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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/chicken-biryani-pilau-recipe/