Chicken Pulao: Aromatic One-Pot Rice with Chicken
Chicken Pulao is a fragrant one-pot rice dish where tender chicken pieces are cooked with basmati rice, onions, and mild spices. It’s lighter than biryani but equally satisfying.

Chicken Pulao is a fragrant one-pot rice dish where tender chicken pieces are cooked with basmati rice, onions, and mild spices. It’s lighter than biryani but equally satisfying.
Unlike the layered and richer biryani, Chicken Pulao is a quicker, simpler dish while still delivering comfort and flavor. Long-grain basmati rice is simmered with chicken, caramelized onions, ginger-garlic paste, and whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaf.
The chicken infuses the rice with its juices, making the dish aromatic and hearty. It is often paired with raita, pickle, or salad, making it a complete meal. Perfect for family dinners or a lazy Sunday lunch, pulao offers a balance between indulgence and ease.
Wash and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes.
Heat oil/ghee in a pot, add whole spices and sauté.
Add onions and cook until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste, then tomatoes, cook until soft.
Mix in yogurt and dry spices. Stir well
Add chicken pieces, cook until lightly browned.
Add soaked rice and water, adjust salt
Cover and cook on low flame until rice is fluffy and chicken tender
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
Yes, cook for 1 whistle on medium flame, then let pressure release naturally.
Pulao is a one-pot dish where rice and chicken are cooked together; biryani is layered and spiced more intensely.