Chicken Over Rice Recipe

There’s nothing quite like Chicken Over Rice — that classic, comforting street food staple that’s packed with layers of flavor, creamy sauces, and warming spices. This homemade version brings halal cart magic right to your kitchen, combining juicy, marinated chicken, vibrant golden turmeric rice, and that irresistible tangy white sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Over Rice recipe keeps things simple but never boring. Each ingredient brings a unique pop of color, depth of flavor, or touch of comfort—you’ll taste why every element truly matters here.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay succulent and tender during high-heat cooking, soaking up the marinade for maximum flavor.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and tenderizes the chicken, balancing all those warming spices.
• Neutral oil (canola or grapeseed): Ideal for marinating and cooking without overpowering the spices.
• Freshly grated garlic: Infuses both marinade and sauce with inviting aroma and punchy depth.
• Dried oregano, coriander, cumin, allspice, and black pepper: The signature spice lineup that gives the chicken its classic street-food personality.
• Diamond-Crystal Kosher Salt (or Morton/fine sea salt): Essential for seasoning deeply and evenly—adjust if using a different brand!
• Greek yogurt and mayonnaise: These come together for a creamy, tangy white sauce that’s pure magic over rice and chicken.
• Cardamom pods and ground turmeric: The keys to transforming regular basmati into golden, aromatic rice.
• Shallots: Their gentle sweetness creates even more flavor in the rice base.
• Chicken stock: Cooks the rice with extra savoriness—you’ll notice the difference.
• Diced tomato & shredded lettuce: They offer juicy crunch and freshness, balancing the richness.
• Hot sauce (harissa or Sriracha): Adds a little fire to each bite, just like the best food carts do!
• Warm pita: Perfect for scooping up every morsel and soaking up the extra sauce.

Variations

One of the joys of Chicken Over Rice is how easy it is to play with flavors and mix-ins. Don’t be afraid to tweak the spice levels, swap side veggies, or even give it a plant-based twist—make it your own!

• Swap the Protein: Grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas tossed in the same marinade turn this into a fantastic vegetarian meal.
• Go Whole Grain: Try using brown basmati rice or even farro for a more robust, nutty base with added fiber.
• Add More Veggies: Roasted bell peppers, pickled red onions, or sliced cucumbers all work beautifully as extra toppings.
• Spice It Up: Stir a pinch of cayenne or extra hot sauce into the white sauce for a bold kick.

How to Make Chicken Over Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together lemon juice, oil, garlic, salt, oregano, coriander, allspice, cumin, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs and toss thoroughly, making sure each piece is well coated with those vibrant spices and aromatics. Cover and refrigerate—the longer it marinates (up to 4 hours), the juicier and more flavorful your Chicken Over Rice will be.

Step 2: Soak and Prep the Rice

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it’s almost clear—this step keeps your grains light and fluffy. Soak the rinsed rice in water for at least 30 minutes, which prevents clumping and helps it cook evenly. Meanwhile, prep your other components for smooth assembly later.

Step 3: Make That Irresistible White Sauce

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, grated garlic, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar if you like a slightly sweet edge. Whisk until creamy, then stir in water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a dreamy drizzleable consistency. Taste and season with salt—this is the finishing touch for your Chicken Over Rice!

Step 4: Cook the Vibrant Yellow Rice

Drain your soaked rice and set it aside. Melt butter with cardamom pods in a large pot, then sauté diced shallots until soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in turmeric and cook another minute—it’ll take on a gorgeous golden hue. Stir in the rice, chicken stock, and salt; bring to a boil, cover, then simmer gently for 20 minutes. Let it sit covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork to perfection!

Step 5: Sear and Slice the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium. Add marinated chicken (work in batches!) and sear 5–6 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through—175–180°F for that perfect, juicy tenderness. Rest briefly, then slice into strips. Your kitchen will smell utterly incredible right about now!

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Spoon fluffy golden rice into each bowl, pile with juicy chicken slices, then layer on diced tomato, crisp lettuce, and warm pita wedges. Drizzle generously with your homemade white sauce and a swirl of hot sauce—enjoy your homemade Chicken Over Rice triumph!

How to Serve Chicken Over Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh diced tomato, a mound of shredded lettuce, and a generous drizzle of creamy white sauce make each bowl of Chicken Over Rice bright, fresh, and utterly crave-worthy. Add plenty of hot sauce for a touch of heat, and scatter a few extra herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for color and pop.

Side Dishes

This dish is a complete meal all on its own, but warm pita bread is always welcome alongside for scooping. You can keep things classic or serve with a cooling cucumber salad, roasted veggies, or quick pickled onions for extra crunch and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, set up a Chicken Over Rice bowl bar with all the toppings, sauces, and sides laid out for fun, hands-on assembling. Or, load everything into warm pita pockets for a delicious street-food style wrap—messy in the best possible way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken, rice, and white sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Chicken and sauce are best enjoyed within 2–3 days, while rice keeps well for 3–4 days. Keep veggies and pita separate for lasting freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken and rice (separately) for up to 2 months—wrap tightly for best results. The white sauce is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can alter its creamy texture.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat rice and chicken gently in the microwave or a covered skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth. Warm pita in a toaster oven or dry skillet to bring back its soft, supple bite.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you crave bold flavors and that special comfort only street food can deliver, you’ll fall in love with this Chicken Over Rice recipe. Every spoonful brings you straight to a bustling food cart—no passport required. I hope it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen, and that you’ll share it with the people you love!

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