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Halal Cart Chicken Over Rice

Halal Cart Chicken Over Rice
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Halal Cart Chicken Over Rice is a vibrant and bold street food classic, combining tender, perfectly spiced chicken thighs served over aromatic yellow turmeric rice, topped with crunchy fresh salad, creamy white sauce, and spicy hot sauce. This dish wonderfully merges Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors with a New York City street food twist, offering a complete, satisfying meal that is both customizable and packed with delightful layers of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in recommended)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Yellow Rice

  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste

White Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste

Hot Sauce

  • Spicy chili sauce to taste (e.g., sriracha or hot pepper sauce)

Salad

  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

Garnishes (optional)

  • Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Extra lemon wedges for squeezing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with this spice mixture. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour to absorb all flavors; for best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Cook the Yellow Rice: In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add rice, turmeric, cumin, and salt, stirring to coat the rice evenly with the spices. Pour in water or chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered until rice is tender and fragrant about 15-20 minutes. The rice should turn a bright yellow color.
  3. Grill or Sauté the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs until fully cooked through and nicely charred on the edges, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. This caramelization enhances the street food flavor.
  4. Make the White Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise or yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust ingredients to your taste.
  5. Assemble the Plate: Place a generous scoop of yellow rice on each serving plate. Arrange sliced or whole cooked chicken on top. Add shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes alongside or on top of the chicken. Drizzle the creamy white sauce over the dish, followed by a touch of spicy hot sauce based on your heat preference.
  6. Final Touches: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and squeeze a little lemon juice over everything just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, richer flavor.
  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for better juiciness and taste.
  • Toast spices briefly before mixing to enhance aroma.
  • Make white sauce fresh using yogurt or mayonnaise with garlic and lemon for best results.
  • Allow cooked chicken to rest a few minutes before slicing or serving to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halal Cart, Chicken Over Rice, street food, Middle Eastern spices, yellow rice, white sauce, hot sauce, New York City food, Mediterranean flavors

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/halal-cart-chicken-over-rice/