Ingredients

• Fresh lemon juice
• Fresh oregano, chopped
• Ground coriander seed
• Garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• Light olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
• Vegetable oil
• Unsalted butter
• Turmeric
• Ground cumin
• Long-grain or basmati rice
• Chicken broth
• Mayonnaise
• Greek yogurt
• Sugar
• White vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Black pepper
• Shredded iceberg lettuce
• Large tomato, cut into wedges
• Pocketless pita bread
• Harissa-style hot sauce

Steps

1. Make the marinade: Blend lemon juice, oregano, coriander, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Place chicken thighs and half the marinade in a ziplock bag and refrigerate for 1–4 hours (or overnight).
3. Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add chicken without moving and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes.
5. Flip chicken, reduce heat to medium, and cook until it reaches 165°F, about 6 more minutes.
6. Let chicken cool for 5 minutes, then cut into ½- to ¼-inch chunks.
7. Toss chicken with the remaining marinade, cover, and refrigerate while you finish the rice and sauce.
8. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add turmeric and cumin, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute (do not brown).
9. Add rice, stir to coat, and cook, stirring often, until lightly toasted, about 4 minutes.
10. Pour in chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes.
11. Remove from heat and let rest until all liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
12. Whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, parsley, and black pepper. Season with salt to taste.
13. Gently reheat the marinated chicken in a skillet. Divide rice among bowls and top with chicken, shredded lettuce, tomato wedges, and toasted pita strips. Drizzle generously with white sauce and hot sauce.