Are you ready to indulge in a dish that bursts with flavor and takes your taste buds on a delightful journey? This fragrant chicken pilau is the perfect balance of aromatic spices and tender chicken, making it a family favorite for dinner. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight meal, it never fails to impress.
Imagine fluffy rice infused with spices, succulent pieces of chicken, and a hint of sweetness from caramelized onions. This pilau is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that makes cleanup a breeze!
This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a dish that is both comforting and exotic, seamlessly combining spices and herbs to create a delightful culinary experience.
The Ultimate Chicken Pilau Recipe
This chicken pilau is a fragrant and flavorful dish made with basmati rice, marinated chicken, and a blend of spices like cumin, cardamom, and cloves. It’s aromatic, savory, and subtly sweet, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 pound chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro and fried onions for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Remove half of the onions for garnish.
- Cook Chicken: Add marinated chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink. Then, add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf, stirring for a minute.
- Add Rice: Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, stirring gently to combine with the chicken and spices.
- Simmer: Pour in chicken broth or water, bringing it to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot, garnished with fried onions and fresh cilantro.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
