Chicken over Rice with White Sauce
A flavorful street-cart style chicken over rice dish, served with seasoned rice and a creamy, tangy white sauce. Inspired by NYC halal cart meals.
- Author: Mariem
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups basmati or long-grain rice
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons butter
- For the white sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin, as needed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- In a bowl, combine lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Let rest, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- To make the rice, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add turmeric and rice, and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is cooked.
- For the white sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar (or lemon juice), sugar, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Add a little water to reach desired consistency.
- To serve, plate the rice, top with chopped chicken, and drizzle generously with the white sauce. Serve with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, or pita if desired.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight yields the best flavor.
- You can grill the chicken for a smokier taste.
- Add hot sauce if you prefer it spicy, just like NYC food carts.
- The white sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken over rice, halal cart chicken, street food, white sauce chicken, NYC halal chicken