The Rice Platter from The Halal Guys features tender chicken or gyro meat seasoned with Middle Eastern spices, served over a bed of fragrant yellow rice and accompanied by fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and their signature creamy white sauce, delivering a savory and satisfying meal with vibrant flavors and textures.
Equipments
- Rice cooker or pot
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Saucepan (for white sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving platter or plates
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb (for gyro meat)
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 tomatoes
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic
- Water
When preparing your Rice Platter from The Halal Guys copycat menu, selecting fresh chicken thighs or high-quality ground beef or lamb ensures authentic flavor and texture in the meat. Use basmati rice for its fragrant aroma and fluffy consistency, and be sure to season it with turmeric, cumin, coriander, and paprika to achieve the signature yellow color and Middle Eastern spice profile. Fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes add essential crispness and freshness to balance the savory meat and creamy white sauce. For an authentic creamy white sauce, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and parsley, adjusting seasoning to your taste. Your careful choice of ingredients will deliver a savory, satisfying meal that captures the vibrant flavors and textures of the original Rice Platter.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Marinate chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, 1/2 of garlic powder, 1/2 of onion powder, 1/2 of black pepper, 1/2 of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and yogurt in a mixing bowl; refrigerate for 1 hour.
- In another bowl, combine ground beef or lamb with remaining garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried oregano, cumin, coriander, paprika, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 teaspoon salt; mix well and shape into a log or patties.
- Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear; drain.
- In a rice cooker or pot, add rinsed rice, 4 cups water, turmeric, and a pinch of salt; cook until fluffy and fragrant.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high; cook marinated chicken thighs until golden and cooked through; set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, cook gyro meat log/patties on medium heat until browned on all sides and cooked through; slice thinly.
- Chop lettuce and tomatoes; set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, sugar, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt; stir and simmer until slightly thickened to make the white sauce.
- Fluff the cooked yellow rice and arrange on serving platter or plates.
- Top rice with sliced chicken and gyro meat, shredded lettuce, and tomato wedges.
- Drizzle generously with creamy white sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Substitution
The Rice Platter from The Halal Guys copycat menu combines tender, spiced chicken or gyro meat with fragrant turmeric-infused basmati rice, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a creamy white sauce for an authentic Middle Eastern-inspired dish. If you can't find basmati rice, long-grain rice can be substituted, though the flavor and texture may slightly differ. Ground beef or lamb can be replaced with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner gyro option without compromising the savory profile. When preparing the white sauce, Greek yogurt can be swapped for plain yogurt, adjusting the consistency with a bit of mayo or water to maintain creaminess. To enhance your cooking experience, using a rice cooker ensures perfectly fluffy rice every time, saving you effort and ensuring consistent results.
Tips
Marinating your chicken for at least one hour ensures the spices and yogurt tenderize the meat, enhancing its flavor and juiciness. Rinsing basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear is crucial to remove excess starch, preventing clumpy, sticky rice. Cook the gyro meat thoroughly and slice it thinly to achieve its traditional texture and keep your platter authentic. When preparing the white sauce, simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld without breaking the creamy texture, ensuring your dish remains smooth and savory.
Nutritions
The Rice Platter from The Halal Guys provides a balanced combination of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, with chicken thighs and gyro meat supplying essential amino acids and iron. Basmati rice, seasoned with turmeric, offers antioxidants and energy-boosting carbohydrates, while fresh lettuce and tomatoes add dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. The creamy white sauce made from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise enhances the dish with probiotics and healthy fats, contributing to digestive health and sustained energy. Your meal delivers a nutrient-rich, satisfying option that supports muscle maintenance and overall vitality.
Storage
Store leftover rice platter components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Keep cooked chicken, gyro meat, and white sauce refrigerated and consume within 3 days for optimal flavor and safety. Your fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes should be stored in the fridge's crisper drawer and added just before serving to preserve crispness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the chicken thighs for boneless turkey breast to reduce fat content while maintaining tenderness. For the gyro meat, try using ground chicken mixed with traditional spices for a lighter option, or shape into smaller meatballs instead of a log for faster cooking. Replace basmati rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist without sacrificing texture or flavor. Mix fresh mint or cilantro into the white sauce alongside parsley for an herbaceous boost that complements the Middle Eastern spices.
Allergies
The Rice Platter from The Halal Guys contains possible allergens such as dairy from the plain and Greek yogurt in the sauce, and eggs potentially found in mayonnaise. The dish also includes gluten-free basmati rice, but cross-contamination may occur if prepared in shared kitchen spaces. You should check ingredient labels carefully and inform the restaurant about any specific allergies to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
The Rice Platter menu from The Halal Guys offers a unique blend of Middle Eastern spices, tender halal meats, and perfectly seasoned rice that delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal. Your taste buds will appreciate the authentic combination of gyro, chicken, and falafel options paired with fresh salad and their signature white and red sauces. The balance of textures and vibrant flavors makes it a highly popular choice among fans of quick, hearty, and delicious street food. Trying to make the copycat version at home allows you to customize ingredients and recreate this iconic culinary experience whenever you crave it.