The Halal Guys's Chicken & Falafel Platter Copycat Recipe

The Chicken & Falafel Platter from The Halal Guys features tender, seasoned grilled chicken paired with crispy, golden falafel balls, served alongside fluffy rice, fresh salad, and drizzled with creamy white and tangy red sauces, offering a flavorful and satisfying Middle Eastern feast.

Equipments

• Grill or Griddle
• Sauce bottles or squeeze bottles
• Fryer or deep frying pot
• Mixing bowls
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Rice cooker or pot with lid
• Serving platter or plate
• Tongs
• Ladle
• Slotted spoon
• Salad spinner
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food processor (for falafel mixture)
• Spatula

Ingredients

• Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Falafel:
• 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas
• 1/2 large onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Rice:
• 2 cups long-grain basmati rice
• 3 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Salad:
• 1 head romaine lettuce
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1 small cucumber
• 1/2 red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• White Sauce:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons ground cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon coriander
• Salt
• Pita Bread (optional):
• Pita bread

When preparing the Chicken & Falafel Platter, soaking the dried chickpeas overnight is essential to achieve the perfect falafel texture. Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures tender and juicy grilled chicken that absorbs the yogurt and spice marinade thoroughly. Cooking the basmati rice in chicken broth rather than water will enhance the rice's flavor, complementing the spices used in the dish. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro are crucial for the authentic taste and aroma in the falafel mixture and sauces. Your Chicken & Falafel Platter from The Halal Guys copycat menu will shine with a balance of spices, fresh ingredients, and properly prepared components.

Instructions

• Instructions:
• Marinate chicken thighs with yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and salt for at least 1 hour.
• Soak dried chickpeas overnight in water for falafel.
• Prepare white sauce by blending mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, parsley, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth; chill until serving.
• Prepare red sauce by blending cayenne, harissa, tomato paste, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, cumin, coriander, and salt until smooth; set aside.
• For falafel, drain soaked chickpeas and pulse with onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper in a food processor until coarse.
• Form falafel mixture into small balls or patties.
• Heat vegetable oil in a fryer or deep pot and fry falafel until golden and crispy; drain on paper towels.
• Steam or cook basmati rice with water/broth, turmeric, cumin, coriander, butter, and salt until fluffy.
• Grill or sear marinated chicken on a hot grill/griddle until cooked through and nicely charred; rest and slice.
• Chop romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for salad; toss with parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Warm pita bread, if using.
• On a serving platter, arrange a bed of rice; place sliced grilled chicken and falafel alongside.
• Add salad to the platter.
• Drizzle white and red sauces, or serve in squeeze bottles on the side.
• Serve with pita bread, if desired.

Substitution

The Chicken & Falafel Platter from The Halal Guys copycat menu offers a versatile Middle Eastern meal where you can substitute chicken breasts if thighs are unavailable, though thighs provide more juiciness. For falafel, canned chickpeas can be used in a pinch, but dried chickpeas soaked overnight yield a better texture. When frying falafel, an air fryer can be an alternative to deep frying for a healthier option, but expect a slightly different crispiness. If you don't have harissa paste for the red sauce, a mix of cayenne pepper and tomato paste with a touch of smoked paprika can mimic its flavor. Your choice of rice broth--water or chicken broth--can significantly influence the rice's taste, so use broth for a richer flavor.

Tips

Marinate the chicken for at least one hour to ensure it absorbs all the spices and stays tender during grilling. Soak dried chickpeas overnight before making falafel to achieve the right texture and prevent them from falling apart when fried. Use a food processor to pulse the falafel mixture just until coarse and avoid overprocessing, which can make the texture too smooth and dense. When plating, drizzle the white and red sauces just before serving to keep the falafel crispy and the chicken juicy, enhancing your overall dining experience.

Nutritions

The Chicken & Falafel Platter provides a balanced meal rich in protein from the grilled chicken thighs and nutrient-dense chickpeas in the falafel, both essential for muscle repair and immune function. Basmati rice offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the fresh salad adds dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. The creamy white sauce made with Greek yogurt supplies probiotics and calcium, whereas the red sauce contributes capsaicin from cayenne, which may boost metabolism. You can enjoy this flavorful platter knowing it combines wholesome ingredients that support overall nutrition and taste satisfaction.

Storage

Store leftover grilled chicken and falafel in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep the rice separately in a sealed container to avoid moisture buildup, and refrigerate sauces like the white and red sauce in small jars to preserve their flavor and texture. Your salad should be stored chilled in a covered bowl and consumed within 24 hours to retain its crispness.

Variation or Alternatives

You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, ensuring they marinate adequately to retain juiciness. Instead of deep-frying falafel, try baking or air frying to reduce oil content while maintaining a crispy exterior. For a rice variation, cook basmati rice with saffron threads steeped in hot water to add an aromatic, golden hue. Replace romaine lettuce in the salad with mixed greens or arugula for a peppery flavor, enhancing the freshness of your platter.

Allergies

This Chicken & Falafel Platter contains multiple common allergens such as garlic, dairy from yogurt and mayonnaise, and gluten from the all-purpose flour used in the falafel and pita bread if included. The presence of chickpeas in the falafel can also trigger legume allergies for some individuals. You should inform the restaurant of any allergies prior to ordering to ensure your safety.

Why this recipe?

The Chicken & Falafel Platter from The Halal Guys combines tender, marinated chicken with crispy, flavorful falafel, creating a satisfying and protein-packed meal. Users enjoy the authentic Middle Eastern spices and the creamy, tangy white sauce that perfectly complements each bite. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients to your taste while enjoying the iconic flavors in the comfort of your home. Your homemade platter can replicate the irresistible combination that has made The Halal Guys a popular street food favorite.