This Chicken Pulao is a fragrant, golden rice dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy basmati rice, and warm whole spices in one simple pot. The aroma of cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon fills your kitchen as it cooks, making everyone gather around before it's even done. I first made this on a Tuesday night when I needed something comforting but didn't want a pile of dishes afterward, and it's been my go-to ever since.
If you're looking for other easy weeknight meals, you might also love my Chicken Kofta Kebabs or this quick Tuna Melt Wrap Recipe. The beauty of this one-pot chicken rice is that everything cooks together, the flavors meld beautifully, and cleanup takes about two minutes.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Pulao
This Indian chicken pulao checks every box for a weeknight dinner. It's made in one pot, so you're not juggling multiple pans or drowning in dishes later. The whole spices create layers of warmth and aroma without any complicated techniques. The chicken stays tender, the rice turns out fluffy and separate, and everything's ready in about 45 minutes. You get deep, restaurant-style flavor using simple pantry staples. It's also endlessly adaptable you can dial the heat up or down, swap bone-in chicken for boneless thighs, and adjust the spices to match what you have on hand. If you enjoy bold, cozy flavors, you might also like my Pork Pozole Rojo or these vibrant Peanut Butter Noodles.
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Chicken Pulao Ingredients
Here's what makes this Chicken Pulao come together beautifully.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Basmati rice: Long grain aged basmati rice creates fluffy, separate grains with a delicate fragrance. Soaking it helps the rice cook evenly and prevents it from breaking.
- Mustard oil: Mustard oil gives this dish its authentic, slightly pungent flavor that's traditional in Indian cooking. If you don't have it, use cooking oil mixed with ghee for richness.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion caramelizes into sweet, golden strands that form the flavor base of the masala.
- Chicken: Skinless, bone-in chicken pieces add depth and flavor as they cook. Boneless chicken thighs work too and cook a bit faster.
- Garlic paste: Adds a savory, aromatic punch that balances the sweetness of the onions.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger brings warmth and a slight spice. Julienned or chopped, it adds texture and bright flavor.
- Roma tomato: Tomatoes break down into the masala, adding moisture and a subtle tanginess that ties everything together.
- Coriander powder: Ground coriander adds an earthy, citrusy note that complements the other spices.
- Green Indian chilies: These bring heat and a fresh, grassy flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Salt: Seasons the dish and helps the flavors bloom. You'll divide it between the chicken and the rice.
- Warm water: Helps the rice cook to the perfect tenderness. Starting with warm water speeds up the cooking process.
- Whole spices: The combination of dried red Kashmiri chilies, cumin seeds, black cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaf, and black peppercorns creates a fragrant, complex spice blend. Each spice releases its oils as it heats, infusing the entire dish with warmth and depth.
How to Make Chicken Pulao
Follow these steps to create tender, flavorful Chicken Pulao with perfectly cooked rice.
Wash and soak rice: Rinse the basmati rice in water 3 to 4 times until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch so the grains stay separate. Soak the rice in fresh water for 20 to 30 minutes. While it soaks, you can start prepping the rest of your ingredients.
Prepare chicken masala base: Heat the mustard oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke lightly. Add the whole spices and dried chilies, stirring for 5 to 10 seconds until they sizzle and release their fragrance. Toss in the sliced onions and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and smell sweet. Don't let them get too dark or they'll taste bitter.
Cook the chicken: Pour ¼ cup of water over the onions to cool things down slightly, then nestle the chicken pieces into the pot. Add the garlic paste, ginger, coriander powder, green chilies, and tomatoes. Fry everything over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and the tomatoes soften into a thick, fragrant masala. This takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
Add rice: Drain the soaked rice completely and add it to the pot with the chicken masala. Pour in 1.5 cups of warm water and a squeeze of lime juice. Gently stir everything together, making sure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid.
Cook the pulao: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, watching for bubbles around the edges. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it cook undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice looks tender.
Rest the pulao: Turn off the heat and leave the pot covered for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting time lets the rice firm up, the flavors settle, and the grains separate beautifully. Don't skip this step.
Fluff and serve: Use a spatula or small saucer to gently fluff the rice from the bottom up, separating the grains without mashing them. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with cucumber raita or kachumber salad on the side.
Substitutions and Variations
Chicken: Swap bone-in Chicken Pulao for boneless thighs if you prefer faster cooking and easier eating. You can also use a mix of breast and thigh meat.
Oil: If you don't have mustard oil, use any neutral cooking oil combined with a little ghee for richness and flavor.
Spice level: Leave out the green chilies entirely for a mild version, or add an extra chili or two if you like heat.
Whole spices: Don't have black cardamom? Use 3 to 4 green cardamom pods instead. You can also use red chili flakes in place of whole dried chilies.
Rice: Any long-grain basmati works beautifully. Aged basmati has the best aroma and texture, but regular basmati is fine too.
Vegetables: Stir in peas, carrots, or green beans along with the rice for a heartier, more colorful dish.
