Easy chicken pulao recipe | chicken pulao

Easy chicken pulao recipe is made with tender chicken chunks combined with flavourful spices and herbs to make up the dish known as chicken pulao, a rice dish. Typically, basmati rice is cooked in one pot with onions, garlic, ginger, and a mixture of spices like cardamom, cumin, and coriander.

To give richness and depth to the meal, the chicken is frequently marinated or cooked with yoghurt and spices. A delightful dish that offers a well-balanced combination of savoury flavours and aromatic spices.

chicken pulao is garnished with fresh cilantro and occasionally fried onions. It is a well-liked option for both regular meals and special events due to its simplicity and adaptability.

Also Read: Grilled corn on the cob without husks

How to Make Easy Chicken Pulao Recipe 

The recipe is given below, along with a detailed ingredient list and instructions for each step, but first, let’s review the basic concepts.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes 
• Total Time: 30 minutes 
• Serving: 8 

About the Easy chicken pulao recipe 

One of the staples of South Asian cuisine, especially in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, is chicken pulao. A rice dish known as “pulao” (or “pilaf” in other places) is described. The idea of cooking rice with spices and meat originated in ancient Persia and expanded to other parts of the Middle East and Central Asia.

The Easy chicken pulao recipe changed as it passed through other lands and civilisations, adopting regional cooking methods and spices.

It is consumed for a variety of circumstances, from casual meals to joyous festivities, and it captures the region’s rich culinary legacy by fusing straightforward flavours with intricate ones.

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe 

For the rice: 

Rice: Basmati rice, which cooks up fluffy and keeps each grain distinct, is ideal for pulao because of its long grains and aromatic properties. It smells nice and tastes somewhat nutty. 

Bay Leaves: Infuses the rice with a light, fragrant taste. Although they provide flavour to food, bay leaves are not typically consumed. 

Green cardamoms: These tiny, green pods are filled with seeds that give a fragrant, slightly spicy, and sweet flavour. They enhance the pulao’s nuanced flavour profile.

Cloves: added a warm, spicy, and sweet flavour are called cloves. Since they have a strong flavour that intensifies the rice’s overall scent, they are used sparingly. 

Cinnamon stick: Warm, sweet flavour is added by the cinnamon stick, which goes nicely with other ingredients in the dish.

For the chicken mixture: 

Chicken: The main ingredient is chicken, which adds flavour and protein. In order for the rice and spices to mix harmoniously, chicken parts are utilised in this Easy chicken pulao recipe.

Ghee or oil: used to cook the staple items. The rich, nutty flavour of ghee (clarified butter) is enhanced by oil, which is a lighter option. When sautéing onions and other ingredients, both are helpful.

Onion: Onions offer sweetness and flavour depth when they caramelise. They add richness to the pulao and are an essential part of the base.

Tomatoes: To balance the richness of the chicken and the spices, tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. A slightly saucy texture is further aided by the tomatoes. 

Ginger and garlic: A vital component of many Indian recipes, ginger-garlic paste gives food a strong, fragrant flavour boost. It promotes the development of the pulao’s flavour base. 

Spices: adding spices like turmeric, red chilli, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and pepper will add overall flavours to the dish.

Yoghurt: The dish’s rich, smooth texture is achieved by the use of yoghurt, which also adds creaminess and tangy flavour that tenderises the chicken and combines with the spices.

Garnish: garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves and mint leaves.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. (450 g) chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 ½ cups basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced
• 1-2 green chillies, slit (optional)
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 cup plain yoghurt
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 cloves
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 ½ cups water or chicken broth
• Fresh cilantro or mint leaves for garnish

How to Make Easy Chicken Pulao Recipe 

Instructions: 

1. Get the rice ready: Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until it’s clear. After soaking in water for roughly half an hour, strain the rice. 

2. Prepare the chicken: In a big pot over medium heat, warm up the oil or ghee. Add the bay leaf, cloves, cardamom pods, and cumin seeds. Fry for one minute, or until aromatic. When golden brown, add the sliced onions and continue cooking. 

2. Cook for an additional minute after adding the ginger, garlic, and green chillies, if using. When the tomatoes are soft, add them and simmer them. Cook the chicken pieces until they turn white after adding them. 

4. Add yoghurt and spices: Stir in the turmeric, coriander, cumin, garam masala, and salt. Make a good stir. Add the yoghurt and continue cooking until the chicken is well cooked.

5. Divide the pulao into layers: The partially cooked rice should be layered in a big pot. Place a layer of the chicken mixture over the rice. Over the top of the chicken, distribute the leftover rice. Add some fresh coriander and mint leaves as garnish. 

6. Cook on Low (Dum) Heat: Replace the pot’s lid with one that fits snugly. Allow the rice to finish cooking and the flavours to mingle by cooking it on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. 

7. Serve: Before serving, use a fork to gently fluff the pulao. Warm up and serve with a side salad or raita. Enjoy your Easy chicken pulao recipe.

Serving Suggestions 

Easy chicken pulao recipe is a delightful dish. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and mint leaves, and serve this homemade Easy chicken pulao recipe immediately after cooking while it’s hot and flavourful for a better taste and lavor.

You can also serve it with yoghurt, cucumber raita, vegetable salad, pickles, mint and coriander chutney, cucumber, and onion slices.

How to Store Easy Chicken Pulao Recipe 

You can store the leftover Easy chicken pulao recipe, transfer the leftover chicken pulao into an airtight container, and refrigerate for about 2–3 days; it will maintain its quality and flavour. Enjoy a delicious Easy Chicken Pulao recipe at home.