Chicken Over Rice Recipe

If you crave bold, aromatic flavors and hearty comfort all in one bite, then Chicken Over Rice is about to become your go-to homemade feast. This dish is inspired by the iconic New York City halal carts, layering juicy spiced chicken atop fragrant turmeric basmati, all crowned with a luscious white sauce and fresh fixings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The list may look (deceptively!) long, but each ingredient is essential to building the iconic flavor and rainbow of colors you love in Chicken Over Rice. Allow each one to work its magic, from the deeply seasoned marinade to the fresh, crunchy toppings.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The ideal cut for juicy, rich flavor that stands up to bold spices and quick high-heat cooking.
• Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tenderizing touch to the chicken marinade and the creamy white sauce.
• Neutral oil (like canola or grapeseed): Creates beautiful browning without competing with the rich spice mix.
• Freshly grated garlic: A must for two layers of bold, aromatic flavor in both chicken and sauce.
• Kosher salt: Balances and brings out every seasoning in both the marinade and rice.
• Dried oregano, coriander, allspice, cumin, and black pepper: These are your one-way ticket to that legendary street cart chicken seasoning—it’s warming, earthy, and fragrant.
• Plain Greek yogurt & mayonnaise: Together, they create a dreamy, tangy-smooth base for the sauce that drapes over everything.
• Unsalted butter: Used for sautéing rice aromatics and lending a touch of richness to the fluffy grains.
• Green cardamom pods: Infuse your rice with subtle floral warmth, making it much more than just a side.
• Shallots: Add sweetness and depth to your rice—don’t skip!
• Ground turmeric: This is your golden secret for both flavor and that cheerful yellow color in the rice.
• Long-grain basmati rice: Choose aged basmati for the fluffiest, most fragrant results—it soaks up the spices beautifully.
• Chicken stock: Adds savory depth and moisture as the rice cooks—no bland rice here!
• Diced tomato & shredded lettuce: Bring crisp, cooling freshness to balance the spiced chicken.
• Hot sauce (like harissa or Sriracha): Brings smoky spice and bold color—drizzle to taste.
• Warm pita: Not required, but highly recommended for scooping up every last bit.

Variations

One of the greatest joys of Chicken Over Rice is how easily you can make it your own! Swap, mix, or add different proteins, spices, and toppings—there are just so many delicious directions you can go based on your cravings or what’s in your fridge.

• Swap the Protein: Try using boneless chicken breasts, lamb, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian spin—just adjust marinade and cook times as needed.
• Use Brown or Cauliflower Rice: If you want more whole grains, or a low-carb option, the spices and aromatics still shine through beautifully.
• Play With Spices: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of cinnamon, or extra chili flakes for a new flavor twist.
• Freshen Up the Sauce: Swap some lemon for lime, or add chopped fresh herbs like dill or cilantro to your white sauce for extra zing.

How to Make Chicken Over Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine lemon juice, oil, garlic, salt, oregano, coriander, allspice, cumin, and black pepper in a large bowl and whisk until the marinade is well blended and fragrant. Add the chicken thighs and coat them completely with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4—this is where the chicken soaks up all that incredible flavor and tenderness!

Step 2: Soak the Rice

As your chicken marinates, rinse the basmati rice in a fine sieve under cold water, stirring gently to remove extra starch. Then, transfer it to a bowl, cover with water, and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This step gives you beautifully separated grains that hold up under the juicy chicken.

Step 3: Make the White Sauce

Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, garlic, and black pepper until smooth in a bowl. Slowly add water to reach a drizzly, creamy consistency—never watery. Taste and season with salt, and balance with a touch of sugar if you like. Set aside for when you’re ready to drizzle in classic Chicken Over Rice style.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Drain the soaked rice. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the cardamom pods and diced shallots. Sauté until the shallots are soft and aromatic. Stir in turmeric for a burst of color, followed by the rice, chicken stock, and salt. Bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for about 20 minutes. Let it rest, still covered, for another 10 before fluffing—it comes out fluffy and golden every time!

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat a little oil over medium. Working in batches, add the marinated thighs and cook them for 5–6 minutes per side, until deeply browned and cooked through (the internal temp should reach 175–180°F for that signature tenderness). Let them rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips perfect for nestling over rice.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Time to build your Chicken Over Rice bowls! Fluff the golden rice and divide it among plates. Top with plenty of sliced chicken, crunchy lettuce, diced tomato, generous swirls of white sauce, and a bold streak of hot sauce. Warm pita on the side makes it a meal that truly encourages scooping and sharing.

How to Serve Chicken Over Rice

Garnishes

Go for traditional street cart style with a vibrant scatter of shredded lettuce and diced tomato. Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a bright finish, and don’t be shy with an extra drizzle of white sauce or hot sauce for color, zest, and a little drama.

Side Dishes

Warm pita bread is a must for scooping up every morsel, but you could also serve with a tangy cucumber-tomato salad, pickled turnips, or even a simple vegetable slaw for extra crunch. Anything cool and fresh is a lovely counterpoint to the spices in Chicken Over Rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Build your Chicken Over Rice in individual wide bowls for dramatic effect, or serve “family style” on a big platter—with all the components arranged in colorful stripes. For parties, try layering in a casserole dish and drizzling with sauce right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the chicken, rice, and white sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken and sauce remain fresh for 2 to 3 days, while the rice keeps nicely for up to 4 days without losing its texture.

Freezing

The spiced chicken freezes like a dream—simply cool, freeze in portions, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Rice can be frozen too, though best enjoyed freshly made. Avoid freezing the white sauce, as the texture can change.

Reheating

For best results, reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep them moist. The white sauce is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature—drizzle it on after warming your bowl.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Chicken Over Rice is a street food legend—bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a little something for everyone. Recreate that magic in your own kitchen, and you’ll see just how much joy (and tastiness!) is packed into every bite. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your most-requested dinner rotation.

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