Halal Guys Chicken and Rice
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Additional Time
1 hr
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
587 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Halal Guys Chicken and Rice
Description
This recipe replicates the signature flavors of the Halal Guys food truck chicken and rice plate. Chicken breast pieces are marinated for 1 to 2 hours in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, white vinegar, garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, allspice, ground ginger, cumin, and paprika, imparting a balanced profile of citrus, earthy spice, and warmth. The chicken is pan-seared until cooked through and browned, then rested before being chopped into bite-sized cubes.
The rice is prepared by first melting butter and toasting turmeric and cumin to release their aromas, followed by cooking soaked basmati rice in chicken stock seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. This results in fluffy, fragrant rice with a subtle golden color and gentle spices.
The white sauce blends Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, and water to create a creamy, tangy condiment that pairs well with the savory chicken and rice. Chopped tomato and parsley refresh the dish, while Sriracha offers optional heat.
The dish is best assembled by plating the spiced rice topped with chicken cubes, drizzled with white sauce, and garnished with fresh tomatoes, parsley, and sriracha for personalized spice.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken breast 900 g, about 6
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano powder
- 1 teaspoon allspice or seven spices
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
For the white sauce:
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt 170g (6oz)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise 115 g
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1-2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the rice:
- 2 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice soaked for 20 minutes then rinsed until water runs clear
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock or 1 stock cube dissolved in 2.5 cups hot water
- salt and pepper to taste, a pinch of each
To assemble:
- 1 tomato chopped
- handful parsley chopped
- Sriracha sauce
Instructions
For the chicken:
- In a bowl, add all the ingredients for chicken marinade, like the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic cloves, all the spices and the salt and pepper. Combine until well mixed, then add the chicken breast and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinade for 1-2 hours. (meanwhile you can make the white sauce).
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet on medium high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken to a cutting board, and let it rest for 10 minutes, before chopping roughly into 2 inch cubes.
For the white sauce:
- Mix together all the ingredients for the sauce, and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
For the rice:
- Add the butter to a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the turmeric and cumin, and stir for 1 minutes or until spices are fragrant.
- Add the basmati rice, and toast the rice by stirring around in the pan for 4 minutes. Add the chicken stock, plus a pinch of salt and pepper to season. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes.
- After rice cooking time, once all the water has been absorbed, remove pan from the heat and set aside for 15 minutes without disturbing. After 15 minutes, fluff gently with a fork.
To assemble:
- Place the rice in your serving platter, top with the chicken, the white sauce, and chopped tomatoes and parsley. You can add some pita bread too. Optionally, but recommend, drizzle with sriraracha sauce!
Notes
- This recipe is adapted from the popular Halal Guys food truck flavors in New York City.
- The rice portion is inspired by a Serious Eats recipe for flavorful basmati rice.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 587 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 587kcal | 29% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.