Chicken Pilau - Pure Healthy Bites

chicken pilau is an aromatic, flavourful and delicious dish. Chicken pilau is a popular dish in many cultures that has been made for many generations. Chicken pilau is a dish full of aromatic spices that is the perfect dish for the family gatherings, festival or any other social occasions. It is basically one pot dish with tender chicken mixed with delicious spices and fully cooked rice. At Pure Healthy Bites, you will find recipe that’s are healthy and nutritious. In this recipe we explore the traditional taste of chicken pilau, its ingredients and tips that’s makes its perfect.

Table of Contents

what is chicken pilau?

Chicken pilau is a traditional dish that originated in south Asian countries and middle east. unlike the chicken biryani chicken pilau is a simple and easy dish. In biryani, chicken and rice cooked separately and then layering it therefore in pilau, chicken and rice cooked together. Another difference that makes chicken pilau unique is chicken pilau has less spices then biryani. So chicken pilau is a favourite dish of those people who like less spices and flavour.

Ingredients for Chicken Pulao:

Chicken with bones- 750 gms (large pieces)
Basmati Rice – 500 gms

To marinate Chicken:

Salt- 1 tsp
Turmeric powder- 1/2 tsp
Juice of 1/2 small lemon or 1 tsp

Whole Garam Masala :

Green cardamom – 6
Cloves – 8
Cinnamon, 1” pieces- 2
Black Cardamom – 2
Shahjeera- 1 tsp
Bay leaf – 2

Onions, finely sliced – 5
Mint leaves, whole- 1/2 cup
& Mint leaves chopped- 1 cup
Coriander leaves, chopped – 1 cup
Green chilies, slit- 2
Whisked Curd/Yogurt- 5 tbsp
Coriander powder- 4 tsp
Fennel powder- 1 tsp
Garam Masala powder- 1 tsp

Grind to make Paste :

Ginger- 1” piece
Garlic- 10 cloves
Green chillies – 4

Oil – 4 tbsp
& Oil for frying the onions
Ghee- 2 tsp
Salt to taste
Fried cashew nuts – a handful

For best taste always use For the best cooking results always use

Preparation :

Wash and clean the chicken pieces and add the items for marination. Mix well and set aside for 30 mins.
Wash & soak the basmati rice in a bowl for around 30 mins
Make a green paste of the Ginger, Garlic & Green chillies indicated above in a grinder.
Fry the sliced onions in 1 cup oil till golden brown in colour
Take out half of the birista and crush it with your hands or rough grind it. Set aside the balance fried onions for use later.
Take out the Mint leaves & chop both the mint & coriander leaves. Slit the green chillies.

Process:

Take a flat, heavy bottom cooking pot & heat 4 tbsps oil. Once hot, add the whole Garam Masala/spices.
Allow it to splutter and then add the ginger-chilli paste made earlier.
Fry for 2 mins on low heat & then add the chicken .
Fry the chicken on medium heat for around 5 mins till the chicken is lightly browned .
Add the Coriander & Fennel powder, mix well & fry for 3 mins on medium heat.
Make sure the chicken pieces are coated well with the masala/spices.
Add 1/2 cup mint leaves, roughly torn, mix & fry for a minute.
Lower the flame to minimum , add the beaten curd/ yogurt and the crushed fried onions. Mix well.
Cook on low flame for around 10 mins, mixing often till the masalas have combined well & it leaves oil.
Now add hot water. For 500 gms basmati rice you will need to add 900 ml water to the pan.
Give a mix and add salt, garam masala powder, fine chopped coriander leaves and mint leaves & slit green chilies.
Mix well. Let the water come to a boil.
Add the rice, mix well, cover & cook on medium flame for around 5 mins
By this time, most of the water should have dried, so turn it once gently, add most of the fried onions & turn again.
Cover & cook for another 5 mins on low flame
Add 1 tsp ghee .
Garnish with fried cashew nuts and serve.

Tips for the Best Chicken Pilau:

Use Basmati Rice: Basmati rice enhances the taste and texture of your chicken pilau.
Brown the Onions Well: onion should be browned well as they add depth of flavour to your chicken pilau.
Don’t Over-Stir: while making the Chicken pilau,, Stirring too much can break the rice grains.
Use Chicken with Bones: always use bone in meat to claim the perfect the taste of chicken pilau.
Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavour, marinate the chicken about 30 minutes before in yogurt and spices.

Health Benefits of Chicken Pilau

Chicken pulao is not only a delicious dish but also a completely healthy and nutritious dish.

Protein-Rich: Chicken is a good source of protein that supports muscle growth and repair
Spices for Digestion: Many spice like ginger, cumin, turmeric use in chicken pilau that helps in digestion of food.
Balanced Meal: Chicken Plow is a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats and various carbs.

Conclusion

Chicken pilau is almost favourite dish of every person in south Asia. also this dish is perfect for the family gathering and social occasions. with the help of easy step at Pure Healthy Bites, you can make this flavourful dish at hoe and impress your family and friends. Try this chicken pilau recipe, and don’t forget to share your experience with us. and for more healthy and nutritious recipes please visit Pure Healthy Bites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pilau

What’s the difference between biryani and pilau?

In biryani, chicken and rice cooked separately and then layering it. therefore in pilau, chicken and rice cooked together. Another difference that makes chicken pilau unique it has less spices then biryani. 2. Is pilau a spice? chicken pilau is a versatile dish. you can use spice and flavour according to your taste.