Why This Halal Cart Chicken & Rice Bowl Works

You'll fall in love with this recipe for a few reasons:

• Packed with Middle Eastern-inspired spices, juicy chicken, and fresh toppings.
• Using Kaizen Lupini Rice, this dish delivers big flavors and nutrients without the extra carbs.
• A great recipe for meal prep—store the ingredients in an airtight container and reheat throughout the week.
  
• A meal for all eaters, and one the whole family will enjoy!

Why Kaizen?

Traditional halal cart chicken is served over yellow rice or basmati rice, but our lupini rice keeps this dish protein-packed and macro-friendly while maintaining the same texture and satisfaction.

• 20g of protein per serving, making this a high-protein rice alternative.
• Only 6g net carbs, perfect for low-carb and keto diets.
• Gluten-free, grain-free, and 100% plant-based, making it an ideal substitute for traditional rice.
• Cooks quickly in chicken broth for extra flavor and the best results.

Upgrade your Halal Cart Chicken & Rice recipe with Kaizen Low-Carb Rice: Shop Here

What You’ll Need for This Halal Cart Chicken & Rice

• Kaizen Low-Carb Rice: A high-protein, low-carb swap for traditional yellow rice.
• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs bring juicy, flavorful results.
• Warm Middle Eastern Spices: A bold blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, sumac, oregano, cumin, and cinnamon creates an aromatic spice mix.
• Greek Yogurt & Lemon Juice: Essential for a flavor-packed chicken marinade.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced and quick-pickled for a tangy crunch.
• Iceberg Lettuce & Tomatoes: Classic halal cart toppings that add freshness to balance the dish.
• White Sauce: A creamy blend of mayo, sour cream, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper that ties the dish together.

Swaps & Additions

• Chicken Breasts: If you prefer leaner protein, swap boneless chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
• Rice Alternatives: Use cauliflower rice, brown rice, or romaine lettuce for a different base.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace Greek yogurt in the marinade with dairy-free yogurt, and swap sour cream in the white sauce for vegan mayo.
• More Spice: Add a sprinkle of chili powder for extra heat.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in fresh cilantro, sliced cucumbers, or warm pita bread for variety.
• Richness Boost: Stir a tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter into the rice for added flavor.
• Street Cart Vibes: Drizzle the top of the rice with hot sauce or sriracha for that classic halal cart experience.

How to Make Halal Cart Chicken & Rice

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Dice the boneless chicken thighs and place them in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, sumac, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Add the spice blend to the chicken marinade, along with Greek yogurt and the juice of half a lemon.

Mix very well to coat the chicken pieces evenly. For best results, marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add avocado oil.

Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 3: Pickle the Red Onions

Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a small bowl. Sprinkle with salt, sumac, and juice of 1 lemon.

Mix well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Prepare the White Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, white vinegar, salt, and fresh cracked black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Boil Kaizen Low-Carb Rice in a mixture of salted water and chicken broth for 5 minutes to infuse it with extra flavor. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Assemble the Halal Cart Chicken Bowl

In a large bowl, add a bed of rice.

Top with cooked chicken, pickled onions, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and fresh parsley.

Drizzle generously with creamy white sauce and hot sauce or sriracha.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Results

• For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
• Use medium-high heat to get the best golden brown sear on the chicken.
• Pickled onions make all the difference—don’t skip them!
• For meal prep, store the chicken, rice, and white sauce separately in airtight containers for longer storage.
  

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes! While chicken thighs provide more flavor and tenderness, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be sure not to overcook them to keep the meat juicy.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store the chicken, rice, and toppings separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess.

3. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

For the best texture, reheat the chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Absolutely! Cook the chicken, rice, and white sauce ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to eat, just assemble the bowl and reheat.

How to Store & Reheat

Fridge: Store cooked chicken, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm the chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.

Meal Prep Tip: Keep the white sauce and fresh veggies separate to maintain freshness.

This Halal Cart Chicken & Rice Bowl brings you the best of New York street food but with more protein and fewer carbs. Juicy, flavorful chicken, fragrant rice, and creamy white sauce come together for an unbeatable meal that’s perfect for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner.

For the best high-protein, low-carb rice alternative, grab Kaizen Rice today: Shop Here.