Chicken Pilau Rice Recipe inspired by Africa Products Shop

Chicken Pilau Rice

Ingredients

For the rice: 

Always soak basmati rice for longer grains: you can order from www.africaproducts.nl

1. Tilda Basmati Rice
2. Daawat Basmati Rice
3. Akash Basmati Rice
4. Laila Basmati Rice

Over Ingredients

• 300 g basmati rice, washed and soaked for 20 minutes

• 2 tablespoons butter, ghee, or oil

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cinnamon stick (3–4 cm)

• 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed

• 3 cloves

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

For the chicken

• 500 g chicken (bone-in thighs or drumsticks preferred, or boneless thigh chunks)

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 teaspoon ginger paste

• 1 teaspoon garlic paste

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon chilli powder (optional)

Liquid

• 650–700 ml hot chicken stock or water

Method

1. Prepare the chicken
   Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken, ginger, garlic, black pepper, and chilli powder.
   Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned and sealed. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Cook the aromatics
   In a large saucepan or heavy pot, melt the butter or ghee over low heat.
   Add the sliced onion, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaves.
   Cover and cook gently for 8–10 minutes until the onions are very soft and lightly golden (not dark).

3. Add spices and rice
   Stir in the turmeric, cumin, and salt.
   Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Gently stir for 1–2 minutes so the rice is coated in the spices.

4. Combine chicken and liquid
   Return the chicken (and any juices) to the pot.
   Pour in the hot stock or water and bring to a gentle boil.

5. Cook the pilau
   Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to very low, and cook for 10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.

6. Steam and finish
   Turn the heat off completely and leave the lid on for 5 minutes to steam.
   Fluff gently with a fork before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fried onions or fresh coriander

• Serve with cucumber raita, salad, or lemon wedges

Pro Tips (for perfect pilau)

• Always soak basmati rice for longer grains

• Keep the heat low and steady to avoid burning

• Bone-in chicken gives the best flavor