Sugar-Free Chicken Pilau

Elevate your mealtime with this aromatic and wholesome Sugar-Free Chicken Pilau, a perfect balance of rich spices and comforting flavors without any added sugar. Made with tender boneless chicken thighs, fluffy basmati rice, and a blend of warm spices including cinnamon, cumin, and cardamom, this one-pot recipe is a flavorful delight. Fresh ginger, garlic, and turmeric lend depth to the dish, while a garnish of vibrant cilantro adds a fresh finish. Simmered in savory chicken stock for ultimate richness, this pilau is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a healthier, naturally flavorful option. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is ready in just an hour and serves up to four—a satisfying, sugar-free way to enjoy a classic comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Boneless chicken thighs
• 400 grams Basmati rice
• 1 large Yellow onion
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 inch Fresh ginger
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 4 pieces Whole cardamom pods
• 4 pieces Cloves
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 800 milliliters Chicken stock
• 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 piece Bay leaf

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season them with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 3

Peel and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves and grate the fresh ginger.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it's soft and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is aromatic.

Step 7

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

Step 8

Mix in the turmeric powder, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.

Step 9

Add the drained basmati rice to the pot and gently stir to combine with the chicken and spices.

Step 10

Pour in the chicken stock, and add the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 11

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 12

Turn off the heat and let the pilau rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 13

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2049.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1915.4

Total Fat 89.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 481.3mg	0%
Sodium 3045.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 140.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.0g	0%
Total Sugars 9.7g
Protein 149.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 409.3mg	0%
Iron 22.1mg	0%
Potassium 2024.9mg	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: 41.1%

Protein: 30.4%

Carbs: 28.5%