Easy Chicken Pilau Recipe

The Cooking Nurse

Video Stats

Host: The Cooking Nurse
Published: Jun 25, 2025
Views: 2.1k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 25 min
Difficulty: Beginner
Serves: 2

Overview

This Easy Chicken Pilau recipe is a delightful way to whip up a satisfying meal with minimal fuss. Starting with just a few ingredients, the dish showcases the beauty of simple cooking. The chicken is first sealed in hot oil, allowing it to absorb the spices and flavors from the onions and garlic, creating a rich base for the rice. The addition of pilau masala, a blend of spices, elevates the dish, making it aromatic and inviting.

As the rice cooks, it absorbs the flavors from the chicken and spices, creating a cohesive and delicious meal. The use of stock instead of plain water adds depth, ensuring that each grain of rice is packed with flavor. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also versatile; you can serve it with a side salad or yogurt for a refreshing contrast.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and the way it brings together basic ingredients to create something truly comforting. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The pilau is best enjoyed hot, and leftovers can be easily reheated, making it a practical option for meal prep as well.

Overall, this Easy Chicken Pilau is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, hearty meal that doesn’t require extensive cooking skills. It’s a great introduction to the world of pilau, and I can’t wait to make it again!

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:14

Heat oil in a pan.

2
00:16

Add onions to the pan and cook until browned.

3
00:17

Add cumin seeds and sauté them.

4
00:23

Introduce the chicken to the pan and seal it.

5
00:55

Add pilau masala and toss until the chicken is coated.

6
01:08

Add a dash of water to the pan.

01:10

Tip: Adding a dash of water helps control smoke and rehydrates the onions.

7
01:34

Add salt to the mixture.

8
01:39

Add one cup of rice and coat the grains with oil and spices.

01:48

Tip: Coating the rice with oil and spices helps the grains separate once cooked.

9
01:55

Add a little more salt to the mixture.

10
01:58

Add water or stock to the pan.

02:05

Tip: Using stock instead of water elevates the flavor of the dish.

11
02:11

Add cardamom pods to the mixture.

02:21

Tip: Using fresh ground spices enhances the flavor and character of the dish.

12
02:23

Fluff the rice to loosen the base of the pan.

13
02:32

Reduce the heat and cover the pan.

02:39

Tip: Using a cast iron pan retains heat, allowing you to use less heat during cooking.

14
02:45

Add fresh coriander to the dish before serving.

15
02:52

Serve the chicken pilau with kachumber and lime.

Ingredients

Serves: 2
Onion1
Garlic2 cloves
Cumin1 tsp
Cardamom2 pods
Salt1 tsp
Oil2 tbsp

Nutrition

Calories
450
kcal per serving
Protein
30
per serving
Carbs
60
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Beginner
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!

Interesting Tidbits

  • Pilau is a traditional dish that combines rice with meat and spices, often enjoyed in various cultures.
  • Using stock instead of water can significantly enhance the flavor of the rice.
  • Sealing the chicken before adding spices helps to lock in moisture and flavor.
  • Cardamom pods are commonly used in pilau for their aromatic and flavorful qualities.