Chicken Pulao Recipe | Easy Make Delicious Chicken Pulao

Chicken Pulao is a tasty and fragrant rice dish enjoyed by people all over the world. Chicken Pulao is made with soft chicken meat, long-grain Basmati Rice, and a mix of spices that give it a rich and delicious flavor. Unlike Biryani, which has many steps, Chicken Pulao is easier to make but just as tasty. It is believed that the Chicken Polao Recipe originally came from Persia. Over time, Indian cooks added their own spices and cooking styles, making it even more flavorful and special. During the Mughal period, pulao became a royal dish. It was often cooked with saffron, dry fruits, and soft, juicy meat, making it a favorite among kings and nobles.

What is Chicken Pulao Recipe?

Chicken Pulao is a simple and delicious rice dish made with chicken, rice, and spices. It is a one-pot meal that is easy to cook and perfect for any day. The dish is full of flavors because the rice and chicken absorb the taste of the spices while cooking together.

To prepare Chicken Pulao, chicken is first cooked with onions, tomatoes, and whole spices like cumin, cardamom, bay leaves, and cinnamon. These spices give the dish a nice aroma and taste. Then, rice is added and cooked with the chicken until it becomes soft and fluffy. Some people also add yogurt or coconut milk to make it even more flavorful. The result is a tasty and comforting meal that everyone loves.

Whether you are cooking for your family or guests, Chicken Pulao is always a good choice. It is light yet full of flavor, making it a favorite dish for many. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can make a delicious and satisfying meal at home. Try it once, and you will surely love its taste.

How to Make Chicken Pulao

Making Chicken Pulao is easy and fun. This dish is full of flavors from spices, rice, and juicy chicken. The aroma of Chicken Pulao will make you hungry even before it is ready. It is a perfect meal for lunch or dinner, and you can serve it with raita or salad for extra taste. Follow the simple steps below to make this delicious dish at home.

Prepare the Ingredients

Wash the rice:- Take 2.5 cups of basmati rice, wash it well in water 2-3 times, and soak it for 20 minutes. Soaking helps the rice cook better.

Cut the chicken:- Take 600g of chicken and cut it into small pieces. Wash the chicken properly and keep it aside.

Chop vegetables:- Slice 2 large onions and chop 2 medium tomatoes. Also, chop 2 green chilies (optional).

Keep ready:- Keep all the whole spices (2 bay leaves, 1 cinnamon stick, 5 green cardamoms, 5 cloves, 2.5 teaspoons cumin seeds) and powdered spices (1¼ teaspoons turmeric powder, 2.5 teaspoons cumin powder, 2.5 teaspoons coriander powder, 1¼ teaspoons garam masala, 1¼ teaspoons red chili powder) ready.

Cook the Chicken

Cooking the chicken properly is very important for a tasty Chicken Pulao. Follow these steps carefully to make sure the chicken is soft, juicy, and full of flavor.

Step 1:- Take a large pot or deep pan and place it on medium heat. Add 5 tablespoons of oil or ghee. Ghee gives a richer taste, but you can use oil if you prefer. Let the oil or ghee heat for 30 seconds before adding the spices.

Step 2:- Add 2.5 teaspoons of cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them crackle for a few seconds. Now, add the whole spices - 2 bay leaves, 1 cinnamon stick, 5 green cardamoms, 5 cloves. Stir them for 20-30 seconds until they release a nice aroma. This step gives the pulao its special fragrance.

Step 3:- Add 2 large sliced onions to the pot. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the onions turn golden brown. Keep stirring so they cook evenly and don’t burn. Golden brown onions give pulao a rich taste.

Step 4:- Add 2.5 teaspoons of ginger-garlic paste to the onions. Stir and cook for 1 minute until the raw smell disappears. This step adds extra flavor and helps soften the chicken.

Step 5:- Add 2 medium chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes become soft and mushy. If the tomatoes are not breaking down, you can add 2 tablespoons of water to help them cook faster. The soft tomatoes will mix well with the chicken and make the pulao tastier.

Step 6:- Now, add the powdered spices- 1¼ teaspoons turmeric powder, 2.5 teaspoons cumin powder, 2.5 teaspoons coriander powder, 1¼ teaspoons garam masala, 1¼ teaspoons red chili powder (adjust as per taste). Sprinkle salt as per taste and mix everything well. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spices coat the chicken evenly.

Step 7:- Now, add 600g of chicken pieces to the pot. Stir well so the chicken mixes with the onion, tomato, and spices. Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns white and starts releasing its juices. Stir occasionally to make sure the chicken does not stick to the pot.

