Dairy-Free Chicken Pilau

Delight in the cozy, aromatic flavors of this Dairy-Free Chicken Pilau, a wholesome one-pot meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This recipe features tender chicken breast, fragrant basmati rice, and a vibrant blend of warming spices like cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon, all simmered together in a rich chicken broth. Free from dairy yet full of deep, savory flavor, this dish is both light and satisfying, making it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a splash of citrusy lemon, this pilau is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ready in just an hour with minimal cleanup, this hearty and flavorful recipe serves four and is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Chicken breast
• 300 grams Basmati rice
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium, sliced Onion
• 3 cloves, minced Garlic
• 1 tablespoon, freshly grated Ginger
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 1 Bay leaf
• 3 Cardamom pods
• 750 milliliters Chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh cilantro
• 1 sliced, for garnish Lemon

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 3

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and cardamom pods. Stir well to combine the spices and release their natural oils, about 2 minutes.

Step 6

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7

Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir well to coat the rice with the spices and oil.

Step 8

Pour in the chicken broth, then season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 9

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 10

Remove the pot from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish cooking in its own steam.

Step 11

Fluff the rice with a fork, then garnish with chopped cilantro and lemon slices before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1802.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1649.7

Total Fat 62.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.5g
Cholesterol 430mg	0%
Sodium 5784.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 108.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.7g	0%
Total Sugars 9.7g
Protein 165.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 309.0mg	0%
Iron 14.2mg	0%
Potassium 2713.1mg	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: 34.1%

Protein: 39.9%

Carbs: 26.1%