Fun FOOD Frolic
  • Home
  • About Hina
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers/Snacks
    • Beverage
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Cakes & Bakes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Vegan
    • Indian Main Course
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Indian Side-Dishes
    • Indian Desserts
    • Multi-Cuisine Recipes
    • How To’s (Homemade Basics)
  • Travel Journal

Fun FOOD Frolic

  • Home
  • About Hina
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers/Snacks
    • Beverage
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Cakes & Bakes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Vegan
    • Indian Main Course
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Indian Side-Dishes
    • Indian Desserts
    • Multi-Cuisine Recipes
    • How To’s (Homemade Basics)
  • Travel Journal
Indian Main CourseInstant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Chicken Pulao

written by Hina Gujral July 27, 2020
154shares
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Chicken Pulao is a delicious Indian style one-pot chicken and rice casserole. It is a gluten-free, effortless main-course recipe that takes exactly 13 minutes in an instant pot. Serve chicken pulao with cooling mint raita and salad for a wholesome meal.

side shot of chicken pulao in an oval serveware

About Chicken Pulao…

Chicken Pulao is a cheat version of chicken biryani. Unlike, biryani there is not much layering or the extra effort in making the pulao. It is a simple and straightforward rice recipe.

Pilaf or pilau is a rice casserole, where the rice is cooked with other ingredients such as vegetables, mushrooms, or meat, seasoned with spices, and served as a one-pot meal.

Traditionally pulao is cooked over the stovetop in a heavy duty casserole or in a stovetop pressure cooker.

Chicken Pulao is the non-vegetarian or meat version of the regular pulao. It is also known as chicken tahari in many parts of India.

My Reasons To Love Chicken Pulao…

  • gluten-free
  • easy to make
  • one pot main course
  • takes only 10 minutes
  • meal-prep friendly
  • highly customizable
aerial shot of chicken pulao in an oval brass serving bowl

Notes About Ingredients…

Rice: If you are making any kind of Indian pulao or rice dish, then long grain basmati rice is the best choice. It is light, less starchy, and yields perfectly fluffy/non-sticky pulao. You can use brown rice as well for this pulao recipe.

Chicken: The juicy thighs or chicken breast are the ideal meat choices for making pulao. You can use either the boneless pieces or the bone-in ones like leg pieces. I personally, like pulao with boneless chicken pieces.

Cooking Oil: Ideally ghee (clarifying butter) is the best choice for making the pulao. But if the aroma and taste of ghee are too over-powering for you, use unsalted butter, coconut oil, or any other cooking oil.

Spices: Usually people are intimidated by the list of spices in an Indian recipe. For this pulao recipe, you need minimal whole spices (bay leaf, black cardamom, cloves) and few basic Indian spices such as garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder.

Step-By-Step Instant Pot Chicken Pulao Cooking Method:

Starting with Marination: Marinate the chicken pieces in yogurt, salt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, and turmeric. Leave the chicken pieces in the marinade overnight, or for 1 – 2 days. In case of a hurry, marinate chicken at least for 30 minutes.

Soak Rice: Wash and soak basmati rice in water for 15 – 20 minutes.

collage of chicken pulav cooking steps

Let’s Cook: Set the SAUTE mode for 10 minutes. Add cooking oil, whole spices to the inner pot. Fry for 10 – 20 seconds to release their aroma. Add sliced onion and almonds (image 3). Fry till onion turn light golden in color.

Next, add ginger-garlic paste, and fry for 10 – 20 seconds. Add marinated chicken and fry till chicken pieces turn pale white in color (image 5).

collage of chicken pulav cooking steps

Add spices, salt, and the soaked rice without any water (image 6). Stir to combine. Saute for a minute.

Add 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir to combine (image 8). Taste, if required add more salt. Close the lid of the IP. Cancel the SAUTE mode.

Set PRESSURE COOK Mode for 3 minutes. After the set timing, open the lid, fluff the rice using a fork, cover the IP with a lid, and serve the pulao after 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

Here are few side-dish suggestions that compliment chicken pulao:

Mint Raita

Chilled Masala Yogurt or Curd

Pickled Onion or Sliced Onion Salad

Indian Style Curry or Gravy Sauce

aerial shot of chicken pulao with raita and onion

My Tried & True Tips To Make Perfect Chicken Pulao:

Use long-grain basmati rice or any other medium-grain rice with less starch for making the pulao.

The ratio of rice to water that works for me is 1: 1 1/2 Cups. Adding too much liquid to cook rice always results in a mushy and sticky pulao.

Before starting the pulao making process, wash and soak the rice in water for 15 – 20 minutes.

Juicy chicken thighs, breasts, or leg pieces are the best for making pulao. Make sure all the pieces are of the same size for even cooking.

Marinating the chicken makes it tender, more flavorsome, and reduces cooking time.

Instant Pot Chicken Pulao

FAQ’s Related To Chicken Pulao

What is the difference between chicken pulao and chicken biryani?

The method of cooking is the difference! Biryani is basically a draining method of cooking, whereas pulao is done through the absorption method. 

Pulao is easy to cook and requires no layering of ingredients. On the other hand, biryani is made through a time-consuming layering process.

The vegetables or meat in the biryani are prepared separately along with spices, while the rice is par-boiled separately and layered before slow cooking them on dum.

What kind of rice is best for making chicken pulao?

The basmati rice is best suited to make chicken pulao. The long grains and aroma of the rice add that extra flavor to the pulao. People in down South also prefer using jeerage samba rice that tastes absolutely delicious too!

Can I make this pulao on the stovetop?

Yes, you can make this pulao on the stovetop. Use a heavy-duty casserole with a tight-fitting lid. Follow the same recipe instructions. Later, cover and cook the pulao over low heat till all the liquid is absorbed by the rice and chicken is tender. Once cooked, fluff the rice using a fork, and cover the pan with a lid for the next 5 minutes.

