Looking For Delicious High Protein Meals? Try These Halal Cart Chicken Rice Bowls! 🍗🍚🔥

Looking For Delicious High Protein Meals? Try These Halal Cart Chicken Rice Bowls! 🍗🍚🔥 is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 4. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by Jalalsamfit on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $10.45 total, $2.61 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g Chicken Breast (cut into 1‑cm cubes)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced; divided)
  • 1 tsp Salt (plus pinch for sauce)
  • 1 tsp Oregano (dried)
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 0.5 tsp Chili Flakes
  • 0.5 tsp Cumin
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 120 g Low‑Fat Yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
  • 60 g Light Mayonnaise
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 3 tbsp Light Butter (divided; 2 tbsp for initial sear, 1 tbsp later)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Harissa Paste (or tomato paste if unavailable)
  • 2 cups Cooked Rice (preferably day‑old, long‑grain)
  • 1 medium Cucumber (diced for salad)
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha (optional, for drizzling)
  • 2 tbsp Water (to loosen rice seasoning)

Instructions

  1. Cube the Chicken

    Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and cut into 1‑cm cubes.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Marinate the Chicken

    In a mixing bowl combine the chicken cubes, minced garlic, salt, oregano, smoked paprika, chili flakes, cumin, olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prepare the White Sauce

    In a separate bowl whisk together low‑fat yogurt, light mayonnaise, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice until smooth.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Cook the Chicken – First Stage

    Heat 2 tbsp of light butter in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for 6‑8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. Finish the Chicken

    Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter and chopped fresh coriander to the pan. Toss for another 1‑2 minutes until the butter melts and the coriander is fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Set Chicken Aside

    Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm while you season the rice.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Season the Rice – Base

    In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed, then sauté the remaining minced garlic and harissa (or tomato paste) for 2 minutes until aromatic.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  8. Combine Rice and Seasoning

    Add a dash of water, then stir in the cooked rice. Mix thoroughly for 3‑4 minutes until the rice changes color and is evenly coated with the harissa‑garlic mixture.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium

  9. Assemble the Rice Balls

    Using a spoon, shape the seasoned rice into compact balls on the serving plate. Top each ball with a generous portion of the cooked chicken, a spoonful of cucumber salad, drizzle white sauce, and finish with a drizzle of sriracha if desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
500
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: High‑protein, Low‑calorie, Gluten‑free (if gluten‑free mayo is used), Dairy‑free option available by substituting yogurt with plant‑based yogurt

Allergens: Dairy (yogurt, butter), Egg (may be present in some mayo brands)

Last updated: April 18, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Looking For Delicious High Protein Meals? Try These Halal Cart Chicken Rice Bowls! 🍗🍚🔥

Recipe by Jalalsamfit

High‑protein, 500‑calorie Halala Chicken Rice Balls are a flavorful, low‑fat meal perfect for weight‑loss meal‑prep. Tender marinated chicken is pan‑seared in butter, tossed with fresh coriander, and served over seasoned rice with a tangy low‑fat yogurt‑mayo sauce, cucumber salad and a drizzle of sriracha.

MediumMiddle EasternServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
45m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.45
Total cost
$2.61
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken long enough for flavor penetration.
  • Cooking chicken just until golden brown to keep it juicy.
  • Ensuring the rice is evenly coated with harissa and does not become soggy.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use a splatter guard when sautéing garlic and harissa to prevent burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Halala Chicken Rice Balls in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

Halala Chicken Rice Balls blend the traditional Middle Eastern love for spiced grilled chicken with the convenience of rice‑based street‑food balls. While "Halala" is a colloquial term meaning "delicious" in some Arabic dialects, the dish reflects modern health‑focused adaptations of classic mezze flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Halala Chicken Rice Balls in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

In North Africa, the rice may be swapped for couscous and the harissa paste is often replaced with preserved lemon. In Levantine versions, fresh mint and sumac are added to the sauce, and the chicken is sometimes marinated with yogurt instead of lemon juice.

cultural
Q

How is Halala Chicken Rice Balls traditionally served in Middle Eastern households?

A

They are typically served on a large platter with a side of cucumber‑tomato salad, a dollop of tahini‑yogurt sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The dish is meant to be shared family‑style, often accompanied by flatbread.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Halala Chicken Rice Balls traditionally associated with in Middle Eastern culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, the dish is popular for casual gatherings, Ramadan Iftar meals, and weekend family lunches because it can be prepared ahead and offers a balanced protein‑carb combo.

cultural
Q

What makes Halala Chicken Rice Balls special or unique in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

The combination of a high‑protein marinated chicken, a tangy low‑fat yogurt‑mayo sauce, and the use of harissa‑spiced rice creates a flavorful, calorie‑controlled bite that bridges street‑food convenience with home‑cooked nutrition.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Halala Chicken Rice Balls?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, which makes it dry, and using fresh rice that can become mushy when mixed with the sauce. Also, failing to coat the rice evenly with the harissa mixture results in bland balls.

technical
Q

Why does this Halala Chicken Rice Balls recipe use low‑fat yogurt and light mayo instead of full‑fat versions?

