Authentic Chicken Pulao Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Trust us, you NEED this easy Chicken Pulao recipe! It calls for just one pot, 35 minutes, and a few yummy ingredients. Before you know it, you’ll have an incredibly flavorful, Indian-inspired dinner that is just downright comforting. Your family will ask for this easy and oh so good recipe over and over again.

Let’s start!

What You Need To Make Chicken Pulao

Ingredients For the Chicken:

• 1 pound chicken (I used thighs, but you can use chicken breasts)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄2-inch piece ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon red chilli powder (I like this one)
• 2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1⁄4 cup yogurt
• Salt, to taste (I use 1/4 teaspoon)

Ingredients For the Pulao:

• 4 tablespoon ghee
• Spices: 5 cardamom pods, 1 1⁄2 tsp cumin, 2 bay leaves, 1 cinnamon stick, 7 cloves, 2 star anise
• 1 1⁄2 large onion, diced or sliced
• 3 green chili, sliced (optional)
• 3 cups basmati rice, rinsed well
• 5 cups vegetable broth, or water
• fresh cilantro, chopped
• fresh mint, chopped
• Salt, to taste (I use 1 1⁄2 teaspoon)

How To Make Chicken Pulao

1. In a large bowl, add garlic, ginger, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and yogurt. Mix until well-combined. Add chicken and mix until it is coated in the marinade. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes for best results.
2. Heat a large pot on medium-high heat. Once hot, add ghee. Then add onion and green chilies. Saute until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the spices – cardamom, cumin, bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Saute until fragrant.
3. Add in the marinated chicken and fry until cooked through, about 4-8 minutes depending on the size of your chicken. Mix in lemon juice, cilantro, and mint, then stir to combine.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Then add salt and the rinsed basmati rice. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then cover and cook until rice has absorbed all the broth, about 16 to 18 minutes.
5. Fluff up the rice, then top with some more ghee, yogurt, and/or chopped cilantro (optional). ENJOY!

Tips to Make the Best Chicken Pulao

• Make sure your rice is thoroughly rinsed (I like to rinse mine 3-4 times). If the rice is not rinsed well, you may end up with mushy rice.
• Do not omit the yogurt in the marinade. The yogurt keeps the chicken tender and juicy. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with nut milk yogurt (like this one) or coconut yogurt (like this one).

Chicken Pulao Nutrition Facts

This chicken pulao recipe yields 6 servings. Each serving contains:

• Calories: 590 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 4g

Looking for More Easy Indian-Inspired Recipes?

• How to Make Paneer Tikka in the Oven
• Easy 5-Minute Samosa Chaat
• Indian Veggie Samosa Recipe
• Easy Chicken Curry (GF, DF)
• How To Make Masoor Dal Tadka (Indian Red Lentil Dal)
• Kerala Beef Curry ( Authentic Kerala Style Recipe ) 
• How to Make Butter Naan (Authentic Indian Flat bread)
• 1-Pot Vegan Cauliflower Curry (GF, DF, VG)
• Indian Masala Chai Spiced Overnight Oats

Subscribe to DWELL and get new recipes delivered straight to your inbox! In addition, follow along on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram to get all the latest updates!

If you make this Chicken Pulao recipe, please drop a comment below! I’d LOVE to know what you think! Or take a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging @dwellbymichelle so I can repost it on my stories!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a small portion of the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting DWELL by Michelle! Please read my disclosure policy.