Name: Chicken Over Rice Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1½ pounds skin-on boneless chicken thighs (excess skin trimmed); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground turmeric; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¾ cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon za’atar; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 3-4 tablespoons milk (enough to thin the sour cream); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cups long grain white rice; 2 teaspoons ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce; 1 ½ cups fresh diced tomato; ½ cup diced peeled cucumber

Jump to Recipe

Chicken Over Rice is the kind of vibrant, comforting meal that always transports me right to the heart of a busy city street, surrounded by sizzling aromas and bright, inviting colors. This dish is all about bringing together bold, zesty marinated chicken, golden fluffy rice, and crisp, cool veggies—all finished with a creamy drizzle that perfectly ties it all together. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive centerpiece for relaxed gatherings, Chicken Over Rice is endlessly adaptable, big on flavor, and guaranteed to be devoured down to the very last forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of Chicken Over Rice has a delicious job to do. With just a handful of pantry staples and a burst of fresh veggies, you’ll have everything you need for an irresistible meal that’s both simple and mouthwatering. Let’s break down what each ingredient brings to the party!

Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and forgiving—skin-on boneless thighs make the chicken so tender with crispy edges.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and ensures all those warming spices coat the chicken beautifully.
Fresh Garlic: Four cloves bring layers of real, punchy flavor to the marinade.
Dried Oregano, Coriander, and Cumin: This trio adds earthiness and an herbal, slightly citrusy punch.
Ground Turmeric and Smoked Paprika: Turmeric brightens the chicken and rice, while paprika adds an irresistible smoky depth.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer to perfection.
Sour Cream: The base of your creamy drizzle—cool, tangy, and luscious!
Lemon Juice and Sugar: Just a touch of both wakes up the sauce, making it vibrant and balanced.
Za’atar: This herby spice blend brings a little extra intrigue to your drizzle.
Garlic Powder: Extra garlicky goodness both in the drizzle and the rice for double the flavor.
Milk: Use just enough to make the sauce pourable—drizzle, not dollop!
Butter: Stirred into the rice for richness and a lovely, tender texture.
Long Grain White Rice: Fluffy and perfect for soaking up sauces and juices.
Onion Powder: Adds that mellow, sweet onion note to the rice without any chopping.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Cook your rice in this for extra savory flavor.
Iceberg Lettuce: Crisp shreds add freshness and contrast to the warm components.
Tomato and Cucumber: Bright, juicy, and colorful—ideal for balance and crunch.

How to Make Chicken Over Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken thighs in a medium bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, coriander, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken so everything is beautifully coated—every nook and cranny! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This little pause lets all those flavors get deep into the meat, making for the juiciest, most flavorful chicken over rice you can imagine.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Ready to cook? Choose your adventure: If you’ve got an oven, preheat it to 400ºF and line a baking sheet for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up and roast for 35–45 minutes, until the chicken is deeply golden and registers 165ºF on a thermometer. Prefer the air fryer? Preheat to 390ºF, cook the chicken skin side down for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 10–12 minutes. The result: crackling skin, juicy center, maximum flavor.

Step 3: Let It Rest and Slice

Once your chicken is cooked, let it rest for five minutes. This makes it even juicier and easier to slice! Use a sharp knife to cut it into strips or bite-sized pieces—the crispy edges make this irresistible.

Step 4: Make the Rice

While the chicken’s cooking, get working on your golden rice. In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat and stir in long grain white rice to coat each grain. Add the turmeric, onion powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and broth. Stir well, bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 15–20 minutes until perfectly fluffy. (Instant Pot fans: just sauté the butter and rice, add your seasonings and broth, seal it all up, and press the “rice” button.)

Step 5: Make the Sour Cream Drizzle

Now for the secret sauce—a tangy, herby, and just-slightly-sweet drizzle that makes Chicken Over Rice sing. Simply combine the sour cream, lemon juice, sugar, za’atar, garlic powder, and enough milk to reach a pourable consistency. Give it a good stir so every bite of chicken and rice gets coated in deliciousness.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

The best part! Spoon a mound of fluffy turmeric rice into your bowls, top with sliced chicken, then scatter over plenty of shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cucumber. Drizzle generously with your sour cream sauce and tuck in warm pieces of pita or naan for the full experience. Get ready for flavor fireworks—every bite really does have it all.

