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Chicken pulao | How to make chicken pulao (Instant pot & stovetop)

By swasthi , on February 13, 2020, 155 Comments, Jump to Recipe

Chicken pulao recipe – One pot flavored chicken pilaf cooked with mild Indian spices. Pulao is a delicious dish made of basmati rice, meat or veggies, spices & herbs. This chicken pulao is super easy to make for a weeknight dinner. It is mildly spiced and not heavy like the Chicken biryani.

Traditionally a Biryani is made by layering marinated meat and partially cooked rice. The pot is then sealed and dum cooked to trap the flavors. Making a good chicken biryani takes a considerable amount of time to plan & cook.

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chicken pulao

This chicken pulao comes to my rescue most often when we crave for a flavorful chicken & rice dish. It is not only super quick to make but very flavorful and tastes delicious.

There are so many ways of making a chicken pulao. Some people use stock to cook the dish while in the south many people use coconut milk. But most times I make it with water alone.

This is a kids’ friendly recipe too as it requires only a few spices. Chicken pulao is best served with a yogurt Raita or a simple salan.

Methods of making chicken pulao

Chicken pulao can be made in a regular pot, traditional pressure cooker or instant pot. You can find all the 3 methods in this post.

More Chicken recipes,
Easy Chicken curry
Chicken korma
Easy Chicken fried rice
Chicken noodles

How to make chicken pulao

1. Wash and soak rice for about 20 minutes, if using normal rice soak for 30 minutes. Drain off the water and set aside.

2. Marinate chicken with turmeric, chili powder, salt, ginger garlic paste, 1 tsp oil and then yogurt. You can also add a tsp of good garam masala powder. This is optional. Yogurt makes the chicken tender. If using coconut milk for the recipe, skip using yogurt for marination.

marinate chicken with marinade to make chicken pulao

3. Set this aside till we need.

rest marinated chicken to make chicken pulao

4. Pour oil to a pressure cooker or pot. When it turns hot, add dry spices including fennel powder. Saute till the spices begin to sizzle.

saute spices in oil for chicken pulao

5. Add onions and fry until lightly golden. You can lightly brown them as well.

frying onions till golden to make chicken pulao recipe

6. Saute chicken on a medium flame.

frying chicken to make pulao
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7. Chicken should turn white in color and partially soft cooked for about 3 to 4 minutes. Otherwise chicken may turn hard after adding tomatoes.

saute chicken until pale to make chicken pulao

8. Next add chopped tomatoes. Fry till the tomatoes turn mushy, soft and completely cooked.

saute tomatoes, salt, turmeric

9. Add chopped coriander and mint leaves. Stir and fry until the mixture begins to smell good.

fry coriander mint leaves to make chicken pulao
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10. Continue to cook till the moisture from tomatoes evaporate.

fry the masala

Water, stock or coconut milk to make chicken pulao

11. Add stock or water or thin coconut milk. Also add salt. We have already added salt to marinate, take care not to add too much.

pour water to make chicken pulao

12. When it comes to a boil, add drained rice.

adding rice to boiling water to make chicken pulao

13. Stir well. If cooking in a pot, then cover and cook on a low heat until the rice is done.

cooking chicken pulao

14. If cooking in a pressure cooker, cover the lid and cook for 1 whistle on a medium heat.

cook until rice is done in chicken pulao recipe
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15. When the pressure releases, remove the lid and leave it for about 5 minutes. Fluff up gently.

fluff up chicken pulao with fork

Serve chicken pulao with onion raita.

chicken pulao

Tips to make the best chicken pulao

1. Always wash rice at least thrice. This prevents the rice grains in the chicken pulao from turning mushy & sticky.

2. Next soak basmati rice for at least 20 mins. This helps the rice grains to expand well while cooking. So you can soak the rice and set aside until you are done with the other preparations.

3. Using whole spices is the key to this chicken pulao. However if you do not have then just replace them with any store bought chicken masala powder or garam masala. Follow the instructions on the pack for the quantity to use.

4. I prefer to use 1 to 2 tbsps of yogurt to marinate the chicken. This enhances the dish a lot and the chicken comes out very juicy & succulent without drying out. However you can skip this.

5. Mint leaves are a not to miss herb while making a chicken pulao as it takes the entire dish to a new level. if you do not have it then replace with cilantro or coriander leaves.

