Crispy Brown Rice Chicken Salad Recipe – Healthy & Delicious!
If you’re looking for a fresh, satisfying, and nutrient-packed meal that checks all the boxes, this Crispy Brown Rice Chicken Salad is a must-try!
It’s the perfect balance of crunchy textures, juicy grilled chicken, hearty whole grains, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a zesty dressing.
Think of it as the salad that eats like a full, feel-good meal—perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Made with cooked brown rice crisped up in a pan, it adds an unexpected crunch and nutty depth that takes the dish to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad
🍗 High in lean protein and fiber
🍚 Crispy brown rice adds texture and heartiness
🥗 Loaded with fresh veggies and bold flavors
⏱️ Great for meal prep or quick weekday meals
🌿 Customizable and easy to make gluten-free
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ cups cooked brown rice (day-old works best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for crisping rice)
- 2 cups grilled chicken breast, chopped or sliced
- 1½ cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup red bell pepper, sliced
- ¼ cup cucumber, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley
- ¼ cup toasted almonds or sunflower seeds (for crunch)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It
🔥 Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooked brown rice and press it down in an even layer.
Let it cook without stirring for 4–5 minutes until crispy and golden on the bottom. Stir and cook another 2–3 minutes, then remove from the heat
🥗 In a large bowl, combine the grilled chicken, greens, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, cilantro, and nuts/seeds
🍚 Add the crispy brown rice to the salad base and gently toss to combine
🥣 In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the dressing ingredients
🍋 Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is evenly coated
🧆 Serve immediately for the best texture, or store separately for meal prep
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
🥑 Add sliced avocado for creaminess
🥬 Swap romaine for spinach or kale
🌶️ Add a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha for heat
🫘 Mix in edamame or black beans for a plant-based protein boost
🧄 Toss in some roasted garlic for extra depth
Tips for Crispy Brown Rice
✔ Use cold, day-old rice for best results—it crisps up better than freshly cooked rice
✔ Don’t stir too often—let it sit in the pan to form that golden crust
✔ Season lightly or use flavored oil (like garlic or sesame) for an extra layer of flavor
Storage
📦 Store salad ingredients and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 4 days
🔥 Re-crisp rice in a pan before serving if prepping ahead
🥗 Assemble just before serving for the best texture
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Brown Rice Chicken Salad is a fresh, bold, and healthy dish that brings together flavor, crunch, and nutrition in every bite.
It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and chicken, and it’s endlessly customizable to suit your taste. Perfect for warm weather meals or healthy meal prep any time of year! 🍚🥗🍗
