Easy Chicken Pulao

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken (cut into medium pieces)
• 2.5 cup Rice (pre-soaked)
• 0.5 cup Oil (divided for frying onions and cooking)
• 1 Onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 Tomato (cut into slices)
• 1 tbsp Ginger garlic paste
• 7 Green chili (6-8 pieces)
• 1 tbsp Cumin (whole seeds)
• 1 tbsp Coriander whole (whole seeds)
• 4 Cardamom (whole pods)
• 1 tsp Black pepper (whole peppercorns)
• 8 Clove (whole)
• 1 tbsp Pulao masala (optional)
• 1 bunch Coriander leaves (fresh cilantro)
• 0.5 bunch Mint leaves (fresh)
• Salt (according to your taste)
• 3.75 cup Hot water (Based on 1:1.5 rice to water ratio)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large pot, heat 1/2 cup of oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and fry them until they are deep golden brown. Remove a portion of the fried onions and set aside for garnishing later.

2. 2

   To the remaining oil and onions in the pot, add the whole garam masala spices (cumin, whole coriander, cardamom, black pepper, and cloves). Stir continuously to release the aromas.

3. 3

   Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken changes color and is slightly browned.

4. 4

   Stir in the ginger garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

5. 5

   Add the sliced tomatoes, green chilies, fresh mint leaves, and coriander leaves. Sauté (bhonofying) for about 2 minutes.

6. 6

   Pour in the hot water (using the ratio of 1.5 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice, which equals 3.75 cups for this recipe). Add salt to taste and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 10-12 minutes to create a flavorful broth.

7. 7

   Add the pre-soaked rice to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until all the water has evaporated and the rice is tender and cooked through.

8. 8

   Once the rice is done, spread the reserved fried onions over the top. Serve hot with raita, chutney, and a fresh salad.

Notes

The author emphasizes a specific rice-to-water ratio of 1:1.5 for perfect results. Ensure the rice is pre-soaked before adding to the pot to ensure even cooking.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• chicken
• rice
• one-pot
• pakistani
• pulao
• easy
• dinner