Step 8:- (Optional for Extra Flavor) If using, add 1¼ cups of yogurt to the chicken. Yogurt makes the chicken soft and adds a slightly creamy texture. Stir well so the yogurt mixes completely with the chicken and spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the yogurt blends in and the mixture becomes thick.

Step 9:- Cover the pot with a lid and let the chicken cook on low heat for 5 more minutes. This helps the spices soak into the chicken, making it more flavorful. Stir once in between to prevent sticking.

Add Rice

Cooking the rice properly is very important for making soft and fluffy Chicken Pulao. Follow these steps carefully to ensure the rice absorbs all the flavors and cooks perfectly.

Step 10:- After cooking the chicken, pour 5 cups of water into the pot. Stir well so that the water mixes with the chicken and spices. Increase the heat to high and let the water come to a full boil. This step helps the rice cook evenly and absorb the flavors.

Step 11:- While the water is boiling, drain the soaked rice completely. (Do not use the water in which you soaked the rice.) Slowly add the rice to the pot while stirring gently. Make sure the rice spreads evenly and does not stay in one place.

Step 12:- Use a spoon to lightly mix the rice and chicken so that everything is well combined. Make sure the rice is fully covered with water. Check the salt at this stage and adjust if needed. If you want a richer taste, you can add a few drops of lemon juice or ½ teaspoon of ghee for extra flavor.

Step 13:- Cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat to low. Let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes without opening the lid. The steam inside the pot will help the rice cook perfectly and become soft.

Step 14:- After 15 minutes, open the lid carefully and check if the rice is soft. The water should be fully absorbed, and the rice should look fluffy. If the rice is still hard or there is extra water, cover the pot and cook for 2-3 more minutes.

Step 15:- Turn off the heat and let the pulao rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step helps the rice grains settle and prevents them from breaking when you serve.

Step 16:- Use a fork or spoon to gently fluff the rice. Be careful while mixing so that the rice grains stay separate and do not get mushy.

Your Chicken Pulao is now ready! Serve it hot with yogurt, raita, salad, or pickles. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful homemade Chicken Pulao.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Pulao is a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some simple serving ideas to make your meal even better:

With Yogurt or Raita:- Serve your Chicken Pulao with a bowl of cool yogurt or raita (a yogurt-based salad with cucumbers, onions, and spices). This helps balance the spices in the pulao and adds a refreshing touch.

With Pickles:- Adding pickles to the side is a great way to bring some tangy flavor to your meal. You can try mango pickle, lemon pickle, or any other type you enjoy.

With Salad:- A light, fresh salad is a great side dish to go with Chicken Pulao. A simple salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a squeeze of lemon will complement the richness of the pulao.

With Papad:- Crispy papad (a thin, crunchy flatbread) goes wonderfully with Chicken Pulao. Its crispy texture adds a nice contrast to the softness of the rice.

With Boiled Eggs:- Some people love serving Chicken Pulao with a boiled egg on the side. You can either add a whole boiled egg or cut it into halves for extra protein.

With a Sweet Dish:- After enjoying your Chicken Pulao, serve a sweet treat like Kalakand, Kheer, or Gulab Jamun to complete your meal on a sweet note.

With a Cold Drink:- Pair your meal with a cool drink like lemonade, lassi (a yogurt-based drink), or even iced tea to keep things refreshing.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you like, and enjoy your Chicken Pulao with your favorite sides.

My Other Delicious Popular Recipes

Expert Tips for Making Chicken Pulao

Follow these simple tips to make your Chicken Pulao even more delicious:

Use Good-Quality Rice:- Always use long-grain basmati rice for the best taste and texture. Wash the rice well and soak it in water for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps the rice cook evenly and makes it fluffy.

Marinate the Chicken:- Marinate the chicken with yogurt, salt, and spices for at least 30 minutes. This makes the chicken soft, juicy, and full of flavor.

Cook on Low Heat:- After adding water and rice, cook on low heat (dum method) to let all the flavors blend well. Cover the pot with a tight lid so that the steam stays inside and cooks the rice perfectly.

Use Whole Spices for Aroma:- Adding whole spices like bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves gives the pulao a rich, delicious smell. You can remove them before serving if you don’t want to bite into them.

Sauté Onions Until Golden Brown:- Cooking the onions until they turn golden brown gives the pulao a deep and slightly sweet flavor. Be patient and stir often to avoid burning.

