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If you’ve been craving that classic Halal Cart-Style Chicken Over Rice, this recipe is bringing the bold, unforgettable flavors straight from the street cart to your kitchen. As someone born and raised in NYC, halal cart chicken over rice is a classic. You’ll love this copycat recipe as it’s super easy to make.
If you love this recipe check out my Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs.
A NYC Staple
I love street food. Growing up in NYC I loved and still love going to the halal cart stands. I have fond memories of getting chicken over rice after school. As I got to the clubbing age, after a long night out this was the go to meal.
There are halal carts all over the city. I used to even work near the original Halal Guys cart in midtown. This recipe truly reminds me of the city I call home and the diverse food available.
I marinate tender chicken thighs with warm spices, then sear them until juicy and packed with flavor. The turmeric-infused rice soaks up all those rich juices, making each bite taste like it came straight off the cart.
Then there’s the white sauce—creamy, garlicky, and just the right amount of tang. I whisk it up with Greek yogurt and a splash of vinegar, making it the perfect drizzle that ties everything together.
Plate this beauty with some crisp lettuce on the side, and add a dash of hot sauce for that true street-food experience. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or you’re craving something extra, this meal will satisfy and then some.
Ingredients for halal chicken over rice
Chicken and Marinade:
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and full of flavor, they hold the marinade well.
- Garam masala: Adds a warm, earthy spice that’s key to that authentic flavor.
- Cumin: Provides depth and a slight smokiness.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and rich color.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a savory kick into the chicken.
- Turmeric powder: Adds a golden hue and earthy taste.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- Lemon: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the spices.
- Olive oil: Helps the chicken brown and stay juicy.
- Diced onion: Optional, but adds extra flavor while cooking.
Rice:
- Basmati rice: Long grain, perfect for fluffy texture and flavor absorption.
- Water: For cooking the rice to the right consistency.
- Turmeric: Gives the rice a beautiful golden color and earthy flavor.
- Chicken bouillon: Enhances the rice’s savory profile.
- Butter: Adds richness and a silky finish.
White Sauce:
- Plain Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, forms the base of the sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a smooth, rich texture to balance the yogurt.
- White vinegar: A touch of acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Brings bold garlic flavor.
- Salt & pepper: Enhances and balances the flavors.
How to make halal cart chicken over rice
Marinate chicken thighs with garam masala, cumin, paprika, garlic, turmeric, lemon juice, and olive oil.
While the chicken marinates, cook basmati rice with turmeric, chicken bouillon, and butter for a fragrant base. I like to wash the rice until the water runs clear first.
Sear the chicken until golden and juicy, adding diced onions for extra flavor. I love when they add onions at the halal cart stand.
Once the chicken is done, dice into smaller pieces.
For the white sauce, mix yogurt, mayo, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I like to add about 2 tbsp of water to thin out the sauce and put it in a squeeze bottles.
Plate it up with rice, chicken, lettuce, and a drizzle of white sauce. Add hot sauce for the full street-cart experience!
The full recipe with measurements is on the recipe card below.
Commonly Asked Questions
Absolutely! Anyone can eat halal chicken. Halal meat is raised and butchered in a specific way and there must be a prayer said before the slaughtering. This way the meat is okay to eat in accordance with Islam.
Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt and mayo in the sauce, and skip the butter in the rice.
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Halal Cart Chicken Over Rice
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, If you find halal meat that’s great but not necessary
- 1 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- salt
- pepper
- 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, medium, diced
Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 3 c water
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoons chicken bullion
- 1 tbsp butter
White sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt, or plain regular yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- ⅛ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Cut any remaining fat off the chicken thighs. Place into a bowl with everything under the chicken section, except the diced onions. Mix together well and let this marinate for at least 20 minutes. I like to do this while the rice is cooking.
- In a small saucepan melt the butter over high. Toast the turmeric and chicken bouillon for 30 seconds then add the rice and toast for 1 min. Add the water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir, cover and lower the heat to low. Let cook for 20 minutes.
- Once the rice is done, heat a skillet over medium high heat, then add in olive oil once hot. Add in the chicken and cook for 15 minutes. At the five minute mark add in the onions if you’d like.
- While the chicken is cooking make the white sauce. Combine all the ingredients for the white sauce in a small bowl and whisk together. It should be a somewhat thick yet runny and smooth consistency. If needed, add a few tablespoons of water to thin it out.
- Everything should be finished at this point. Plate with the rice first, chicken over top, lettuce on the side and white sauce all over. Add your favorite hot sauce too if you’d like.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Everything I wanted it to be and more!
Thank you Jeannette! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe.
Loved this recipe. Being from NY and living out of state is definitely hard! Especially the lack of versatility in the food but this here honeyyy! A lil taste of home ! Thanks
Haha yes!
I’m bout to put the food trucks outta business with this one ! lol soooo good it taste just like the halal food I used to buy all the time
hahaha thank you!!
CANT WAIT TO MAKE THIS
Thank you! I hope you love it.
This recipe is amazing! Sometimes I substitute in ground beef to make this when I’m not in the mood for chicken and it’s just as good. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe, you helped fill a major void in our cravings and we make this pretty regularly now!
Thank you Chantelle! I’m glad that you like this recipe =).
I’ve meal prepped this recipe for the past two weeks and I don’t see the end in sight 😩. It’s easy, quick and delicious! I’m a year and half into a weight loss journey and always looking for new healthy meals. Thank you for another delicious recipe to my rotation!
Thank you Adeshola! I’m so glad you liked this recipe. It’s constantly in my rotation too.
Man! This was so easy to make! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! This tastes just like the Halal I used to buy in the streets of NY! I love that it didn’t take long to make either! I will be making more of your food. Thank you.
Thank you so much!! I’m so happy you liked it!