The Halal Guys’ iconic chicken and rice platter, a New York City street food staple, is a simple yet satisfying culinary experience. This dish features tender marinated chicken thighs, flavorful yellow rice, fresh toppings, and the crucial red and white sauces. Recreating this delicious meal at home is surprisingly easy.
The white sauce is legendary, often generously drizzled over the entire platter. It’s primarily seasoned mayonnaise, but adding Greek yogurt lends a pleasant tang. Combine mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, white vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, and salt. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a touch of oregano and smoked paprika.
The red sauce is known for its intense heat. The Halal Guys’ version reportedly reaches 100,000-130,000 Scoville units, significantly hotter than a jalapeño. A simplified version can be made with dried red pepper and cayenne powder. Alternatively, use your preferred hot sauce. For a homemade version, blend cayenne powder, red pepper flakes, salt, sugar, white vinegar, water, and lemon juice until smooth. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes to reduce and thicken before bottling.
Next, prepare the chicken and rice. Thinly slice boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even cooking and season with salt. Grind cumin seeds and cloves using a mortar and pestle. Add oregano, black pepper, and garlic, crushing into a paste. Combine this paste with mayonnaise and lemon juice to create the marinade. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly and let them marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours, or even overnight.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the rice. Melt butter in a pan and add cumin seeds, turmeric, smoked paprika, a bay leaf, and finely minced onion. Toast until fragrant. Add basmati rice and toast for two minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and optionally add a touch of butter for a glossy finish.
To assemble the platter, arrange a generous portion of chicken on one side and a scoop of rice on the other. Add sliced romaine lettuce and tomatoes in the center. Drizzle generously with white sauce and add a moderate amount of red sauce to control the heat.
The combination of tender, well-seasoned chicken, flavorful rice, and the contrasting sauces creates a truly satisfying meal. The pita bread, while seemingly redundant with the rice, adds another enjoyable element to the experience. The spicy red sauce balances the creamy white sauce, resulting in a delicious and unforgettable dish. This is a great meal for leftovers, making it a perfect make-ahead option.
