NYC Chicken and Rice

Ingredients

  • CHICKEN

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seed

  • 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped (about 1 1/2 tablespoons)

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat (6 to 8 thighs)

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • RICE

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain or Basmati rice

  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • SAUCE

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 2 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • Salt

  • TO SERVE

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded

  • 1 large tomato, largely diced

  • Fluffy pocketless pita bread, brushed in butter, lightly toasted, and cut into 1 x 3-inch strips

  • Harissa-style hot sauce

Directions

  1. CHICKEN

  2. Blend the lemon juice, oregano, coriander, garlic, and olive oil. Season to taste.

  3. Marinate the chicken in half of the marinade for an one to four hours, reserve the remaining.

  4. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season some more with salt and pepper, going heavy on the pepper.

  5. Brown the chicken in a cast iron skillet until cooked through (165°F).

  6. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

  7. Roughly chop the chicken into 1/2- to 1/4-inch chunks.

  8. Transfer to a medium bowl, add the remaining marinade and put in the fridge.

  9. When ready to serve, cook the chicken chunks a second time in cast iron until crispy

  10. RICE

  11. Melt the butter and add the turmeric and cumin and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  12. Add the rice and stir to coat until the rice is lightly toasted, about 4 minutes.

  13. Add the chicken broth and some salt and pepper.

  14. Cook like normal rice.

  15. SAUCE

  16. Combine all the ingredients