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chicken pulao

Chicken pulao recipe (Instant Pot & Stovetop)

Simple one pot chicken pulao made in Indian style with basmati rice, chicken, spices & herbs. Serve this with a raita. I have the Instructions for regular pot, instant pot & pressure cooker.
Pin Recipe Print Recipe

For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card

Prep Time7 minutes
Cook Time28 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings3
AuthorSwasthi

Ingredients (US cup = 240ml )

To Marinate (for tenderizing)

  • 250 grams chicken (about half pound) cubed
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste or crushed or grated
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon red chili powder or smoked paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon turmeric
  • ⅛ teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons yogurt or curd

Whole spices (skip whatever you don’t have)

  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 star anise
  • ½ teaspoon cumin (or shahi jeera)
  • 6 cloves or laung
  • 2 inch cinnamon or dalchini
  • 4 green cardamoms or choti elaichi
  • ¾ teaspoon saunf powder (fennel powder) optional
  • 1 black cardamom (optional)
  • 1 strand mace optional

other ingredients for chicken rice

  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 medium onion ( thinly sliced)
  • 1 medium tomato (optional, chopped )
  • ½ to ¾ teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons mint or pudina (chopped finely)
  • 2 tablespoons coriander leaves or cilantro (chopped finely)
  • 1 ½ cups basmati rice (I use lalquilla old malai)
  • 2 ½ cups water (1¾ cups for instant pot) or stock or coconut milk
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Instructions

Preparation to make chicken pulao

  • Wash basmati rice a few times to get rid of starch.
  • Then soak it for 20 minutes. This helps to cook the rice grains fluffy. Drain and set aside.
  • Marinate the chicken with ginger garlic paste, salt, turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala, & yogurt. This helps to tenderize. Set this aside till we use it.

How to make chicken pulao (stovetop)

  • Heat a pot or cooker with oil. Add whole spices – bay leaf, star anise, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, mace, cardamoms and fennel powder.
  • Saute till the spices begin to smell nice.
  • Add onions & green chili. Fry stirring often until the onions turn lightly golden. 
  • Transfer marinated chicken and fry until it turns pale and white.
  • This takes around 3 to 4 minutes. Next add tomatoes.
  • Fry until the tomatoes turn mushy, pulp and looks completely cooked through.
  • Add mint and coriander leaves and fry until it smells good for a minute or two.
  • Make sure tomatoes are cooked, blended well with the mixture, then pour stock or water or thin coconut milk.
  • If your coconut milk is creamy or thick, dilute it with water and measure.
  • When it comes to a boil, add salt and drained rice. Mix well
  • If cooking in a normal pot, cover and cook on a low heat until the chicken rice is done completely.
  • If cooking in a whistling pressure cooker, cover & cook for 1 whistle on a medium heat.
  • When the pressure releases, fluff up the chicken pulao & serve with raita or plain yogurt.

Instant pot Chicken pulao

  • Press SAUTE button. Pour oil to the inner pot of the Instant pot.
  • Add all the whole spices & saute for 30 to 60 seconds. Then add the onions and chilli. Saute until transparent or golden.
  • Next add then chicken and saute for 3 to 4 mins until chicken turns pale.
  • Add tomatoes, mint, coriander leaves and saute the tomatoes turn mushy. Ensure the moisture dries up at this stage.
  • Then drain the water from the rice completely and add it to the pot.
  • Also pour 1¾ cups water and add in little more salt. Mix everything well.
  • Press CANCEL button. Scrape off the bottom of the pot with a spatula to release any bits of spices stuck in there.
  • Secure the Instant pot with the lid. Position the steam release handle to sealing.
  • Press the PRESSURE COOK button (high pressure) for 5 mins.
  • When the IP finishes, it will beep. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 2 to 3 mins.
  • Then release the rest of the pressure manually with the help of a spoon by moving the steam vent from sealing to venting.
  • Gently fluff up with a fork. Do not stir the chicken pulao a lot when it is too hot. Just allow to cool down a bit.
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Notes

This recipe has been tested in 6 quart Instant Pot.

Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only, original recipe.

For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips above the recipe card.

NUTRITION INFO (estimation only)

Nutrition Facts
Chicken pulao recipe (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 639 Calories from Fat 225
% Daily Value*
Fat 25g38%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Cholesterol 63mg21%
Sodium 70mg3%
Potassium 279mg8%
Carbohydrates 77g26%
Fiber 3g13%
Protein 22g44%
Vitamin A 115IU2%
Vitamin C 1.3mg2%
Calcium 74mg7%
Iron 1.9mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @SwasthisRecipes or tag #swasthisrecipes!

© Swasthi’s Recipes

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About swasthi

I’m Swasthi shreekanth, the recipe developer, food photographer & food writer behind Swasthis recipes. My aim is to help you cook great Indian food with my time-tested recipes. After 2 decades of experience in practical Indian cooking I started this blog to help people cook better & more often at home. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook I am sure Swasthi’s Recipes will assist you to enhance your cooking skills.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  2. Georgie D'Costa says

    July 22, 2019

    4 stars
    Tried your chicken pulao turned out excellent. Thanks and God Bless.

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      July 23, 2019

      Welcome Georgie D’Costa
      Glad your chicken pulao turned out good. Thank you so much.

      Reply
  3. Kaiser shaikh says

    July 22, 2019

    5 stars
    Hi made chicken pulav as per ur receipe and it was yummmmm. Thanks for such a delicious n simple chicken pulav receipe.

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      July 23, 2019

      Hi Kaiser Shaikh
      You are welcome. thank you so much for the comment. Glad your chicken pulao turned out delicious.

