovers are great for lunch the next day! Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should be good for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the slaw may become a bit softer over time.