The Chicken Platter from The Halal Guys features tender, marinated grilled chicken served over a bed of fragrant saffron rice, accompanied by crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and warm pita bread, all drizzled with their signature creamy white sauce and zesty red hot sauce for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Rice cooker or pot
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Serving platter or plates
- Ladle or spoon
- Squeeze bottles (for white sauce and hot sauce)
- Whisk (for sauces)
- Aluminum foil (to keep pita warm)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups long grain basmati rice
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 small head iceberg lettuce
- 4 Roma tomatoes
- 4 large pita breads
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup harissa paste or hot chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
Selecting fresh, boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures tender, juicy meat for your dish. Saffron threads are key for the authentic color and aroma in the basmati rice; using chicken broth instead of water enhances the flavor. The balance of spices--cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cardamom, and chili powder--creates the signature marinade, so measure carefully. For your sauces, fresh garlic and proper blending of yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices are essential to replicate the creamy white and zesty red hot sauces. Your Chicken Platter from The Halal Guys copycat menu will shine with these carefully chosen ingredients, delivering an authentic and satisfying meal.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Marinate chicken thighs with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cardamom, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Rinse and soak basmati rice for 20–30 minutes.
- Prepare saffron by soaking threads in 2 tablespoons warm water.
- In a pot or rice cooker, melt butter and olive oil. Add rinsed rice, followed by turmeric, cumin, and salt. Stir until fragrant.
- Pour in water or chicken broth and saffron mixture. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked and fluffy.
- Make white sauce: whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, white vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, sugar, parsley, dill, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth. Transfer to squeeze bottle.
- Make hot sauce: blend harissa (or chili sauce), vinegar, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt until smooth. Transfer to squeeze bottle.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill marinated chicken thighs until charred and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Rest, then chop into bite-size pieces.
- Warm pita bread wrapped in foil on grill or in oven.
- Chop lettuce and dice tomatoes.
- Assemble platter: layer saffron rice, top with chopped chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and pita wedges.
- Drizzle with white and hot sauces.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Chicken Platter from The Halal Guys copycat menu can be easily adapted to suit your pantry and taste preferences. If boneless chicken thighs are unavailable, boneless chicken breasts can be substituted, though they may result in a leaner, less tender texture. When saffron threads are hard to find or costly, you can replace them with turmeric for color, but note that the flavor profile will be milder. The signature creamy white sauce relies on Greek yogurt and mayo, so if you prefer a dairy-free option, consider using a cashew or coconut-based alternative while maintaining the tangy components like vinegar and lemon juice. Keep leftover sauces in squeeze bottles to conveniently add the zesty white and red sauces during serving, enhancing the plating experience for your guests.
Tips
Ensure the chicken is marinated for at least 2 hours to allow the spices and yogurt to tenderize and deeply flavor the meat, enhancing juiciness when grilled. When cooking the basmati rice, rinse and soak it beforehand to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separate grains infused with saffron's aroma. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC), preventing undercooking or dryness. Keep pita breads warm in foil to maintain softness, and apply sauce evenly using squeeze bottles to control flavor distribution on your platter.
Nutritions
The Chicken Platter from The Halal Guys provides a balanced source of protein from marinated grilled chicken thighs, rich in essential amino acids and healthy fats from olive oil. The basmati rice infused with saffron offers complex carbohydrates and antioxidants, while the fresh lettuce and tomatoes contribute dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and hydration. The creamy white sauce provides calcium and probiotics from Greek yogurt, and the zesty red hot sauce adds capsaicin, which may boost metabolism. Your meal combines macronutrients and micronutrients for a satisfying, flavorful dish that supports energy and wellness.
Storage
To store your Chicken Platter effectively, separate the grilled chicken, saffron rice, and pita bread into airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Keep fresh ingredients like chopped lettuce and tomatoes in a separate container to maintain crispness, and store the white and hot sauces in sealed squeeze bottles or jars. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3 days for optimal flavor and food safety, reheating the chicken and rice thoroughly before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner protein, adjusting grilling time to avoid dryness. For a smokier flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika directly to the chicken marinade or grilling over charcoal instead of a grill pan. Swap saffron threads with turmeric or annatto powder as a more affordable option for coloring and mild earthy flavor in the rice. Experiment with adding chopped cucumbers or pickled turnips to the platter for extra crunch and tang, enhancing the overall texture and taste profile.
Allergies
The Chicken Platter from The Halal Guys contains several common allergens including dairy from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, gluten from the pita bread, and potential cross-reactivity with spices such as cumin and paprika. If you have lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, or spice allergies, you should exercise caution when consuming this dish. It's important to inform your server about any food allergies to ensure your meal is prepared safely.
Why this recipe?
The Chicken Platter from The Halal Guys features a perfect balance of tender, flavorful grilled chicken seasoned with a unique blend of Middle Eastern spices, paired with fluffy basmati rice and crisp, fresh salad. The signature white sauce and spicy red sauce add a distinctive taste that keeps customers coming back for more. You can recreate this popular dish at home to enjoy an authentic, satisfying meal without the wait, capturing the essence of a beloved street food experience. Making a copycat version allows you to customize spice levels and ingredients while saving money and savoring the restaurant's iconic flavors.