Name: Chicken over Rice with White Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 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

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This Chicken over Rice with White Sauce recipe brings street food flavor to your home kitchen. Juicy marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and served over fluffy rice, then drizzled with a tangy, creamy white sauce. A bold, satisfying dish that’s bursting with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers the full experience of New York-style halal cart food — smoky grilled chicken, flavorful rice, and a cool, garlicky white sauce — all in one hearty bowl. It’s a complete meal, easy to make at home, and perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken marinade:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Plain yogurt
Lemon juice
Garlic, minced
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Smoked paprika
Salt
Ground black pepper
Olive oil

For the rice:

Basmati or long grain rice
Chicken broth or water
Turmeric or ground annatto
Butter or olive oil
Salt

For the white sauce:

Mayonnaise
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Garlic powder
Lemon juice
Vinegar
Sugar
Salt
Water to thin

Optional garnishes:

Fresh parsley or cilantro
Chili sauce or hot sauce

Directions

In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
Cook the rice: In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in rice and turmeric. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is fluffy.
Grill or sear the marinated chicken on a hot pan or grill until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let it rest, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
For the white sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, and salt. Thin with water to desired consistency.
Assemble bowls with a bed of yellow rice, topped with grilled chicken, drizzled generously with white sauce, and garnished as desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Marinate time: 1 hour (minimum)
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken with beef, lamb, or falafel for different protein options.
Add chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a more traditional street cart platter.
Make it spicy with harissa, sriracha, or a dash of cayenne in the marinade.
Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Storage/reheating

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat chicken and rice in the microwave or stovetop. White sauce should be kept cold and added after reheating.

FAQs

What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless skinless chicken thighs offer the most flavor and stay juicy when grilled.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes or until fully cooked, then broil briefly for char.

Is the white sauce the same as tzatziki?

No, this white sauce is mayo-based, whereas tzatziki is made with cucumber and is more tangy.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Use a plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise alternative for the marinade and sauce.

Can this be meal-prepped?

Absolutely. Store rice, chicken, and sauce separately and assemble when ready to eat.

What’s the origin of this dish?

It is inspired by New York City halal food carts, which blend Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary traditions.

How do I make the rice yellow?

Turmeric or annatto gives the rice a vibrant yellow hue and a mild earthy flavor.

Can I freeze this dish?

The chicken and rice can be frozen. The white sauce is best made fresh, as it may separate.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Do not overcook and allow the chicken to rest before slicing to retain juices.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes. Reheat gently and serve over fresh rice with the sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken over Rice with White Sauce is a flavorful, satisfying meal that captures the bold spirit of street food with the ease of home cooking. Whether for a weekday dinner or a meal prep favorite, this dish is sure to satisfy cravings for something hearty, spiced, and delicious.

Chicken over Rice with White Sauce

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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: Emma Harper
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

Instructions

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.