Don’t Stir Too Much:- Once the rice starts cooking, do not stir it too much. Stirring too much can break the rice and make it mushy.

Check Water Measurement:- Use the right amount of water. For basmati rice, use 1.5 to 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Too much water will make the pulao sticky, and too little will make it dry.

Let It Rest Before Serving:- After cooking, let the pulao sit for 10 minutes with the lid on. This helps the flavors settle and makes the rice even more tasty.

Add a Dash of Ghee:- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter) on top before serving. It makes the pulao rich and aromatic.

Serve Hot for the Best Taste:- Chicken Pulao tastes best when served fresh and hot. Pair it with raita, salad, or pickles for a complete meal.

Follow these easy tips, and your Chicken Pulao will turn out perfect every time.

Recipe Card

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chicken Pulao Recipe | Easy Make Delicious Chicken Pulao

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

1 Cup= 240 ml, 1 Tablespoon = 15ml, 1 Teaspoon = 5ml

Serves: 5

Ingredients

Basmati rice:- 2.5 cups (washed and soaked for 20 minutes)
Chicken:- 600g (cut into small pieces)
Oil or ghee:- 5 tablespoons
Onion:- 2 large (sliced)
Tomato:- 2 medium (chopped)
Ginger-garlic paste:- 2.5 teaspoons
Green chili:- 2 (chopped) (optional)
Yogurt:- 1¼ cups (optional, for extra flavor)
Water:- 5 cups
Salt:- As per taste

Whole Spices

Bay leaf:- 2
Cinnamon stick:- 1 large
Green cardamoms:- 5
Cloves:- 5
Cumin seeds:- 2.5 teaspoons

Powdered Spices

Turmeric powder:- 1¼ teaspoons
Cumin powder:- 2.5 teaspoons
Coriander powder:- 2.5 teaspoons
Garam masala:- 1¼ teaspoons
Red chili powder:- 1¼ teaspoons (adjust as per taste)

Instructions for Chicken Pulao Recipe

Heat oil or ghee in a large pot on medium heat.
Add whole spices (cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamoms, and cloves) and fry for a few seconds until they release a nice smell.
Add sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Add ginger-garlic paste and fry for 1 minute until the raw smell goes away.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
Add chicken pieces and mix well. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns white and starts to release its juices.
Add powdered spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt). Stir well to coat the chicken with spices.
If using yogurt, add it now and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the yogurt blends into the gravy.
Pour in water and bring it to a boil.
Add soaked rice and stir gently to mix with the chicken.
Cover the pot with a lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes. Do not open the lid while the rice is cooking.
Check if the rice is soft and the water is fully absorbed. If needed, cook for a few more minutes.
Turn off the heat and let the pulao rest for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
Serve hot with yogurt, raita, salad, or pickles.

Enjoy your tasty Chicken Pulao.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Pulao

Chicken Pulao is a delicious and flavorful dish that tastes best when fresh, but you can store and reheat it properly to enjoy later. To keep its taste and texture, follow the right storage and reheating methods. Here’s how you can store Chicken Pulao safely and reheat it without losing its delicious flavors.

How to Store Chicken Pulao

Cool Before Storing:- Let the Chicken Pulao cool down to room temperature before storing it. Do not leave it out for more than 2 hours.

Use an Airtight Container:- Store the pulao in a clean, airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.

Refrigerate for Short-Term Storage:- You can keep Chicken Pulao in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Make sure the container is properly closed to lock in the flavors.

Freeze for Long-Term Storage:- If you want to store it for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Chicken Pulao stays good in the freezer for up to 1 month.

How to Reheat Chicken Pulao

1. Reheat on the Stove (Best Method):- Add a few spoons of water or a little ghee to a pan. Put the cold pulao in the pan and cover it with a lid. Heat on low flame for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently in between. Once hot, serve and enjoy.

2. Reheat in the Microwave (Quick Method):- Place the pulao in a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle some water on top to keep it soft. Cover with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring once in between.

3. Reheat in the Oven (For Large Portions):- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pulao in an oven-safe dish and sprinkle some water. Cover with foil and heat for 10-15 minutes.

Extra Tips:
✔ Do not reheat multiple times – Take out only the portion you need and reheat it once.
✔ Add fresh garnishes – Before serving, sprinkle some fresh coriander or fried onions to refresh the taste.
✔ Avoid overheating – Heating for too long can make the rice dry and hard.

Follow these steps to enjoy your Chicken Pulao fresh and tasty every time.

