Middle Eastern Yogurt Chicken With Cilantro Basmati Rice
Easy Cooking, Great Results
This 30 minute Middle Eastern inspired dish of chicken topped with a tangy yogurt blend and mixed with cilantro rice is fast and easy, but big on taste!
If you’re looking for something a bit more complex, make a double batch of the yogurt sauce, and divide the sauce into two portions. Then marinate the chicken in half of the sauce for two hours (or longer), remove from the marinade, bake, and add to your rice.
Original Post:
adishofdailylife.com
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!
CAL/SERV:
260
YIELDS:
4
PREP TIME:
10 Mins
TOTAL TIME:
30 Mins
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups of Della Basmati Brown Rice, cooked according to package directions
- 2 lbs of chicken thighs, grilled, then cut into chunks
- Chopped cilantro for garnish for the dish
Yogurt Sauce
- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
- 2 tbsps lemon juice
- 2 tsps lemon zest
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp of ginger root, grated
Cilantro Paste
- 2 cups of cilantro, chopped, some stems ok
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 tbsp of ginger root, grated
- 2 tbsps of lemon juice
- 2 tbsps of water
- salt and pepper to taste
List of Services
-
Step 1List Item 1
Chicken
Grill chicken thighs until internal temperature reads 180 degrees and juices run clear (about 15 minutes). Cut into chunks.
Rice
While chicken is cooking, cook your basmati rice according to package directions.
-
Step 2List Item 2
Cilantro Paste
Combine the chopped cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and grated ginger root in a mini cuisinart or blender and give it a few whirrs around. Add the lemon juice and water, and continue to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If you need more liquid, you can add a bit more water.
-
Step 3List Item 3
Yogurt Sauce
Mix yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and all spices together. Set aside until dinner is just about ready to be served.
-
Step 4
Assembling Your Dish
Mix the cilantro paste into the basmati rice. Divide the rice among 4 plates. Top with grilled chicken. Simmer the yogurt sauce on low, then spoon the warm sauce over the chicken and rice. Garnish with additional cilantro, if desired.
Mix, serve, and enjoy!
