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

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	580 kcal
Protein	45 g
Carbohydrates	47 g
Fat	21 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Cholesterol	215 mg
Sodium	870 mg
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	5 g

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