Spiced Grilled Chicken with Yellow Rice & Creamy Green Sauce

Servings

2–3 people

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Ingredients

For the Grilled Chicken

• 500 g boneless chicken thighs or breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Juice of ½ lime

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For the Yellow Rice

• 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)

• 2 cups chicken broth or water

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

• ½ tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp cumin

• ¼ tsp salt

• Optional: chopped cilantro or peas for garnish

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For the Creamy Green Herb Sauce

• 1 cup fresh cilantro (packed)

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 1 small garlic clove

• Juice of ½ lime

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Water (1–2 tbsp, to adjust consistency)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, cumin, coriander, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
Add the chicken and coat well.
Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for deeper flavor).

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2. Cook the Yellow Rice

Heat olive oil or butter in a pot over medium heat.
Add rice and stir for 1 minute.
Add turmeric, cumin, salt, and chicken broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is fluffy.
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before fluffing.

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3. Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 4–6 minutes per side, until nicely charred and fully cooked.
Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

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4. Make the Green Sauce

Blend cilantro, yogurt (or sour cream), garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
Add water gradually if needed to achieve a creamy, pourable texture.

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5. Assemble the Dish

Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of yellow rice.
Drizzle generously with the green herb sauce.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

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Flavor Profile

• Smoky & spicy chicken

• Warm, aromatic yellow rice

• Cool, tangy, herby sauce

This dish is well-balanced, vibrant, and perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.