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how to cook chicken pulao

How to Make Chicken Pulao - Easy Recipe Guide

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Learn how to make chicken pulao at home with this simple recipe. This aromatic one-pot rice dish is perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Course dinner, main dish
Cuisine Indian, middle eastern, Pakistani
Keyword aromatic rice dish, chicken pulao, chicken pulao recipe, easy pulao, one pot meal, pakistani rice
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 43 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 420

Equipment

  • Heavy-Bottomed Pot / Degchi
  • Large Cooking Spoon (Wooden / Steel)
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • Strainer / Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife & Cutting Board
  • Aluminum Foil / Tight Lid
  • Small Frying Pan (Optional)
  • Serving Tray / Handi
  • Spice Box (Masala Dabba)

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 kg chicken cut into medium pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Rice:

  • 3 cups basmati rice
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4-5 green cardamom pods
  • 1 black cardamom optional
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Pulao:

  • 4 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee
  • 2 large onions thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves
  • ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves
  • 2 green chilies slit lengthwise
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Pinch of saffron optional
  • Salt to taste

For Garnish:

  • Fried onions birista
  • Fresh mint and coriander leaves
  • Boiled eggs optional
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

  • Mix chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Let sit for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Rice

  • Wash basmati rice until water runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes if possible.

Step 3: Boil Rice

  • Boil 6 cups water with whole spices and salt. Add rice, cook until 70% done (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Fry Onions

  • Heat oil, fry sliced onions until golden brown. Remove half for garnish.

Step 5: Cook Chicken

  • Add marinated chicken to remaining onions. Cook 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, cumin seeds, cloves, and green chilies. Cook until tomatoes soften and chicken is almost done (15 minutes total).

Step 6: Layer the Pulao

  • Spread rice over chicken. Don't mix. Sprinkle garam masala, mint, coriander, and saffron milk. Top with fried onions.

Step 7: Steam Cook

  • Cover with foil then lid. Cook on high heat for 3-4 minutes, then lowest heat for 20 minutes. Rest 5 minutes.

Step 8: Mix and Serve

  • Gently mix with fork and serve hot.