How to Serve Chicken Over Rice

Garnishes

For the prettiest finish, shower your bowls with just-chopped parsley, a sprinkle of sumac, or a little extra za’atar. Even a squeeze of lemon or a handful of pickled onions can make your Chicken Over Rice both gorgeous and ultra-flavorful. A few pita chips or warm bread tucked into the side adds the perfect touch.

Side Dishes

Chicken Over Rice has so much going on that it’s practically a meal in itself, but it absolutely shines with a few simple sides. Try pairing it with warm pita or naan, a light cucumber-yogurt salad, or some crisp falafel for double the crunch. Hummus, roasted veggies, or a bright tabbouleh salad are always welcome at the table, too!

Creative Ways to Present

Why not make Chicken Over Rice the star of your next dinner party? Arrange the components “family style” on big platters so everyone can build their own bowls. For a fun twist, serve the chicken and rice on a giant cutting board surrounded by tomatoes, lettuce, and sauces for a grab-and-go meal bar. Even little bowls layered for picnics or lunches-to-go look beautiful and taste amazing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tuck any extra Chicken Over Rice components into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep the veggies and drizzle separate from the chicken and rice for maximum freshness—this keeps everything crisp and vibrant, so leftovers are just as tempting as the first time around!

Freezing

Chicken and rice both freeze well, so if you’ve made a big batch, you’re in luck! Cool the cooked chicken and rice completely, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers (keep them separate for the best texture). When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The veggies and sour cream sauce are best made fresh, so save those for the day you serve.

Reheating

To reheat Chicken Over Rice, warm the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet with a sprinkle of water or broth to keep everything nice and moist. Quick tip: re-crisp the chicken in a hot skillet for a few minutes if you love that irresistible golden skin! Add your fresh toppings and sauce just before serving for the perfect meal—even on day two.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, watch closely to avoid overcooking—slice them thin or pound to even thickness for fast, even roasting.

Is Chicken Over Rice spicy?

This recipe is all about aroma, warmth, and depth rather than heat. There’s no chili in the blend, but you can always add cayenne or hot sauce if you love a kick. It’s flexible for any taste!

Can I make Chicken Over Rice vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas, spiced tofu, or even grilled halloumi. Use veggie broth for the rice, and load up on those fresh veggies for a meatless version that’s every bit as satisfying.

What’s the best rice for this recipe?

Long grain white rice is classic—it cooks up fluffy and distinct, perfect for soaking up all the sauces. Jasmine or basmati rice are great alternatives if you like a subtle aroma and a tender bite.

Can I make the sour cream sauce ahead?

Definitely! The drizzle keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Give it a good stir before serving and thin with an extra splash of milk if needed. It makes a fantastic dip for veggies and breads, too!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making Chicken Over Rice at home yet, I hope this guide inspires you to dive in! Every colorful, flavor-packed bowl feels like a little celebration—simple, generous, and designed for sharing. Give it a go soon and let it become your new go-to comfort dish!

Chicken Over Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and satisfying recipe for Chicken Over Rice that combines tender, spiced chicken with fragrant turmeric rice, topped with a creamy sour cream drizzle and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a hearty meal any day of the week.

Instructions

Cook the Chicken – In a bowl, combine chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Chill for 1 hour. Bake or air fry until cooked through. Slice.
Make the Rice – Melt butter in a pot. Add rice and remaining ingredients. Cook until fluffy.
Make the Sour Cream Drizzle – Mix sour cream sauce ingredients in a bowl.
To Serve – Layer rice, chicken, and toppings in bowls. Drizzle with sour cream sauce. Serve with pita or naan bread.

Notes

You can customize the spice blend to suit your taste preferences.
Feel free to add other toppings like pickled onions or hot sauce for extra flavor.
This dish is great for meal prep and makes delicious leftovers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Air Frying, Stovetop, Instant Pot
Cuisine: Middle Eastern