Chicken Pulao: 7 Irresistible Steps to a Delicious Feast

For a hearty Chicken Pulao that serves 3–4 people, gather the following ingredients:

• Chicken: 3 lbs, cut into pieces

• Rice: 2 cups (preferably basmati, presoaked for at least 30 minutes)

• Coconut Milk: ½ cup

• Water: 1¾ cups (plus an extra ½ cup during cooking)

• Onions: 2 large, thinly sliced

• Green Chilies: 3, slit lengthwise

• Ginger Garlic Paste: 3 tablespoons

• Spring Onions: Finely chopped for garnish

• Aroma Builders:

  • Cinnamon stick

  • 4 cloves

  • 3 bay leaves

  • 2 star anise

  • 4 cardamom pods

• Cooking Fat: 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, olive oil, or ghee

• Salt: Approximately 2 tablespoons (adjust as per taste)

Step-by-Step Cooking Process of Chicken Pulao

1. Heat Your Skillet: Start by heating your chosen cooking fat in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan.

2. Infuse Flavors: Add the aroma builders (cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, star anise, and cardamom) to the hot oil. Let them splutter to release their essential oils.

3. Sauté the Onions: Toss in the sliced onions and sauté until they turn translucent and golden. This forms the flavor base of your Chicken Pulao.

4. Add Ginger Garlic Paste: Stir in the ginger garlic paste and continue to fry until the mixture releases a wonderful aroma.

Cooking the Chicken

5. Introduce the Chicken: Add the slit green chilies and raw chicken pieces to the pan. Sauté on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to brown lightly.

6. Simmer with Liquids: Pour in the coconut milk and water. Secure the lid and let the chicken cook for an additional 10 minutes. This step helps to meld the flavors and tenderize the meat.

Rice and Final Touches

7. Incorporate the Presoaked Rice: Gently stir in the presoaked rice along with salt. Cover the pan and let the rice cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes.

8. Adjust Liquids: Check the water level; if needed, stir well and add an extra ½ cup of water. Cover again and allow the dish to simmer for another 10 minutes.

9. Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped spring onions on top before serving, adding a burst of color and freshness to the dish.

Tips and Variations

• Extra Flavor: For a richer taste, try adding a handful of toasted cashews or raisins during the final stages of cooking.

• Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies according to your preference for heat.

• Rice Choice: Basmati rice works best for its aroma and texture, but you can experiment with other varieties.

• Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Nutritional Benefits and Cultural Insights

Chicken Pulao is not only flavorful but also provides balanced nutrition with protein from chicken, carbohydrates from rice, and vitamins from spices and garnishes. Historically, pulao has been a festive dish in many cultures, symbolizing celebration and togetherness. For more cultural insights on traditional recipes, you can visit BBC Food for a deeper dive into culinary history.