Vegan Chicken Pilau

Delightfully aromatic and bursting with bold spices, this Vegan Chicken Pilau is a plant-based twist on a beloved classic. Perfectly fluffy basmati rice is infused with warm notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin, while tender vegan chicken pieces, vibrant carrots, and sweet green peas ensure every bite is hearty and satisfying. Simmered to perfection in a rich vegetable broth, this one-pot dish is both comforting and flavorful, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro add a bright, zesty finish to this wholesome recipe, which comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a lighter take on traditional chicken pilau, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups basmati rice
• 300 grams vegan chicken pieces
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 lemon, juiced

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cumin seeds to the pot. Stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.

Step 6

Add the vegan chicken pieces and carrots, cooking for about 5 minutes until the chicken pieces are lightly browned.

Step 7

Stir in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well until the spices coat the ingredients evenly.

Step 8

Add the drained rice and stir gently to combine with the rest of the ingredients.

Step 9

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 10

Cover the pot and cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 11

Five minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the green peas, allowing them to cook through in the remaining steam.

Step 12

Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 13

Fluff the pilau with a fork, and then stir in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice.

Step 14

Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2030.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1703.4

Total Fat 54.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5471.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 227.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.8g	0%
Total Sugars 40.9g
Protein 99.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 600.5mg	0%
Iron 24.6mg	0%
Potassium 4147.3mg	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: 27.3%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 50.5%