The Best Halal Guys Chicken and Rice Recipe

​The halal chicken rice bowls from Halal Guys are a staple in New York City, a place where food and cuisine are as competitive as it gets. It's known for some of the best chicken around paired with their famous white sauce and perfect rice.

But now, with this copycat recipe, you no longer need to leave your house to enjoy this delicious Middle Eastern chicken dish. Just pick up all of the ingredients and some pita bread, and you will be able to make and enjoy this meal quickly and easily in the comfort of your own home!

Since you are here and love copycat chicken recipes, check out this KFC Nashville Hot Chicken Recipe, this Air Fryer Panda Express Orange Chicken, or this Easy Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt Copycat Recipe.

Ingredients for this Halal Guys Chicken Recipe

Here are the ingredients for this halal cart chicken recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: is a cut for this recipe because of it's higher fat content.
• Plain Yogurt: is a useful chicken marinade because its lactic acid breaks down the muscle tissue and makes the meat softer.
• Olive Oil: keeps the chicken moist and helps it get a nice sear on the outside.
• Fresh Garlic: Chop and mince the garlic so it combines well with the meat. You could also use jarred pre-minced garlic if you'd like but fresh has a stronger flavor.
• Fresh Oregano: You could use dried but fresh has much more flavor.
• Lemon Juice: is great with chicken and a delicious tang.
• Ground Cumin
• Ground Smoked Paprika: Use regular if you don't like smoked paprika.
• Ground Turmeric
• Ground Coriander
• Ground Cinnamon
• Cayenne Pepper: Adjust based on how spicy you want the chicken to be.
• Salt and Pepper: Adjust to your own taste.

Ingredients for the tangy white sauce recipe

• Mayonnaise: is the base for the creamy sauce.
• Plain Yogurt: Or you could use Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency and more protein. Sour cream works as a substitution if you don't have yogurt.
• Lemon Juice: adds a sourness. Fresh tastes best but you could use bottled lemon juice if you'd like.
• White Vinegar: brings a tartness.
• White Sugar: adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
• Black Pepper: gives a nice kick. Adjust to taste
• Salt: balances out the flavors. Adjust to taste.
• Water: to thin it out, use 1/2 teaspoon at a time depending on your preference.

Ingredients for the rice recipe

• Long-grain Basmati Rice: I used white rice for this recipe as does the Halal Guys. But feel free to use brown rice if you prefer that instead.
• Chicken Broth: Adjust the liquid amount based on the brand of rice you use for 2 cups of dry rice.
• Butter: Or you could use ghee if you want a stronger butter flavor in the rice.
• Kosher Salt: to taste.
• Ground Turmeric and Ground Cumin: to add a seasoned taste and color.

​How to make this Halal Guys chicken recipe

This is how to make the Halal Guys copycat chicken recipe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. In a bowl, mix all the chicken marinade ingredients until well combined. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
2. Preheat a drizzle of oil on a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook without disrupting for about 4-5 minutes or until they are lightly browned. Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for about 5-6 minutes longer or until cooked through and the internal temperature of at the center or the chicken tighs registers 165F. Remove from heat and let it rest.
3. Chop up the grilled chicken before serving on a bed of rice.

Make the Sauce

1. Whisk together all the white sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
2. Wrap with plastic and chill in the fridge for later.

Make the Rice

1. Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, making the rice fluffier.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter or ghee, add the drained rice, and toast for a few minutes. Add the turmeric, cumin, salt, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine everything, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam. Fluff with a fork and use in your Halal bowl.

Assemble the Bowl

1. Serve the halal cart style chicken over a bed of cooked rice.
2. Garnish with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions if desired.
3. Drizzle the white sauce generously over the chicken, veggies, and rice. Add some harissa-style hot sauce if desired.
4. Serve immediately with lots of white sauce on the side and pita bread, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Can i use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this copycat of Halal Guys Chicken Recipe?

Sure, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs as a healthier option with less calories. However, chicken thighs are better because they tend to be juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content. If you use chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it to prevent it from becoming dry.

How do i store my leftover chicken rice bowl?

To store, put it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge to keep it fresh. It should last 3-4 days like this. I don't recommend freezing it because you might ruin the texture during the reheating process.

How should i reheat my Halal Guys chicken rice bowl?

First, you should scoop out all of the veggies onto a separate plate if you can, even if they're mixed in you should dig for them. They will taste much better when cold.

Then reheat the chicken and rice in a microwave or on the stovetop. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. On the stovetop, add a little bit of water or broth to prevent drying out and heat on medium heat until warmed.

What makes Halal Guys' rice orange?

The distinct orange color that you see in the Halal Guys' rice is from the turmeric. When smelled on its own, the fragrance is deep and earthy. But, when mixed with rice, it enhances the grain's flavor and makes it bright and deliciously aromatic, also resulting a vibrant orange color.

The Best Halal Guys Chicken Recipe