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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

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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

Step 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 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 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!