Halal Chicken

When I think of comfort food, Halal Chicken always comes to mind. This dish brings back memories of family gatherings, where the tantalizing aroma of marinated chicken sizzling on the grill fills the air, drawing everyone together. I remember the first time I tried making it myself; it felt like I was bringing a piece of the past into my own kitchen. The vibrant colors of the ingredients, the blend of spices, and the fresh toppings make this dish both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, Halal Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

Halal Chicken Shopping List

When it comes to making Halal Chicken, the ingredients are essential for achieving that authentic flavor. Each component plays a critical role, from the spices to the fresh vegetables. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish!

• 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs – The star ingredient, juicy and flavorful, perfect for absorbing the marinade.
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice – Brightens up the dish and adds a zing to the marinade.
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil – Helps in marinating the chicken and adds richness.
• 3-5 cloves garlic minced – Infuses the dish with aromatic flavors.
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano – Adds a Mediterranean touch with its earthy notes.
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander – Prized for its citrusy flavor, it complements the chicken beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – A staple spice that deepens the flavor and adds warmth.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.
• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt – Creamy and tangy, perfect for the yogurt sauce.
• ¼ cup mayonnaise – Adds creaminess to the sauce, balancing flavors.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice – Enhances the sauce with a fresh twist.
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar – Balances the acidity in the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth to the yogurt sauce.
• 2 tablespoons butter – Used for sautéing the rice, adding richness.
• 2 cups basmati rice or long grain rice – The perfect base for this dish.
• 2 teaspoons chicken base or bouillon – Enhances the rice’s flavor significantly.
• 2 teaspoons turmeric – Gives the rice a beautiful color and subtle flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Complements the other seasonings in the dish.
• 4 cups water – Necessary for cooking the rice.
• 1 ½ cups shredded iceberg lettuce – Adds crunch and freshness to the plate.
• 1 ½ cups fresh diced tomato – Provides juiciness and flavor.
• 3 pitas or naan sliced into 1-inch strips – Great for scooping up the chicken and rice.
• ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley – A garnish that adds freshness and color.
• ¼ cup harissa hot sauce – For those who love a kick of heat.

Cooking Method for Halal Chicken

Cooking Halal Chicken is an exciting process, and you’ll love seeing how everything comes together. The steps will guide you in marinating the chicken, preparing the rice, and creating a delicious yogurt sauce that pulls it all together. Let’s get started!

1. Begin by preparing the marinade for your chicken. Set out a large baking dish and combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in the dish. Whisk everything together to create a cohesive mixture. The aroma will be simply delightful!
2. Next, place the boneless chicken thighs into the marinade. Make sure to turn them over to coat all sides evenly. The longer they sit in the marinade, the more flavor they’ll absorb, so cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. If you’re preparing it ahead, you can even marinate overnight for added taste!
3. While the chicken marinates, let’s make the yogurt sauce. In a medium bowl or measuring pitcher, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and creamy. Do a quick taste test to ensure it’s seasoned perfectly. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
4. Now, move on to the yellow rice. Set a medium saucepot over medium heat and melt butter. Once melted, add in the rice, stirring to ensure each grain is coated well. This is where the flavor begins to develop!
5. Stir in chicken base, turmeric, onion powder, and ground cumin. Mix thoroughly so all the spices coat the rice. Next, pour in water, cover the pot, and bring it to a boil. This step is crucial for fluffy rice!
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it cook according to the package instructions, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. The rice is done when vent holes form on top, and it looks dry and fluffy. Remove from heat, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and keep it covered to retain warmth.
7. Now for the fun part! Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium heat, aiming for about 350°F. Once hot, it’s time to grill the marinated chicken. Place the thighs on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side. You want those beautiful grill marks!
8. Once grilled, let the chicken rest for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring a moist bite every time. Then, slice the grilled chicken into thin strips, ready for plating.
9. To serve, start with a large scoop of fluffy yellow rice on a plate. Top it with sliced grilled chicken, and add a few pita strips to one side. Place a generous scoop of shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes on the plate. Finally, dollop or drizzle your yogurt sauce on top, and if you like it spicy, don’t hesitate to add some harissa hot sauce!
10. Sprinkle chopped parsley over everything for a fresh finish, and serve warm. Enjoy every bite of this fantastic Halal Chicken dish!

