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Street Style Chicken Over Rice Recipe

Chicken Over Rice Recipe

A popular street-food style dish featuring tender, marinated chicken and fragrant turmeric rice, all drizzled with a creamy, tangy white sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 920

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 600 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2.5cm (1-inch) pieces
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Turmeric Rice
  • 300 g basmati rice rinsed well
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • 600 ml chicken or vegetable stock hot
For the White Sauce
  • 150 g full-fat Greek yoghurt
  • 75 g mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced (optional)
  • ½ tsp sugar

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavour.
  2. Prepare the Rice: While the chicken marinates, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice, turmeric, and cumin. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the grains are coated in butter and smell fragrant.
  3. Cook the Rice: Pour the hot chicken stock over the rice and season with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover with the lid and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time! Once cooked, remove from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
  4. Make the White Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yoghurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, chopped parsley, optional minced garlic, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be tangy and creamy. Set aside in the fridge until ready to serve.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in two batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F). For more tips on this, see our guide to a Juicy Chicken Recipe.
  6. Rest and Chop: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. This is a crucial step to keep it tender. Then, roughly chop the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces. I find this gives it a more authentic, street-food feel.
  7. Assemble the Bowls: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. To serve, divide the turmeric rice among four bowls. Top with a generous portion of the chopped chicken. Add shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes on the side. Drizzle everything liberally with the white sauce and add a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicy.

Notes

For the most authentic experience, serve with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Total time does not include inactive marination time of at least 30 minutes.