This chicken over rice (or halal chicken) is everything! Seriously, not a grain of rice was left on anyone’s plate. And let me tell you why…
We’re talking tender, juicy chicken thighs seasoned to perfection, nestled on top of fluffy, flavorful rice. It's not just any rice—it’s rice that soaks up all the savory goodness from the chicken as it cooks. We’ve officially entered comfort food heaven, y’all.
Here’s the best part: this dish is so simple, but the flavor is out of this world. The chicken? Braised in chicken broth with garlic and herbs until it's fall-apart tender. And that rice? It’s infused with all the juices and broth, so every bite is packed with flavor.
And did I mention the halal white sauce recipe? I’m obsessed with any and all sauces, and this one is the perfect finishing touch. Poured over the chicken and rice? Chef’s kiss perfection.
The Origins of Chicken Over Rice and Its Cultural Impact
The classic chicken over rice dish has become a staple in many households, especially in places where Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine shine. Inspired by halal chicken plates found in bustling street food markets, this dish brings the bold flavors of seasoned chicken, fragrant rice, and vibrant sauces into one comforting meal.
While traditional recipes often come from halal carts, the dish has inspired countless variations, like the cozy chicken and rice casserole or a baked chicken and rice twist. Each variation offers the same base ingredients but opens the door for different herbs, spices, and textures to personalize the meal. The beauty of chicken over rice lies in its adaptability, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingredients Used to Make Chicken Over Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this hearty, delicious meal:
- Chicken thighs or breasts: 2 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces (you can use whichever you prefer!)
- Rice: 2 cups (long grain or basmati works best for that fluffy texture)
- Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (for a creamy, tangy marinade)
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp (adds a fresh zing)
- Garlic cloves: 4, minced (because garlic is life)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (for cooking up that juicy chicken)
- Cumin: 1 tsp (brings that warm, smoky flavor)
- Paprika: 1 tsp (for a little heat and color)
- Turmeric: 1/2 tsp (makes the rice golden and oh-so-flavorful)
- Chicken broth: 3 cups (for extra tasty rice)
- Salt & pepper: To taste (the usual suspects)
- White sauce: Optional (a mix of mayo, yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice—drizzle it on top for that street-food vibe!)
How to Make Chicken Over Rice
Let’s break it down and get cooking!
- Marinate the chicken. In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss in the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you’re planning ahead—more time = more flavor).
- Cook the rice. While the chicken is marinating, start on the rice. Heat a little olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the turmeric and let it bloom for a minute (this makes the rice extra fragrant and colorful). Stir in the rice, coating it in the oil and turmeric, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, cover, and reduce heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and cooked through.
- Sear the chicken. Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Make sure it’s nice and golden on the outside but still juicy on the inside.
- Assemble the dish. Grab a big bowl, spoon in a generous helping of rice, top it with the juicy chicken, and if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some white sauce over the top. You can also add chopped veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, or cucumbers for extra freshness and crunch.
- Devour. Yep, that’s it. Time to dig in and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Finally – Chicken Over Rice, the perfect dish when you need something comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re looking to impress someone or just feed your hungry self after a long day, this recipe has got you covered. Trust me, you’ll be making this on repeat!
Quick Cooking Recipe
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
Yield: 4 servings of deliciousness
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 cups rice
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
- White sauce: Optional
Instructions:
- Mix the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a pot, stir in turmeric, then rice. Add chicken broth and cook for 15 minutes, until rice is done.
- Cook marinated chicken in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
- Serve the chicken over the rice and drizzle with white sauce, if desired.
Notes:
- You can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs bring extra juiciness.
- This recipe is great for meal prep! Store in the fridge, and it reheats beautifully for quick lunches.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Why This Chicken Over Rice Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep
For those looking to plan meals ahead, chicken over rice is a fantastic option! The dish can easily be divided into individual servings, allowing you to enjoy a balanced and flavorful lunch or dinner throughout the week. Plus, the flavors only get better as they sit, giving you a tastier meal each day.
When it comes to customization, this dish is versatile. You can switch up the spices in the baked chicken and rice portion, add in extra veggies, or drizzle your favorite sauces over the top. Whether you crave the authenticity of a halal chicken plate or the coziness of a chicken and rice casserole, this recipe provides a delicious, convenient meal prep solution for everyone.
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Easy Chicken Over Rice Recipe: Flavorful, Simple, and Satisfying
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings of deliciousness 1x
- Category: Meat & Chicken
Description
Savor chicken over rice recipe by So Damn Delish. Juicy, seasoned chicken atop fluffy grains. A quick, delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 cups rice
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 3 cups chicken broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
- White sauce: Optional
Instructions
- Mix the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a pot, stir in turmeric, then rice. Add chicken broth and cook for 15 minutes, until rice is done.
- Cook marinated chicken in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
- Serve the chicken over the rice and drizzle with white sauce, if desired.
Notes
- You can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs bring extra juiciness.
- This recipe is great for meal prep! Store in the fridge, and it reheats beautifully for quick lunches.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
