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–+ servings

Easy NYC Halal Cart Chicken and Rice Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

For the Marinated Spiced Chicken
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs trimmed and cut into bite-sized strips
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic minced or pressed
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
For the Golden Turmeric Basmati Rice
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or ghee)
  • 2 cups extra-long grain basmati rice rinsed until water runs clear & drained
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken bone broth 100% Halal certified
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric for vibrant NYC cart color
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
For the Famous Garlic White Sauce
  • 1/2 cup high-quality mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar (or fresh lemon juice)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar balances garlic and yogurt tang
  • 2 cloves garlic finely grated into a paste
  • 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley finely minced
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Serving & Garnishes
  • 4 pieces soft Greek pita bread lightly griddled and cut into triangles
  • 2 cups crisp iceberg lettuce finely shredded
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes diced
  • 2 tbsp Sriracha or Harissa hot red sauce for the signature fiery swirl

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the sliced chicken thighs and toss thoroughly to coat. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes (or refrigerate up to 4 hours for maximum flavor depth).
Cook the Fragrant Turmeric Rice
  1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed basmati rice, turmeric, cumin, and cardamom. Toast the grains, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes until fragrant and brightly tinted golden yellow.
  2. Pour in the chicken bone broth and kosher salt. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Remove from heat and allow to steam covered for 10 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork.
Whisk the Famous White Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, white vinegar, sugar, grated garlic paste, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and velvety. Cover and chill in the refrigerator while the chicken cooks.
Sear Chicken & Platter Assembly
  1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy grill pan over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Add marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until deep golden-brown char marks develop. Stir and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until thoroughly cooked through (165°F / 74°C). Transfer to a cutting board and roughly chop into classic street-cart bite-sized chunks.
  2. To assemble street-cart style: scoop a generous bed of warm turmeric basmati rice onto each plate or shallow bowl. Pile high with charred spiced chicken. Add shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and warm griddled pita triangles on the side. Drizzle generously with the famous white sauce and zig-zag with hot red sauce. Serve immediately!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 42gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 14.9mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3.2mg

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