Halal Guys Style Chicken & Rice Recipe

This iconic concept of chicken & rice was born in a humble street food cart in NYC, where hungry diners lined up for a taste of its tantalizing offerings. However, my personal rendezvous with this delectable dish didn't occur amidst the bustling streets of the Big Apple. Instead, it was in the heart of London where I first experienced the magic of Halal Guys-style chicken and rice, and I was instantly hooked. The blend of flavorful, moist chicken with a creamy, tangy white sauce was so good that I knew I had to recreate it at home.

With just the right amount of heat and flavor, this Halal Guys Chicken and Rice copycat recipe is a perfect balance of comfort and excitement. Made with tender and juicy chicken, marinated in aromatic spices, and served over a bed of aromatic rice, you are sure to be dreaming about this dish for days.

Ingredients you will need-

For the chicken-

• 2 chicken breasts thinly sliced or you can use chicken thighs

• Olive Oil

• salt to taste

• Some Spices- cumin, chilli powder, garlic powder or fresh minced garlic, coriander powder, dried oregano

• half a lemon juice

For rice-

• Butter

• Turmeric powder

• Washed rice

• Chicken broth or water- If you don’t have chicken broth you can also add a stock cube to your water for added flavour

• Salt

White Sauce

• Mayonnaise

• Greek or normal yoghurt

• Salt & black pepper

• Lemon juice or vinegar

• water to thin out 2-4 tablespoons

• Siracha if you want

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Begin by preparing the chicken. Thinly slice the chicken breasts or thighs and place them in a mixing bowl. Drizzle some olive oil. Season the chicken generously with salt, cumin, chilli powder, garlic powder or minced garlic, coriander powder, dried oregano, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the flavours to meld and penetrate the meat.

Prepare the Rice:

In a large saucepan or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the turmeric and washed rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the rice evenly with the turmeric-infused butter. Pour in the chicken broth or water, and season with salt to taste (if using water, ensure the broth or stock is adequately seasoned). Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rice simmer gently until cooked through and fluffy, typically for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning or sticking.

Cook the Chicken:

While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the chicken. There are two cooking methods available: air frying or pan-frying. For air frying: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Once preheated, arrange the marinated chicken slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. For pan-frying: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken slices in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Make the White Sauce:

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the creamy white sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek or regular yoghurt, black pepper, lemon juice or vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients until well combined and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For an extra kick, add a drizzle of sriracha sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Assemble the Dish:

Once all the elements are prepared, it's time to assemble the dish. Start by plating the cooked turmeric-infused rice on a serving dish or individual plates. Arrange the cooked chicken slices on top of the rice, ensuring an even distribution across the dish. Garnish with fresh lettuce leaves, chopped onions, and diced tomatoes for added freshness and texture. Drizzle the creamy white sauce generously over the chicken and rice, allowing it to cascade down the sides for maximum flavour impact. For an extra kick of heat and flavour, add a final drizzle of sriracha sauce over the dish, if desired.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Halal Guys-style chicken and rice immediately, while still hot and fresh. Accompany the dish with warm pita bread on the side for a complete meal experience. Encourage diners to mix and match flavours, combining the tender chicken, fragrant rice, and creamy sauce in each delicious bite. Sit back, relax, and savour the explosion of flavours and textures that this iconic dish has to offer. Whether enjoyed as a cosy dinner at home or shared with friends and family, this homemade version of Halal Guys-style chicken and rice is sure to be a hit!

Other 30 minute meal recipe Ideas-

• Red Thai Curry Fried Rice

• Air Fryer Chilli Chicken

• Pad Thai Noodle Recipe

• Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Hi!! My name is Maleeha ,  your passionate host and fellow food enthusiast, and I'm thrilled to take you on a delectable journey through the world of baking, cooking, and dessert-making