Pushcart Chicken

There are food trucks all over New York city that feature chicken or lamb that’s been seasoned with a Middle Eastern spice mix, seared on a grill or skillet and then served over rice or with a warm pita bread. Being Father’s day yesterday we had to grill something, and it needed to be easy. So this little street food dish was the inspiration for it! The longer you let the spice paste sit and marinate the better. Make sure not to over crowd the chicken either or it will steam and not get those beautiful brown/char bits. Then pour over the lime juice along with the sugar and salt and all the flavors just marry together creating this beautiful sauce. It’s fantastic!!

Spice Mix

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. ground cumin
• 1 tbsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. allspice
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 lb. boneless and skinless thighs
• 1/3 cup lime juice
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 2 tbsp. olive oil

Directions

Starting with the spice mix marinade combine all the spices, tomato paste, olive oil together in a large bowl and mix until combined and smooth.

Add in the chicken and using your hands rub the mixture all over the chicken making sure to evenly coat it. Cover it and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to cook it remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature.

Mix together the lime juice, salt and sugar until everything dissolves.

Heat the grill or skillet to medium high heat and start cooking the chicken, about 5-6 minutes on each side. Try not to move it around a lot because you want those char spots. Cook until internal temperature reaches about 165. Once all the chicken is cooked pour the lime juice mixture over the top and let sit and absorb all the spices and flavors for about five minutes, to make a sauce.

Remove the chicken from the lime juice and serve over rice or warm pita.