Halal Cart Chicken

Embark on a culinary adventure with this authentic Halal Cart Chicken, a beloved street food staple straight from the bustling streets of New York City. This dish, known for its savory, spiced flavors and tender chicken, promises a delightful journey for your taste buds.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes marinating)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Serving Size

• Serves 4 people

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Rice:

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp butter

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, minced

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, mix ground coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, garlic, yogurt, and olive oil. Add chicken thighs and ensure they are well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
2. Prepare the Rice:
   • Rinse the Basmati rice until the water runs clear. In a pot, bring water, turmeric, cumin, and salt to a boil. Add rice and butter. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat a grill pan or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Rest the chicken for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, sugar, white vinegar, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic until smooth.
5. Assemble and Serve:
   • Serve the sliced chicken over the spiced rice. Drizzle with the white sauce and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.

Nutritional Info

Enjoy your homemade Halal Cart Chicken, a dish bursting with flavor and steeped in the tradition of New York’s vibrant street food scene.