This tender chicken pulao blends succulent chicken with fragrant basmati rice, ghee, and warm Indian spices. Marinated chicken adds juiciness, while aromatic whole spices and sautéed onions infuse the rice with deep flavour. Serve with raita for a wholesome, restaurant-style meal made right at home.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
750 gramsChicken on the bone, cut into 2-inch pieces
1½ cupsBasmati rice, soaked for 20 minutes and drained
Combine chicken pieces, yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and let it marinate for 1 hour. This ensures the chicken stays juicy and absorbs the flavours.
Description - Step 2
Heat spices
In a thick-bottomed colour pan, heat ghee. Add cumin seeds and sauté until they change colour. Add cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves. Cook until fragrant to release aromatic oils.
Description - Step 3
Sauté onions and tomatoes
Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Add chopped tomatoes and cook on high heat for 3 minutes, stirring continuously. Mix in red chilli powder and cook for another minute for balanced heat.
Description - Step 4
Cook chicken partially
Add marinated chicken to the pan. Mix and sauté on high heat for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is half-cooked. This seals in the juices while letting spices coat the meat.
Description - Step 5
Add stock and boil
Pour in chicken stock, add salt to taste, and bring it to a boil. Ensure all chicken pieces are submerged for even cooking.
Description - Step 6
Add rice and cook
Add soaked and drained basmati rice. Mix gently and cook on high heat for 5–6 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the stock and start cooking evenly.
Description - Step 7
Simmer and finish
Cover with a lid and cook on low heat until rice and chicken are fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes. Then, transfer the pulao to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh coriander sprigs and serve hot with raita.