Chicken Biryani Pilau Recipe

Introduction

Chicken biryani pilau is a comforting one-pan meal bursting with fragrant spices and tender chicken. This easy recipe combines crispy chicken thighs with flavorful rice, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 6 large chicken thighs, skin on
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 2 tbsp curry powder (hot or mild, to taste)
• 350g easy-cook, long grain rice
• 700ml chicken or vegetable stock
• 250g frozen peas

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C, gas mark 6). Heat the vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 8–10 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced onion to the pan and continue cooking for 5 minutes until the onion softens.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the curry powder over the chicken and onion, cooking for 1 more minute to release the flavors.
5. Step 5: Stir in the rice, then pour over the stock. Bring the mixture to a boil on the stove.
6. Step 6: Cover the pan and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
7. Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven and gently stir in the frozen peas. Let the rice stand for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture and flavor, stir in roasted cashew nuts, flaked almonds, or raisins just before serving.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of thighs with skin?

Yes, boneless chicken works fine but the skin adds extra crispiness and flavor. If using boneless pieces, keep an eye on cooking time to prevent drying out.

What can I substitute for frozen peas?

You can use fresh peas, green beans, or even diced bell peppers as an alternative for color and texture.

Chicken Biryani Pilau Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 148 reviews

A flavorful and aromatic chicken biryani pilau made with tender chicken thighs, fragrant curry powder, long grain rice, and green peas, baked together to perfection for a comforting and hearty one-pan meal.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 6 large chicken thighs, skin on
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 2 tbsp curry powder (hot if you like it spicy, mild for tamer curries)
• 350g easy-cook, long grain rice
• 700ml chicken or vegetable stock
• 250g frozen peas

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200C (fan 180C/gas mark 6) to prepare for baking the biryani pilau.
2. Fry Chicken Thighs: Heat the vegetable oil in a large sauté pan and place the chicken thighs skin side down. Fry for 8-10 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
3. Cook Onions: Add the finely sliced onion to the pan with the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
4. Add Curry Powder: Sprinkle in the curry powder and cook for one more minute, allowing the spices to toast and release their aroma.
5. Incorporate Rice and Stock: Stir the easy-cook long grain rice into the mixture, then pour over the chicken or vegetable stock. Bring this to a boil on the stovetop.
6. Bake the Pilau: Cover the pan and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.
7. Finish with Peas: Remove the pan from the oven, stir in the frozen peas, and allow the rice to stand for a few moments to let the flavors meld and the peas to warm through.

Notes

• For added texture and flavor, stir in roasted cashew nuts, flaked almonds, or raisins just before serving.
• You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs remain juicier in this recipe.
• If you prefer spicier food, use hot curry powder or add fresh chili slices when cooking the onions.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with cooling yogurt or raita on the side.
• Make sure to cover the pan tightly to prevent moisture loss during baking.

Keywords: chicken biryani, biryani pilau, baked chicken biryani, Indian rice dish, curry rice, one-pan meal