Halal chicken over rice recipe is a great dish if you like tasty food that’s easy to make. It’s a popular meal in New York City and loved by many people. The dish has soft, juicy chicken, yellow rice full of flavor, and a creamy white sauce that makes everything taste even better.
You don’t need to be an expert to cook it. You just need a few simple ingredients and some time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, this meal is a good choice that fills you up and makes you happy.
Let’s learn how to make this step by step so you can enjoy it at home anytime
Let’s learn how to cook this delicious dish step-by-step.
Why You’ll Love This Halal Chicken Over Rice Recipe
- It’s full of flavor
- Easy to make at home
- You can control how spicy or mild it is
- Great for lunch or dinner
- Good for meal prep too
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs or breast
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
For the Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- Salt to taste
For the White Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- A pinch of garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Add the chicken and coat it well. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for a few hours in the fridge for better flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a little oil and cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly browned. Slice the chicken into bite-size pieces.
3. Make the Yellow Rice
Rinse the rice under water. In a pot, melt butter or heat oil. Add turmeric and stir for a few seconds. Then add rice, water (or broth), and salt. Cook over low heat with the lid on for about 15 minutes or until the rice is soft and fluffy.
4. Mix the White Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust if needed. Chill in the fridge.
5. Put Everything Together
On a plate, add a scoop of yellow rice. Place sliced chicken on top. Drizzle with white sauce. You can also add chopped lettuce, tomato slices, and warm pita bread on the side.
Tips to Make It Taste Like NYC Street Food
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat
- Don’t skip the marinade time
- Add a bit of hot sauce for extra flavor
- Toast the pita for extra crunch
- Let the white sauce chill before serving
Nutrition and Halal Tips
A regular serving of halal chicken over rice has about 500-700 calories. This depends on the portion size, sauce amount, and type of meat used. Make sure all ingredients, especially meat and yogurt, are halal certified if needed.
Common Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, but thighs are juicier.
How long should I marinate the chicken? At least 30 minutes. Longer is better.
Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and rice. White sauce is best made fresh.
Can I make it spicy? Add red chili flakes or hot sauce to your chicken or sauce.
Final Thoughts
Making halal chicken over rice at home is simple and fun. It’s a meal that brings flavor, comfort, and a taste of street food into your kitchen. Try it out, share it with friends or family, and enjoy every bite!
If you don’t have the time to cook at home, no worries! You can come enjoy the same delicious halal chicken over rice right here at Zaki’s Halal Food in South Richmond Hill, Queens, New York. We serve it fresh, flavorful, and with the care of a homemade meal—just like the recipe above!
