The Chicken & Beef Gyro Platter from The Halal Guys features tender, seasoned chicken and savory beef gyro meat served over a bed of fluffy rice, complemented by fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy white and red sauces, offering a flavorful and satisfying Mediterranean feast.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Rice cooker
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Squeeze bottles (for sauces)
- Serving platter or tray
- Ladle or rice scoop
- Refrigerator (for ingredients)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 lb (450g) beef gyro meat (or ground beef/lamb blend)
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 cups chopped lettuce
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground sumac (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha or harissa)
- Salt
- Fresh parsley (optional, garnish)
- Water
Ensure the chicken thighs are boneless and skinless for even cooking and optimal tenderness. If beef gyro meat is unavailable, a ground beef and lamb blend can be a suitable substitute to replicate authentic flavors. Use basmati rice for its fluffy texture that complements the spiced meats and fresh vegetables perfectly. When preparing sauces, balance the tanginess of Greek yogurt and sour cream with lemon juice and red wine vinegar to create the classic creamy white and red sauces characteristic of this dish. Your homemade Chicken & Beef Gyro Platter from The Halal Guys copycat menu will capture the vibrant, Mediterranean essence through these carefully selected ingredients.
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, oregano, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne, and salt.
- Chill chicken in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare beef gyro by seasoning ground beef/lamb blend with garlic, onion powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, smoked paprika, sumac (optional), salt, and pepper.
- Form beef mixture into a log or patties (if using ground meat).
- Cook basmati rice in rice cooker with water and a pinch of salt.
- Grill or griddle marinated chicken until cooked through, then slice.
- Grill or griddle beef gyro until cooked through, then slice thinly.
- Dice tomatoes and chop lettuce.
- Mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and salt in a mixing bowl to make white sauce.
- Mix hot sauce with a little water to make red sauce.
- Fill squeeze bottles with white and red sauces.
- Assemble platter: first layer rice, then lettuce and tomatoes, then sliced chicken and beef gyro.
- Drizzle with white and red sauces.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (optional).
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Chicken & Beef Gyro Platter from The Halal Guys copycat menu replicates the iconic flavors of the original with spiced meats and classic Mediterranean accompaniments. If beef gyro meat is unavailable, you can substitute with a ground beef and lamb blend to maintain the traditional taste profile. When grilling the chicken thighs, marinating overnight enhances tenderness and flavor infusion. Your rice cooker can be used to prepare perfectly fluffy basmati rice, ensuring a consistent base for the platter. For sauces, if you lack plain Greek yogurt, blending sour cream with mayonnaise provides a creamy alternative that balances the dish.
Tips
Ensure chicken thighs are marinated for at least one hour to infuse flavors and tenderize the meat properly. When grilling beef gyro, slice thinly after cooking for authentic texture and taste reminiscent of traditional Mediterranean dishes. Use a rice cooker for perfectly fluffy basmati rice, adding a pinch of salt to enhance its flavor. Keep sauces in squeeze bottles for easy and even drizzling over your Chicken & Beef Gyro Platter, pairing well with the fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes.
Nutritions
The Chicken & Beef Gyro Platter offers a balanced combination of protein from tender chicken thighs and seasoned beef gyro meat, providing essential amino acids crucial for muscle repair and growth. The basmati rice adds complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while fresh lettuce and tomatoes contribute dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support immune health. Creamy white and red sauces made with Greek yogurt and spices deliver probiotics and healthy fats, enhancing digestion and flavor. Your meal combines vital nutrients that promote satiety and overall well-being in a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and beef gyro meat separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain flavor and prevent cross-contamination. Keep the cooked basmati rice in a sealed container and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. Your white and red sauces should be refrigerated in squeeze bottles, ensuring they are tightly sealed and used within 5 days to preserve their creamy texture and vibrant taste.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option while maintaining tenderness by avoiding overcooking. Swap basmati rice for cauliflower rice to reduce carbs and add a low-calorie twist to the platter. Incorporate grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers alongside the meat for added color, flavor, and nutrients. For a dairy-free sauce variation, replace Greek yogurt and sour cream with a tahini-based sauce blended with lemon juice, garlic, and water to keep the creamy texture.
Allergies
The Chicken & Beef Gyro Platter contains common allergens such as dairy from Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and sour cream, as well as garlic and spices that may trigger sensitivities in some individuals. The beef gyro meat or lamb blend may also contain additives that could pose allergy risks. Ensure you review ingredient labels carefully and consult with your healthcare provider if you have known food allergies or intolerances.
Why this recipe?
The Chicken & Beef Gyro Platter from The Halal Guys delivers a flavorful blend of tender, marinated meats served over fragrant rice and fresh salad, making it a satisfying meal. The combination of savory gyro spices and signature white and red sauces creates a unique taste that keeps customers coming back. You can recreate this iconic dish at home to enjoy the authentic Middle Eastern street food experience anytime. Mastering this copycat recipe offers a delicious, cost-effective alternative while capturing the distinctive flavors of The Halal Guys.