Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet served in bowls with toppings.This Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet is sure to become a favorite when you are craving those Halal flavors at…

The post Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet served in bowls with toppings.

This Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet is sure to become a favorite when you are craving those Halal flavors at home!

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet served in bowls with toppings.

The flavors of this recipe are inspired by the chicken and rice bowls created by Halal food trucks and The Halal Guys restaurants, if you are familiar. To simplify this recipe for the homecooked version, I decided to make this into one skillet and I love how it turned out.

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet with toppings scattered around.

You’ll start by making your spice blend that will be used for both the chicken and the rice. Once your chicken is seared, you will begin your rice then add your chicken back into the skillet to let it finish cooking along with the rice. While your chicken and rice cook, you can quickly whip up the delicious Halal white sauce, plus get your toppings ready for serving.

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet with scoop out of it.

Ingredients: For the Skillet

  • Garlic Powder
  • Dried Oregano
  • Ground Coriander
  • Ground Cumin
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Ground Turmeric
  • Kosher Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • Avocado Oil
  • Unsalted Butter
  • Yellow Onion
  • Basmati White Rice
  • Lemon Zest and Juice
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • Fresh Parsley
  • Plus a few more ingredients for the White Sauce and serving!
Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet served in bowls with toppings.

Step-by-Step:

Step One: Make the Seasoning Blend

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step Two: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry then season both sides of the chicken with 2 tablespoons of the spice mixture, reserving the rest for the rice.

Step Three: Sear the Chicken

Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook on both sides until a golden-brown crust forms, 2 to 3 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet. Set the browned chicken on a clean plate and set aside.

Step Four: Start the Rice

Reduce the heat beneath the skillet to medium. Add the butter and let melt. Next, add the onions and cook, stirring, until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and toss to combine. Stir in the remaining spice mixture and lemon zest. Cook, stirring, to toast the rice and spices, about 2 minutes.

Step Five: Continue Cooking the Chicken and Rice

Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and parsley and stir to combine. Bring to a rapid simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to a light simmer and nestle the chicken and any of its juices back into the skillet. Cover and cook, simmering lightly, for 20 minutes. Remove from heat but keep the cover on and allow the rice to steam for another 5 more minutes.

Step Six: Make the White Sauce

Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the white sauce ingredients. Set aside.

Step Seve: Serve and Enjoy!

To serve, ladle the chicken and rice in a shallow bowl. Add some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of the white sauce, and a drizzle of sriracha. Serve with warm pita and enjoy!

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet served in bowls with toppings.

Recipe FAQs:

Can I make the white sauce in advance?

Yes! It lasts for 2 to 3 days in the fridge.

If making this for meal prep, how would you store and reheat?

I would store the chicken and rice in glass containers separate from the toppings so you can easily pop them into the oven to reheat! You can warm in the oven at 350F for 12-15 minutes, or until chicken is warmed through, then top with the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of the white sauce, and a drizzle of sriracha.

This Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet is great for meal prep and is sure to become a family favorite! Comment below once you make it!

For more chicken skillets:

Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

Skillet Creamed Corn Chicken

Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet served in bowls with toppings.
Print

Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet

Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 people

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice Skillet:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about ½ an onion)
  • 1 cup basmati white rice, rinsed until the water runs clear
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

For the White Sauce:

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup mayo
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cane sugar (sub coconut sugar)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced parsley leaves

Optional, For Serving:

  • 2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • Warm pita bread
  • Sriracha

Instructions

Make the Chicken and Rice Skillet:

  • In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, oregano, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • Pat the chicken dry then season both sides of the chicken with 2 tablespoons of the spice mixture, reserving the rest for the rice.
  • Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook on both sides until a golden-brown crust forms, 2 to 3 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet. Set the browned chicken on a clean plate and set aside.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let melt. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the rice and toss to combine. Stir in the remaining spice mixture and lemon zest. Cook, stirring, to toast the rice and spices, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and parsley and stir to combine. Bring to a rapid simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to a light simmer and nestle the chicken and any of its juices back into the skillet. Cover and cook, simmering lightly, for 20 minutes. Remove from heat but keep the cover on and allow the rice to steam for another 5 more minutes.

Make the White Sauce:

  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the white sauce ingredients. Set aside.

Serve:

  • To serve, ladle the chicken and rice in a shallow bowl. Add some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of the white sauce, and a drizzle of sriracha. Serve with warm pita and enjoy!

Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.

The post Halal-Inspired Chicken and Rice Skillet appeared first on The Defined Dish.