      Reply
  4. Aparna says

    June 15, 2019

    5 stars
    Hi Mam, Made it Yesterday.It was delicious.Kids Loved a lot.
    Thank you…
    Keep it up…..
    -Aparna

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      June 23, 2019

      Hi Aparna,
      You are welcome. Glad your chicken pulao came out delicious. Thanks for trying.
      🙂

      Reply
  5. Batool says

    May 26, 2019

    5 stars
    Thanks alot! Was looking for a perfect pulao recipe since she’s. It was amazing!!!

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      May 27, 2019

      Hi Batool,
      You are welcome. Glad your chicken pulao turned out good.
      Thank you.

      Reply
  6. sara says

    April 24, 2019

    This recipe is awesome,my family liked it a lot,i did not add garam masala powder to the marinated chicken,but if i add it,would it become more spicy and hot for the children to eat?

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      April 25, 2019

      Hi Sara,
      Thank you so much! So glad to know your liked the chicken pulao. Since I have kids at home I usually skip the chilli powder and just use garam masala for the marination. This flavors up the chicken without making it hot & spicy. You can make a hot chilli raita & serve with it for those preferring hot foods. Hope this helps.

      Reply
  7. saira says

    April 24, 2019

    This recipe is awesome,my family liked it a lot,i did not add garam masala powder to the marinated chicken,but if i add it,would it become more spicy and hot for the children to eat?

    Reply
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  9. Vaishali says

    March 24, 2019

    This recipe is a breather for beginners like me … It’s easy and highly delectable… A must try for all.

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      April 25, 2019

      Hi Vaishali
      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  10. Arpa Jadhav says

    March 15, 2019

    Nice recipe my family like it a lot

    ???

    Reply
  11. Soma Basu says

    January 20, 2019

    5 stars
    Excellent.. thanks for wonderful recipes.

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      January 20, 2019

      You are welcome Soma. Thank you so much.

      Reply
  12. Ra. says

    January 2, 2019

    “Keeping it light” that is the key.

    I always go overboard and that makes mine a mush.

    Reply
  13. Rizna says

    November 28, 2018

    5 stars
    Turned out absolutely perfect!

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      November 29, 2018

      Hi Rizna
      Thanks for the comment. Glad to know it came out good.

      Reply
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  15. Sana says

    October 26, 2018

    5 stars
    Very nice and easy recipe ! Attempted my 1st chicken pulao and the result was perfect ! Everyone loved it 🙂 thank you

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      October 26, 2018

      Welcome Sana
      So glad to know it turned out good. thanks for the comment

      Reply
  16. Rexvyn says

    October 14, 2018

    WoW I am a masterChef now .
    Excellent recipe . Handi licking good

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      October 15, 2018

      Hi Rexvyn,
      Glad to know you made it so good. Thanks for the comment.
      🙂

      Reply
  17. Ajit Kumar says

    September 29, 2018

    5 stars
    Really we enjoyed this delicious food. Made my day, Thanks

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      September 29, 2018

      Welcome and thank you so much for rating the recipe.

      Reply
  18. sharon fernandes says

    August 30, 2018

    5 stars
    Super recipe smells and tastes delicious !!

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      August 30, 2018

      Thanks for trying

      Reply
  19. Fatema hussain says

    April 10, 2018

    5 stars
    It is a grt recipe… Guys u shud gv a try…. I really luvd it… N so did my frndz n family…..thanku mam fr sharing luvly receipe wid us…

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      April 11, 2018

      Welcome Fatema,
      Thanks for trying. Glad to know you liked it.

      Reply
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  21. Sandhya says

    February 3, 2018

    Hi, I have been craving for a chicken pulao ever since I had the best one, once in goa.. I tried my best to replicate it.. Never worked out for me, until I came accross ur recipe and followed the instructions to the T. It was awesome. I totally loved it and yes it has definitely entered my list of things to be frequently made! Thanks alot. Would love to try ur other recipes soon.

    Reply
  22. Rama Shetty says

    November 5, 2017

    5 stars
    I prefer your recipe almost everything I do at kitchen on weekends. Super results. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      November 5, 2017

      Welcome Rama shetty
      Thanks for trying

      Reply
  23. Lalitha says

    September 24, 2017

    5 stars
    Tried the Andhra chicken pulao came out very well ! Added a few extra green chilled yum !!!

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      September 24, 2017

      Thanks Lalitha

      Reply
  24. Raveena says

    September 8, 2017

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe, the photos are just apt and had the most incredible time eating the pulao! The chicken turned out juicy and soft too!

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      September 8, 2017

      Thanks Raveena. Glad it turned out good!!

      Reply
  25. Uthra Arunkumar says

    August 18, 2017

    5 stars
    Hi mam the recipe turned to be really good.but. I get good result for normal rice but for basmathi rice it turns to be fluffy.can you plz suggest for boiling plain basmathi rice?

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      August 20, 2017

      Thanks for trying Uthra
      You can check this post on how to cook basmathi rice

      Reply
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