Chicken Pilau Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Pilau is a traditional dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent but has become popular in many parts of the world. It is a one-pot dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or gathering. The dish is made with chicken, rice, and spices that are cooked together to create a flavorful and aromatic meal.Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp. ginger, grated
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. coriander
- 1 tsp. turmeric
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/4 tsp. cardamom
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup almonds, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for another minute.
- Add the chicken pieces and sauté until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, chili powder, cardamom, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir well.
- Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it in the spice mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
- If using almonds and raisins, toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until lightly browned, then add the raisins and cook for another minute.
- Add the toasted almonds and raisins to the pot and stir well.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Nutrition
The following nutritional information is for one serving of Chicken Pilau:
- Calories: 490
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 670mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 64g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 34g
Variations
Chicken Pilau is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to try:
- Replace the chicken with lamb, beef, or shrimp for a different protein source.
- Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or potatoes to the pot for added nutrition.
- Use different spices like saffron or garam masala to change the flavor profile.
- Top the dish with fresh cilantro or mint for a burst of freshness.