Making Adjustments

Whether you’re looking to tweak the recipe or just need practical advice, here are some valuable tips for making Halal Chicken your own.

• Storage: Keep leftover chicken and rice in separate containers to maintain freshness. They can last up to 5 or 6 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge a day before cooking.
• Pairing: Serve Halal Chicken with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. Add more heat or switch up the herbs!
• Serving Size: Adjust the portion sizes based on your guests or family size; it’s easy to scale up or down!

What Complements This Halal Chicken

When serving Halal Chicken, you can create a well-rounded meal by incorporating side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh Salads: Pair your dish with a simple salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Hummus: A side of hummus is perfect for dipping your pita or naan. The creamy texture complements the spices beautifully.
• Grilled Vegetables: Consider adding grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a colorful, healthy side.
• Fragrant Rice: The fluffy yellow rice is a classic pairing, but you might also enjoy it with saffron-infused rice for an extra touch of luxury.
• Special Occasions: This dish is great for gatherings, casual lunches, or even during Ramadan dinners, bringing everyone together for a delightful meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

Halal Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with flavor and warmth. Each bite transports you to a place of comfort and satisfaction, making it an excellent choice for any gathering. I encourage you to try this recipe and bring those delightful memories to your kitchen. You won’t regret it!

Halal Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Halal Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With its marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with fluffy rice, this dish is an easy weeknight dinner that your family will love. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings 5 servings

Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

• Grill
• Baking Dish
• Medium Bowl
• Medium Saucepot
• Measuring Pitcher

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ pound boneless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• 3-5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper
• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups basmati rice or long grain rice
• 2 teaspoons chicken base or bouillon
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 cups water
• 1 ½ cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1 ½ cups fresh diced tomato
• 3 pitas or naan sliced into 1-inch strips
• ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
• ¼ cup harissa hot sauce

Instructions

 

• Begin by preparing the marinade for your chicken. Set out a large baking dish and combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in the dish. Whisk everything together to create a cohesive mixture. The aroma will be simply delightful!
• Next, place the boneless chicken thighs into the marinade. Make sure to turn them over to coat all sides evenly. The longer they sit in the marinade, the more flavor they’ll absorb, so cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. If you're preparing it ahead, you can even marinate overnight for added taste!
• While the chicken marinates, let’s make the yogurt sauce. In a medium bowl or measuring pitcher, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and creamy. Do a quick taste test to ensure it's seasoned perfectly. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
• Now, move on to the yellow rice. Set a medium saucepot over medium heat and melt butter. Once melted, add in the rice, stirring to ensure each grain is coated well. This is where the flavor begins to develop!
• Stir in chicken base, turmeric, onion powder, and ground cumin. Mix thoroughly so all the spices coat the rice. Next, pour in water, cover the pot, and bring it to a boil. This step is crucial for fluffy rice!
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it cook according to the package instructions, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. The rice is done when vent holes form on top, and it looks dry and fluffy. Remove from heat, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and keep it covered to retain warmth.
• Now for the fun part! Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium heat, aiming for about 350°F. Once hot, it’s time to grill the marinated chicken. Place the thighs on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side. You want those beautiful grill marks!
• Once grilled, let the chicken rest for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring a moist bite every time. Then, slice the grilled chicken into thin strips, ready for plating.
• To serve, start with a large scoop of fluffy yellow rice on a plate. Top it with sliced grilled chicken, and add a few pita strips to one side. Place a generous scoop of shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes on the plate. Finally, dollop or drizzle your yogurt sauce on top, and if you like it spicy, don’t hesitate to add some harissa hot sauce!
• Sprinkle chopped parsley over everything for a fresh finish, and serve warm. Enjoy every bite of this fantastic Halal Chicken dish!

Notes

• Tip 1: Keep leftover chicken and rice in separate containers to maintain freshness. They can last up to 5 or 6 days in the fridge.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge a day before cooking.
• Tip 3: Serve Halal Chicken with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. Add more heat or switch up the herbs!
• Tip 5: Adjust the portion sizes based on your guests or family size; it’s easy to scale up or down!

Keyword Easy Chicken Dinners, grilled chicken marinade, Halal Chicken Recipe, Middle Eastern Chicken