Chicken Pilau

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Chicken Pilau, a comforting one-pot dish that combines tender chicken thighs, fragrant basmati rice, and a symphony of aromatic spices. Perfectly seasoned with cumin seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, and a hint of chili, this hearty recipe is simmered in rich chicken broth to infuse every grain of rice with deep, savory goodness. Fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, onion, and tomato create the perfect base, while a garnish of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. This wholesome meal is easy to prepare in under 1.5 hours, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you're craving a taste of South Asian-inspired cuisine or looking for a satisfying chicken and rice dish, Chicken Pilau is a must-try that’s sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken thighs
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 large onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 inch ginger
• 1 large tomato
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 stick cinnamon stick
• 4 pods cardamom pods
• 4 pieces cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 bunch fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Thoroughly rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then soak in water for 30 minutes. Drain well.

Step 2

Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic cloves, and grate the ginger.

Step 3

Dice the tomato and set aside.

Step 4

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 7

Add the diced tomato, ground coriander, ground turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomato is soft and the spices are well incorporated, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 8

Add the chicken thighs to the pot, turning to coat in the spice mixture. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 9

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 10

Stir in the drained rice into the pot and ensure it is evenly distributed. Cover the pot and cook on low heat until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 12

Fluff the pilau with a fork and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2545.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2563.4

Total Fat 118.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.4g
Cholesterol 639.6mg	0%
Sodium 9312.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 160.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.6g	0%
Total Sugars 27.3g
Protein 211.8g	0%

Vitamin D 47.6IU	0%
Calcium 427.8mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 3638.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.8%

Protein: 33.1%

Carbs: 25.1%