When I first tasted Serious Eats’ Halal Cart-Style Chicken and Rice with White Sauce, I immediately returned to my days in Manhattan. The savoury chicken scent from the halal carts was something I’d never forget. The chicken, marinated in a mix of herbs, lemon, and spices, was perfectly cooked and served over a bed of golden rice. The creamy white sauce that topped everything off gave it that distinct, crave-worthy flavour, making this dish feel like a unique experience every time.
This recipe brings the Midtown street food experience straight to your home. You’ll need simple ingredients like chicken, rice, lemon, spices, and a bit of time to marinate the chicken. If you want to recreate the street-style chicken rice you remember, you’ll love this home version inspired by Kenji’s take. The sauce is the real star, giving the dish its unique taste, which pairs perfectly with the chicken and rice. Whether for lunch or a late-night snack, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients you’ll need to make Halal Cart Chicken and Rice:
- Cumin: dried cumin, versatile, spice, warm, earthy, flavour, used in Indian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
- Saffron: prized, vibrant colour, distinct flavour, aromatic qualities, harvested from the crocus flower, one of the most expensive spices by weight.
- Coriander: dried seed from the coriander plant (also known as cilantro) with a citrusy flavour and subtle sweetness. Used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cuisines.
- Ground coriander: Essential for curry powders and spice blends.
- Whole coriander seeds: Often toasted to enhance flavour.
- Olive oil: Key in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its rich flavour.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The highest quality, from the first pressing, is ideal for dressing salads and finishing dishes.
- Virgin and refined olive oil: Best for cooking at higher temperatures.
How To Make Halal Cart-Style Chicken
1. Marinate the Chicken
Combine lemon juice, garlic, oregano, coriander, olive oil, and spices. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours to soak up all the flavours.
2. Prepare the Rice
Sauté rice in olive oil or chicken fat, then cook it with cumin, turmeric, and saffron for a fragrant, golden base.
3. Make the White Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and vinegar. Chill it while the chicken cooks to let the flavours meld.
4. Cook the Chicken
Grill or sear the marinated chicken until it’s cooked through and slightly charred for that authentic cart-style taste.
5. Assemble the Plate
Serve the sliced chicken over rice, drizzle with white sauce, and add lettuce, tomatoes, or pickled onions for crunch and color.
How to Serve Chicken and Rice with Flavorful Sides
For a quick and delicious weeknight meal, I love using the best olive oil—Italian, Greek, or Palestinian for a rich, fruity flavour. If pressed for time, I marinate the chicken in advance for up to 4 hours or just 30 minutes. After cooking the rice, I grill the chicken, then add pickled onions and sauces from the fridge. To finish, I add some herb oil or fresh herbs for an extra flavour boost.
This Halal Cart-Style Chicken and Rice with White Sauce is always flavorful, juicy, and tender—a seriously addictive dish. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that takes less than an hour but feels like a valid reward. Patrick and I make it often, and it always hits the spot!
Quick Changes for Extra Flavor
To elevate the flavour of this recipe, I made a few simple modifications that enhanced the taste. Instead of distilled white vinegar, I opt for white wine vinegar, which offers a less powerful vinegar punch and adds a subtle depth to the sauce. Another tip is to use some of the chicken oil drippings in the rice, giving it a salty, rich boost of flavour that perfectly complements the dish. These minor tweaks make the recipe even more delicious while staying true to its original essence.
FAQs
- What is a halal food cart?
A halal food cart serves food that follows Islamic dietary laws, ensuring that all ingredients and cooking methods comply with halal guidelines. They often specialize in chicken over rice, gyros, and falafel. - Is any type of chicken halal?
Not all chicken is halal. For chicken to be halal, it must be slaughtered according to Islamic laws, with specific rules on how the animal is killed and processed. - What is halal white sauce made of?
Halal white sauce is typically made from yoghurt, mayo, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. The exact ingredients can vary, but it’s known for its creamy, tangy flavour. - Is halal chicken tough?
Halal chicken is not inherently challenging. If cooked properly, it can be as tender and juicy as non-halal chicken. The texture depends on the cooking method and how the chicken is marinated.
Halal Cart-Style Chicken
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls (for marination and sauce)
- Medium saucepan or rice cooker
- Grill pan or nonstick skillet
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice
- 1.5 cups basmati or long-grain rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil or chicken fat
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
- A pinch of saffron (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 3 cups water or broth
For the White Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Pickled onions
- Fresh parsley or herb oil
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Combine lemon juice, garlic, oregano, coriander, oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
2. Prepare the Rice
- Toast rice in oil or drippings, then simmer with cumin, turmeric, saffron, and water until fluffy and yellow.
3. Make the White Sauce
- Mix mayo, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and vinegar in a bowl. Chill for 15 minutes to let flavours combine.
4. Cook the Chicken
- Grill or pan-sear marinated chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred on both sides.
5. Assemble the Plate
- Spoon rice onto a plate, top with sliced chicken, drizzle with white sauce, and garnish with optional toppings.
Notes
The calorie count is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. For more accurate results, refer to the nutrition labels on your ingredients.