Halal Guys Copycat Recipe: Easy Steps to Recreate Their Iconic Chicken and Sauce at Home

Craving the bold flavors of The Halal Guys but can’t make it to the nearest location? I totally get it. That’s why I created this copycat recipe, bringing those iconic tastes right into your kitchen.

From savory chicken and gyro meat to the creamy, tangy white sauce, every component is crafted to capture the essence of the original. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their delicious offerings, you’ll love how easy it is to recreate this favorite street food at home.

Ingredients

I’ve carefully selected each ingredient to capture the authentic flavors of The Halal Guys. Gather these components to create your own delicious copycat dish at home.

For Chicken

• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Rice

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt

For White Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Red Sauce

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Toppings

• Chopped lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Pickles
• Hot sauce
• Falafel (optional)
• Pita bread or additional rice for serving

Instructions

Follow these steps to recreate the delicious Halal Guys copycat dish at home. Each section guides you through prepping, cooking, and assembling the components for the perfect meal.

Prep

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
• Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.

1. Rinse the Rice:

• Measure 2 cups of basmati rice.
• Rinse under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Chop 1 head of lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
• Slice 2 tomatoes and 1 cucumber into thin rounds.
• Slice ½ cup of pickles.

Cook Chicken

1. Grill the Chicken:

• Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.
• Cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Cook Rice

1. Season and Cook the Rice:

• In a medium pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and ½ teaspoon of turmeric, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the rinsed basmati rice and stir to coat the grains with the spices.
• Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Prepare Sauces

1. Make the Creamy White Sauce:

• In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and salt to taste.
• Mix until smooth and set aside.

1. Prepare the Spicy Red Sauce:

• In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of harissa or your favorite hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt to taste.
• Stir until well blended.

Assemble the Dish

1. Layer the Components:

• Start with a generous serving of the seasoned rice at the bottom of your plate or pita bread.
• Add a portion of the grilled chicken strips on top of the rice.

1. Add Toppings and Sauces:

• Sprinkle chopped lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles over the chicken.
• Drizzle with creamy white sauce and spicy red sauce according to your taste preferences.

1. Serve:

• Optionally, add falafel or extra pita bread on the side.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Halal Guys-inspired meal!

Tools and Equipment

To create an authentic Halal Guys copycat meal, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s what you’ll need in your kitchen arsenal:

• Grill or Grill Pan

• Perfect for achieving that smoky flavor on the chicken and gyro meat.

• Medium Saucepan or Large Pot

• Ideal for cooking the basmati rice with the perfect blend of spices.

• Mixing Bowls

• Necessary for preparing the creamy white sauce and spicy red sauce.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

• Ensure accurate measurements for all ingredients and seasonings.

• Knife and Cutting Board

• Essential for chopping vegetables and handling meats safely.

• Tongs or Spatula

• Convenient for flipping and handling the grilled chicken and gyro meat.

• Small Bowls

• Use these for organizing sauces and toppings for easy assembly.

• Aluminum Foil

• Useful for resting the grilled meats, allowing juices to redistribute.

• Serving Plates or Bowls

• Perfect for assembling and presenting your homemade Halal Guys meal.
• Helps in rinsing the basmati rice thoroughly before cooking.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing parts of your Halal Guys copycat meal in advance can save you time and ensure everything comes together seamlessly when you’re ready to enjoy. Here’s how I like to organize my make-ahead process:

1. Marinate the Chicken

I start by marinating the chicken thighs at least 2 hours before cooking, or ideally overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply, enhancing the flavor.

• Ingredients for Marinade:
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover and refrigerate.

2. Cook the Rice Ahead

Preparing the seasoned basmati rice in advance ensures it’s flavorful and ready to serve.

• Ingredients for Rice:
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil, then add turmeric, cumin, and salt. Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

3. Prepare the Sauces

Both the creamy white sauce and the spicy red sauce can be made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

• Creamy White Sauce:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and store in the refrigerator.

• Spicy Red Sauce:
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons red chili paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste

Mix all ingredients in a separate bowl. Adjust the spice level to your preference and refrigerate.

4. Chop and Store Vegetables

Having your vegetables prepped and ready makes assembly quick and easy.

• Toppings:
• 2 cups chopped lettuce
• 1 cup sliced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced pickles
• Optional: 1 cup falafel, prepared

Store each topping in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and crisp until you’re ready to assemble your meal.

5. Assemble When Ready to Serve

When it’s time to enjoy your meal, simply reheat the chicken and rice, and have your sauces and toppings ready. This streamlined process ensures your homemade Halal Guys copycat dish is just as delicious and satisfying as the original.

By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy a hassle-free and flavorful meal whenever the craving strikes.

Tips and Variations

Enhancing the Flavor Profile

To elevate your Halal Guys copycat recipe, consider these flavor-boosting tips:

• Marinate Longer: I recommend marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful meat.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can make a significant difference. Opt for freshly ground cumin and coriander for a richer taste.
• Add Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or lime zest into the marinade to add a zesty brightness that complements the savory flavors.

Protein Alternatives

If you want to switch things up, here are some delicious protein alternatives:

• Beef Gyro Meat: Swap out the chicken for thinly sliced beef to mimic the traditional gyro meat flavor.
• Grilled Shrimp: For a seafood twist, try adding grilled shrimp. They cook quickly and add a delightful texture.
• Tofu: Vegetarians can use firm tofu, marinated and grilled to absorb all the spices and flavors.

Spice Level Adjustments

Customize the heat to match your preference with these adjustments:

• Mild Sauce: Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and omit the hot sauce from the red sauce mixture.
• Extra Spicy: Increase the cayenne pepper and add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the red sauce for an extra kick.
• Balanced Heat: If you prefer a moderate spice level, use a combination of mild and hot peppers to achieve the perfect balance.

Sauce Customizations

Feel free to tweak the sauces to suit your taste:

• Creamier White Sauce: Add a bit more Greek yogurt or a splash of milk to achieve a creamier consistency.
• Tangier Red Sauce: Incorporate a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to add a tangy punch to the red sauce.
• Herbed Enhancements: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro into the white sauce for added freshness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Make your meal even more enjoyable with these serving ideas:

• Extra Rice or Pita: Serve the dish with a side of extra basmati rice or warm pita bread to soak up the delicious sauces.
• Fresh Vegetables: Add sliced cucumbers, red onions, or bell peppers for added crunch and freshness.
• Falafel Addition: Include crispy falafel balls for an authentic touch and additional protein.

Storage and Reheating

Ensure your leftovers stay tasty with these storage tips:

Conclusion

Making this copycat Halal Guys recipe has been a rewarding experience for me It’s incredible how these bold flavors come together in your own kitchen I hope you enjoy preparing and savoring every bite Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself this homemade version brings that street food magic right to your table With the tips and variations you can make it uniquely yours Give this recipe a try and delight in the delicious results Happy cooking!