A

Low‑fat yogurt and light mayo keep the sauce creamy while reducing overall calories and saturated fat, aligning with the recipe’s goal of a 500‑calorie, high‑protein meal suitable for weight‑loss plans.

technical
Q

Can I make Halala Chicken Rice Balls ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Marinate the chicken and cook it up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the seasoned rice separate and assemble the balls just before serving; store the white sauce in a sealed jar and refrigerate.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Halala Chicken Rice Balls?

A

The chicken should be golden‑brown on the outside yet juicy inside. The rice balls should hold their shape, be lightly colored from the harissa, and have a glossy finish from the butter. The white sauce should be smooth and slightly thick, not watery.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jalalsamfit specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jalalsamfit focuses on high‑protein, low‑calorie meals for weight‑loss and fitness enthusiasts, offering quick‑prep recipes that blend global flavors with nutrition‑focused techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jalalsamfit's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Jalalsamfit emphasizes macro‑friendly ingredient swaps—like low‑fat yogurt and light butter—while preserving authentic spice profiles. The channel also provides detailed meal‑prep guidance, which is less common on traditional Middle Eastern cooking channels that focus on indulgent, restaurant‑style dishes.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls ONLY 520 Calories!🍯🍗🧄
6

High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls ONLY 520 Calories!🍯🍗🧄

A flavorful, low‑calorie meal‑prep bowl featuring honey‑garlic marinated chicken thighs, quick pickled red onions, and turmeric‑spiced basmati rice. Ready in about an hour, each serving is around 520 calories and perfect for a week of lunches or dinners.

1 hr 2 minServes 4$8
American Fusion
Looking For Delicious High Protein Meals? Try These Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowls For Weight Loss!
6

Looking For Delicious High Protein Meals? Try These Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowls For Weight Loss!

High‑protein Bang Bang Chicken served with fluffy lemon‑zested rice balls. Each serving is about 590 calories, perfect for meal‑prep or a tasty dinner.

1 hr 15 minServes 4$7
American Fusion
Looking For Delicious High Protein Meals? Try These Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowls!🍗🍚🔥
2

Looking For Delicious High Protein Meals? Try These Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowls!🍗🍚🔥

High‑protein Bang Bang Chicken Rice Balls are a tasty, low‑calorie meal‑prep option. Crispy baked chicken coated in a spicy‑sweet Bang Bang sauce is tossed with buttery garlic‑onion rice flavored with lemon and toasted coconut. Each serving is about 590 calories and perfect for weight‑loss goals.

1 hr 15 minServes 4$9
American Fusion
TASTIEST High Protein Harissa Chicken Rice Bowls! Only 560 Calories
4

TASTIEST High Protein Harissa Chicken Rice Bowls! Only 560 Calories

A high‑protein, low‑calorie North African‑inspired meal featuring spicy harissa‑marinated chicken thighs, fluffy basmati rice, a cool cucumber salad, and a creamy harissa‑yogurt sauce. Perfect for meal‑prepping the week ahead.

1 hr 2 minServes 4$10
North African
Want Delicious High Protein Meals? Try This Korean BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls
4

Want Delicious High Protein Meals? Try This Korean BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls

A flavorful, high‑protein Korean BBQ chicken rice bowl packed with marinated chicken thighs, spicy cucumber salad, and fluffy rice. Only 485 calories per serving, perfect for meal‑prepping the week ahead.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$7
Korean
Looking For Delicious High Protein Meals To Build Muscle? Try These Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls!
4

Looking For Delicious High Protein Meals To Build Muscle? Try These Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls!

A flavorful, high‑protein chicken shawarma rice bowl packed with tender marinated thighs, aromatic turmeric‑infused basmati rice, a creamy garlic‑white sauce, and a fresh crunchy salad. Each serving is about 550 calories, perfect for meal‑prepping the week.

1 hr 16 minServes 4$28
Middle Eastern
Macro-Friendly, High Protein Creamy Avocado Chicken Rice Bowls
1

Macro-Friendly, High Protein Creamy Avocado Chicken Rice Bowls

A high‑protein, low‑fat meal‑prep bowl featuring tender chicken coated in a silky avocado‑pepper sauce served over fluffy steamed rice. Each serving delivers about 42 g of protein and only 12 g of fat, making it perfect for clean‑eating plans.

1 hr 25 minServes 9$14
American
STOP EATING Plain Chicken & Rice! Try this High Protein Halal Cart Chicken Instead!
4

STOP EATING Plain Chicken & Rice! Try this High Protein Halal Cart Chicken Instead!

A flavorful halal chicken dish seasoned with oregano, cumin, paprika, and lemon, served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce and aromatic golden turmeric rice. Quick to prepare, this meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner.

56 minServes 4$29
Middle Eastern