Nutrition Value

These values can vary based on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used, so it's always a good practice to calculate precise values based on your recipe and the brands you use . Chicken Pulao is a healthy and balanced meal that provides proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Below is the complete nutrition value per 1 serving (1 cup - approx. 250g):

Nutrients & Vitamins	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value (%DV)	Health Benefits
Calories	350-400 kcal	18-20%	Provides energy for daily activities
Protein	18-22g	36-44%	Helps in muscle growth and repair
Carbohydrates	45-50g	15-17%	Provides energy and keeps you full
Fats	10-12g	15-18%	Good for brain and skin health
Fiber	2-4g	8-16%	Aids digestion and prevents constipation
Cholesterol	40-50mg	13-16%	Needed for cell health but should be in balance
Sodium	500-600mg	22-26%	Maintains fluid balance in the body
Vitamin A	-	4-6%	Good for eye health and immunity
Vitamin B6	-	15-20%	Helps in brain function and metabolism
Vitamin B12	-	10-12%	Supports nerve health and red blood cells
Vitamin C	-	3-5%	Boosts immunity and skin health
Vitamin D	-	2-4%	Strengthens bones and immune system
Iron	-	10-15%	Helps in blood formation and oxygen transport
Calcium	-	4-6%	Strengthens bones and teeth
Magnesium	-	6-8%	Supports muscle and nerve function
Potassium	-	10-12%	Maintains blood pressure and heart health

This table shows that Chicken Pulao is a nutritious meal rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a great option for a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Chicken Pulao is a simple yet delicious dish that brings together the rich flavors of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked Rice. We have covered everything you need to know about Chicken Pulao, from selecting the right ingredients and cooking it step by step to expert tips and proper storage methods. We also discussed its nutritional benefits, which make it a healthy choice for people of all ages.

If you are new to cooking, don’t worry. This Chicken Pulao Recipe is easy to follow, and with a little practice, you can master it in no time. So, gather your ingredients, and start cooking this delightful treat today. Share your feedback and let us know how your Chicken Pulao turned out.

My Delicious Popular Sweet Recipes

FAQs About Chicken Pulao

Here are some common questions people ask about making Chicken Pulao, along with easy-to-understand answers:

1. What is the difference between Chicken Pulao and Chicken Biryani?
Answer: Chicken Pulao is a simple, one-pot dish where rice and chicken are cooked together with mild spices. Chicken Biryani is more flavorful, prepared in layers, and has stronger spices like saffron and fried onions. Pulao is lighter, while Biryani is richer and heavier.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for Chicken Pulao?
Answer: Yes, you can use brown rice, but it takes longer to cook. You may need to soak it for at least 30 minutes and add extra water while cooking. The taste and texture will be slightly different from traditional Pulao.

3. How can I make Chicken Pulao more flavorful?
Answer: Use whole spices like cinnamon, bay leaves, and cardamom for extra aroma. Cooking in chicken broth instead of water can also enhance the taste. Adding a little ghee at the end gives it a rich flavor.

4. Can I make Chicken Pulao without a pressure cooker?
Answer: Yes, you can cook it in a regular pot. Just keep the lid tightly closed and cook on low heat until the rice is fully cooked. You may need to add a little more water than in a pressure cooker.

5. How do I prevent the rice from becoming sticky?
Answer: Wash the rice 2-3 times until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Also, make sure you don’t add too much water while cooking and fluff the rice gently after it is done.

6. Can I add vegetables to Chicken Pulao?
Answer: Yes! You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, potatoes, or beans to make it more nutritious and colorful. Just chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly with the rice.

7. What can I serve with Chicken Pulao?
Answer: Chicken Pulao tastes great with raita (yogurt with spices), salad, pickles, or even a side of boiled eggs. You can also enjoy it with a simple curry or chutney.

8. Can I use boneless chicken instead of chicken with bones?
Answer: Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but chicken with bones gives more flavor to the Pulao. If using boneless chicken, try marinating it for some time to enhance the taste.

9. How long does Chicken Pulao stay fresh?
Answer: Chicken Pulao stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days if stored in an airtight container. If you freeze it, it can last for up to 1 month. Always reheat it properly before eating.

10. Can I make Chicken Pulao in advance for a party?
Answer: Yes! You can cook it a few hours before serving and keep it covered. Just reheat it with a little water or ghee before serving to keep it soft and fresh.

These answers should help you make and enjoy your Chicken Pulao without any confusion. Happy cooking.

Chicken Pulao Recipe | Easy Make Delicious Chicken Pulao

What is Chicken Pulao Recipe?