Chicken Pilau


Adapted from recipe in India's 500 Best Recipes

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 onion
  • 6 ounces boneless chicken breast
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 1 medium potato
  • 2 serrano chilies
  • 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1½ teaspoon grated ginger root
  • 1½ teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1½ teaspoons chili powder
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 3 cups water


Wash the rice thoroughly under running water, then soak for 30 minutes.

Slice onion. Cut chicken into ¾" cubes. Slice tomatoes. Cut potato into ¾" cubes. Mince serrano chilies.

Heat oil in pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until soft.

Crush garlic into pot. Add mustard seeds, ginger, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Sauté 2 minutes.

Add tomatoes, potato, peas, and chicken. Stir well.

Drain rice and add to pot. Stir. Add cilantro and serrano chilies. Stir again.

Add water and cover. Bring to a boil, lower heat, simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove from heat, let stand covered for 8 minutes. Serve hot.

Makes 6 servings.

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