We visited New York for the first time in 2013 (you can read about the foodie fun we had here) when we had just our eldest child, and then in 2019 with three kids in tow. While visiting we were able to try a plate of Chicken over Rice from the famous and OG of halal carts, the Halal Guys on 53rd and 6th. You guys, that’s some good stuff!
So before I get to the recipe, let’s break down the main components of this dish as they truly are greater than the sum of its parts.
Rice– The rice provides the body of this platter, and is mildly spiced and fluffy.
Chicken– Incredibly flavorful, tender, and crispy on some bits. Typically boneless thigh meat is used, but either can be used with my recipe.
Toppings– Typically a few wedges of pocketless pita bread, lettuce, and tomatoes. The Halal Guys chain of restaurants also offers onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños as toppings.
White Sauce– Okay this is where the magic happens! Once the rice, chicken, and toppings are combined, the whole thing is doused in this tantalizing sauce. Many recipes may claim to be the spot-on Halal Cart recipe, but I am here to tell you to forget them and try this! It’s as close as you can get to the original!
This recipe is one of the top 5 that I regularly make at home. It’s a favorite, and all three of my kids look forward to whenever I make this. And with all that said, my hope is that a becomes a favorite in your home too!
Halal Cart Chicken And Rice
Ingredients
White Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Chicken
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- ¼ ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
Rice
- 3¾ cups vegetable broth
- 2½ cups basmati rice, washed and soaked in cold water for 30 minutes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced green bell peppers
- Diced onions
- Pocketless pita bread, buttered or oiled and toasted, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Harissa, Sriracha, or hot sauce
Instructions
Prepare White Sauce
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Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Taste and season accordingly.
Prepare Chicken
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Combine all ingredients except chicken in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add chicken and marinate for several hours (overnight is best).
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Heat a pan over medium heat. Add chicken, along with marinade, and cook until completely cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes on each side. Transfer chicken and cooked marinade to a plate to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, dice the chicken into bite size pieces and toss with the cooked marinade/juices. Set aside.
Prepare Rice
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Melt butter in a large vessel over medium-high heat. Add turmeric, cumin, and black pepper, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add drained rice and stir to coat. Toast for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
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Add broth, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and allow the rice to sit undisturbed (do not remove lid) for an additional 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Assemble
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Place rice in a plate, top with diced chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, onions, diced pita, and white sauce and harissa as needed.
Recipe Notes
White sauce can be made in advance and kept refrigerated.
Recipe adapted from Serious Eats.
So reminiscent of childhood walks through Central Park. The dish is great….but this white sauce is MAGIC! I always come back to making it and putting it on everything.
This makes me so happy! Thanks love! <3
My kids love this!!! They used to love the NYC one, but my wife decided to try this recipe… and it is a HIT! INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS!
Thank you! It’s a favorite in our home as well!
Amazing!! Recently went to NYC for the first time and tried the halal cart (it was delicious) and was so happy to find this copycat recipe to make at home (also delicious!)!! My husband and I loved it and I can’t wait to make it again!
Thank you so very much for taking your time to leave feedback! I’m so happy that you enjoyed it!
Had a late night Halal Guys craving and got a platter from our local store around closing time. After getting home, we realized that they had forgotten the sauce (seriously?!?!). I remembered seeing your recipe and quickly whipped up some homemade white sauce. I omitted the garlic powder and subbed in Italian seasoning for dill, but Henna your recipe saved the day! Tasted just like the real deal 🙂
Thank you soo much!
Can I just tell you that I’m super impressed with your quick ability to find a solution?! I mean, not getting the white sauce with your halal guys order is a pretty big deal, and you handled it like a pro!