The Chicken & Falafel Sandwich from The Halal Guys features tender, spiced grilled chicken and crispy golden falafel balls nestled inside warm pita bread, complemented by fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce for a flavorful and satisfying Mediterranean delight.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Fryer or deep fryer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Sauce squeeze bottle
- Measuring spoons
- Food thermometer
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 small onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (for falafel)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander (for falafel)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt (to taste)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 large pita breads
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic (for tahini sauce)
- Salt (for tahini sauce)
When preparing the Chicken & Falafel Sandwich from The Halal Guys, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures tender and juicy grilled chicken with optimal flavor absorption from the ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic, and onion powders. Fresh parsley and cilantro are essential for authentic falafel taste and texture, while canned chickpeas provide a convenient base for crispy falafel balls enhanced by baking powder and flour for proper binding. Tahini sauce requires a smooth blend of tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water, balancing the sandwich's savory elements with creamy acidity. Accurate cooking tools like a food thermometer help maintain safe internal chicken temperatures, and a fryer or deep fryer ensures perfectly golden falafel. Your homemade Chicken & Falafel Sandwich from The Halal Guys copycat menu will capture the signature Mediterranean flavors and satisfying textures found in the iconic original.
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs with olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate marinated chicken for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Grill marinated chicken until cooked through, using food thermometer to check for doneness (165°F/74°C).
- Let grilled chicken rest, then slice into strips.
- Combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin (for falafel), coriander (for falafel), cayenne, baking powder, flour, and salt in a food processor.
- Pulse mixture until coarse and well combined.
- Form chickpea mixture into small balls or patties.
- Heat vegetable oil in fryer or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry falafel balls until golden and crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Slice tomatoes and shred lettuce.
- Make tahini sauce: whisk tahini, water, lemon juice, grated garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Warm pita breads on grill or griddle.
- Assemble sandwich: layer shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes onto warm pita bread.
- Add grilled chicken strips and hot falafel balls.
- Drizzle with creamy tahini sauce using a squeeze bottle.
- Fold or wrap pita and serve on a tray or plate.
Substitution
The Chicken & Falafel Sandwich from The Halal Guys copycat menu combines juicy, spiced grilled chicken thighs with crispy falafel made from chickpeas and fresh herbs, all wrapped in warm pita bread. If you don't have a grill or griddle, you can use a cast-iron skillet or oven broiler to cook the chicken with similar results. When frying falafel, a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot with enough vegetable oil to submerge the balls works best to achieve crispiness; alternatively, pan-frying with less oil can yield a lighter version. For tahini sauce, adjusting the thickness with more or less water allows you to customize the drizzle to your preference. Your knife and cutting board are essential for prepping fresh vegetables, but a food processor can also speed up falafel preparation.
Tips
Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least one hour to fully develop the spices and ensure tender, flavorful meat. Use a food thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. When frying falafel, maintain the oil at 350degF (175degC) to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil. Keep your pita breads warm on the grill or griddle just before assembling to prevent them from becoming dry or brittle in your sandwich.
Nutritions
The Chicken & Falafel Sandwich provides a balanced mix of protein from the spiced grilled chicken thighs and fiber-rich chickpeas in the falafel, supporting muscle repair and digestive health. Tahini sauce adds healthy fats and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, while fresh lettuce and tomatoes contribute vitamins A and C for immune support. Grilled chicken delivers approximately 25 grams of protein per serving, and falafel supplies plant-based protein alongside dietary fiber. Your meal combines wholesome ingredients that fuel your body with sustained energy and vital nutrients.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken and falafel separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and freshness. Place pita bread, shredded lettuce, and sliced tomatoes in separate containers or sealed bags to prevent sogginess. Keep tahini sauce refrigerated in a covered jar and stir well before use to restore its creamy consistency.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, adjusting grill time to avoid dryness. Instead of deep frying, bake the falafel at 375degF (190degC) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for a healthier preparation. For a tangy twist, replace lemon juice in the tahini sauce with fresh lime juice and add a pinch of smoked paprika. Using whole wheat pita bread or gluten-free wraps can cater to dietary preferences while maintaining the sandwich's satisfying texture.
Allergies
The Chicken & Falafel Sandwich contains several common allergens such as wheat from the pita bread and all-purpose flour, chickpeas which may affect those with legume allergies, and sesame seeds found in the tahini sauce. You should be cautious if you have allergies to spices like cumin, coriander, or garlic, as they are present in both the chicken and falafel components. Cross-reactivity or intolerance to any ingredient could cause allergic reactions, so reviewing each component is essential for your safety.
Why this recipe?
The Chicken & Falafel Sandwich from The Halal Guys combines tender, spiced grilled chicken with crispy, flavorful falafel, creating a perfect balance of protein and texture. The sandwich is served with their signature white sauce and hot sauce, enhancing every bite with creamy and spicy flavors tailored to satisfy diverse taste preferences. You will appreciate the fresh, hand-crafted ingredients and the authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fusion that makes this dish a unique culinary experience. Recreating this copycat recipe allows you to enjoy the famous taste at home, controlling ingredient quality and customizing flavors to suit your palate.