Equipment For Chicken Pulao
- Large heavy-bottomed pot: A thick-bottomed pot distributes heat evenly and prevents the rice from sticking or burning on the bottom.
- Knife and chopping board: For slicing onions, chopping ginger, and prepping the tomato.
- Large bowl: Used for soaking the rice before cooking.
- Stirring spoon: A sturdy wooden or silicone spoon works best for stirring without breaking the rice grains.
How to Store Chicken Pulao
Refrigerator: Let the pulao cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave, covered, to keep it from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze cooled pulao in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a little water to refresh the texture.
Reheating tip: Add a tablespoon or two of water when reheating to bring back the moisture and keep the rice fluffy.
Expert Tips
Soak the rice: Don't skip this step. Soaking helps the rice cook evenly and prevents it from breaking or turning mushy.
Brown the onions properly: Golden brown onions add sweetness and depth. If they're too pale, the pulao will taste flat. If they're too dark, they'll be bitter.
Use warm water: Adding warm water instead of cold speeds up the cooking process and helps the rice cook more evenly.
Don't lift the lid: Once you cover the pot, resist the urge to peek. Lifting the lid releases steam and can make the rice cook unevenly.
Rest after cooking: Letting the pulao rest off the heat for 15 to 20 minutes is what makes the rice fluffy and perfectly textured.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Pulao is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides makes it feel like a complete meal.
Serve it with cool, creamy cucumber raita to balance the warm spices. The yogurt cools your palate and adds a refreshing contrast. A side of kachumber salad with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions dressed in lemon juice and chaat masala adds crunch and brightness. If you want something a bit different, try it alongside Turkish Ezme for a tangy, herbaceous kick. A wedge of lemon on the side lets everyone add a fresh squeeze of citrus to brighten their plate. For a heartier spread, serve warm naan or roti to scoop up every last grain.
FAQ
What is Chicken Pulao?
Chicken pulao is a one-pot rice dish where chicken and basmati rice cook together with whole spices, onions, and aromatics. It's simpler than biryani and comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights. My mom always said pulao is the dish you make when you want biryani flavors without the fuss.
What is the difference between chicken biryani and chicken Pulao?
Biryani layers partially cooked rice and marinated meat separately, then steams them together. Pulao cooks everything in one pot from the start. Biryani is richer and more complex, while pulao is lighter, faster, and easier to make. Think of pulao as biryani's simpler, weeknight-friendly cousin.
How to make Chicken Pulao?
Chicken Pulao (another spelling of pulao) is made by cooking chicken with aromatic whole spices, caramelized onions, and basmati rice in one pot. The rice absorbs all the savory flavors as it cooks, creating a fragrant, flavorful dish. Follow the steps above for a foolproof method that works every time.
Can I eat pulao for weight loss?
Pulao can fit into a balanced diet, especially if you use boneless chicken breast, reduce the oil, and add extra vegetables like peas or carrots. It's a good source of protein and carbs, and the whole spices aid digestion. Just watch your portion size and pair it with lighter sides like raita or salad instead of heavy curries.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Pulao
One-Pot Chicken Pulao
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain aged basmati rice soaked for 20-30 minutes
- ½ cup mustard oil or ⅓ cup cooking oil + 2 tablespoons ghee if not using mustard oil
- 1 large red onion 195g thinly sliced
- 500 g skinless bone-in chicken substitute with 400-450g boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking
- ½ tablespoon garlic paste
- 1- inch piece of ginger julienned or chopped, divided
- 1 roma tomato 80g halved lengthwise and sliced
- ¾ teaspoon coriander powder
- 2-3 green chilies adjust to taste can slit for extra kick
- 1.5 teaspoons salt divided adjust to taste
- 1.5 cups warm water may need slightly more or less depending on the consistency after cooking the chicken and yogurt
Whole Spices:
- 2-3 dried red kashmiri chilies or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 black cardamom or use 3-4 green cardamom if unavailable
- ½- inch cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 1 large bay leaf
- 8-10 black peppercorns
Instructions
- Wash the rice thoroughly by rubbing the grains under running water until the water runs clear. Soak for 20-30 minutes.
- Heat mustard oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- Add the whole spices and dried chilies to the hot oil. Fry for 5-10 seconds, stirring gently. Be cautious as the spices may pop. Remove from heat briefly if needed to prevent burning.
- Add the sliced onions and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are light golden brown. Avoid overcooking the onions, as they will affect the flavor of the rice.
- Add ¼ cup of water to the pot, then place the chicken pieces over the onions. Add ½ teaspoon salt, garlic paste, ginger, coriander powder, green chilies, and sliced tomatoes.
- Cook the chicken on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the chicken is no longer pink and the tomatoes have softened into the masala.
- Add the soaked, drained rice to the pot, then pour in warm water and add the lime juice (or lemon juice). Add the remaining salt. Gently stir once or twice to combine. Ensure all rice grains are submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over low-medium heat. Once bubbling, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and let the pulao rest for 15-20 minutes, undisturbed. This allows the rice to set and firm up.
- Fluff the rice gently with a soft spatula. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve.
Sarah says