How to store chicken pulao?

Store pulao in an airtight refrigerator friendly container for 2 – 3 days. You can reheat in a microwave before serving.

More Instant Pot Recipes For You:

Instant Pot Lentil Stew

Instant Pot Mushroom Masala

Instant Pot Mushroom Pulao

Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup

For more such fun recipes in your life subscribe to our weekly newsletter or follow us on Instagram and Youtube for video recipes.

If you try this recipe and love it, please leave a Star Rating. This helps us grow and reach many other food lovers like you, who are looking for a perfect tried and tested recipe.

close up side shot of instant pot chicken pulao

Instant Pot Chicken Pulao

Chicken Pulao is a tasty Indian style one-pot chicken and rice casserole. It is a gluten-free main-course recipe that takes 10 minutes in an instant pot. Learn how to make best chicken pulao in a few simple steps.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 1069kcal
Author: Hina Gujral
  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

Ingredients For Chicken Marination:

  • 500 gram skinless chicken pieces
  • 1/2 Cup plain yogurt or curd
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder

Ingredients For Pulao:

  • 1 Cup basmati rice
  • 4 tablespoon ghee or cooking oil
  • 1 bay leaf (tej patta)
  • 4 cloves (laung)
  • 1 black cardamom (or use 4 green cardamom)
  • 1 Cup sliced onion
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 1/4 Cup sliced almonds
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala (see recipe)
  • 1/4 Cup chopped fresh coriander

Instructions

Prep Work For Pulao:

  • Marinate the chicken pieces in yogurt, salt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, and turmeric. Leave the chicken pieces in the marinade overnight, or for 1 – 2 days. In case of a hurry, marinate chicken at least for 30 minutes.
  • Wash and soak basmati rice in water for 15 – 20 minutes.

Prepare Pulao:

  • Set the SAUTE mode for 10 minutes. Add cooking oil, whole spices to the inner pot. Fry for 10 – 20 seconds to release their aroma.
    chicken pulav cooking steps
  • Add sliced onion and almonds. Fry till onion turn light golden in color.
    chicken pulav cooking steps
  • Next, add ginger-garlic paste, and fry for 10 – 20 seconds. Add marinated chicken and fry till chicken pieces turn pale white in color.
    chicken pulav cooking steps
  • Add spices, salt, and the soaked rice without any water. Stir to combine. Saute for a minute.
    chicken pulav cooking steps
  • Add 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir to combine. Taste, if required add more salt. Close the lid of the IP. Cancel the SAUTE mode.
    chicken pulav cooking steps
  • Set PRESSURE COOK Mode for 3 minutes. After the set timing, open the lid, fluff the rice using a fork, cover the IP with a lid, and serve the pulao after 5 minutes.
  • Serve Chicken Pulao with mint raita and salad.

Recipe Notes:

  • Use long-grain basmati rice or any other medium-grain rice with less starch for making the pulao.
  • The ratio of rice to water that works for me is 1: 1 1/2 Cups. Adding too much liquid to cook rice always results in a mushy and sticky pulao.
  • Before starting the pulao making process, wash and soak the rice in water for 15 – 20 minutes.
  • Juice chicken thighs, breast, or leg pieces are the best for making pulao. Make sure all the pieces are of the same size for even cooking.
  • Marinating the chicken makes it tender, more flavorsome, and reduces cooking time.
  • You can make this pulao in a stovetop pressure cooker, electric pressure cooker, or an instant pot. 

Nutrition

Calories: 1069kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 67g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Cholesterol: 260mg | Sodium: 841mg | Potassium: 1005mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 770IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 4mg
Love this? Pin it for Later!Follow @hinagujral on Pinterest!
Instant Pot Chicken Pulao was last modified: December 27th, 2020 by Hina Gujral
154shares
2 comments
Hina Gujral

I am a passionate Indian food blogger living in India with my husband and our pug, named Momo.

previous post
Paneer Kali Mirch (Video Recipe)
next post
7 Best Indian Kheer Recipe

You may also like

Dhaba Style Matar Paneer (Video Recipe)

August 6, 2020

Pahadi Gahat (Kulath) Ki Dal Recipe

December 9, 2014

Lauki Kofta Curry

May 13, 2019

Prawn Masala Recipe

November 14, 2017

Fish Ambat Tikhat Recipe

October 23, 2015

Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup Recipe

February 3, 2020

Instant Pot Curried Pumpkin Soup

October 22, 2020

Bombay Potatoes Recipe (Masala Aloo)

March 30, 2016

Minestrone Soup – Instant Pot + Stovetop

January 22, 2020

Shahi Urad Dal Recipe

June 15, 2020

2 comments

Shruthi July 28, 2020 - 9:07 AM

So easy this is! Will definitely try it out

Reply
Hina Gujral July 28, 2020 - 11:05 AM

Great! So happy you like it. You can make it in pressure cooker as well.

Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Recipe Rating




Hello! I am Hina Gujral

Hello! I am Hina Gujral

I am a passionate food lover. Fun FOOD Frolic is all about tried and tested comforting meals from my kitchen.

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Youtube

Baking Recipes

  • No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake (Video Recipe)

  • Eggless Chocolate Cake (Video Recipe)

  • Bakery Style Cake Rusk Recipe

  • Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake

  • Eggless Chocolate Chip Scones

  • Chocolate Brownie Recipe

Instant Pot Recipes

  • Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup Recipe

  • Instant Pot Chicken Pulao

  • Gajar Halwa (Video Recipe)

  • Minestrone Soup – Instant Pot + Stovetop

  • Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl

  • Instant Pot Chana Pulao (Chickpea Rice)

Trending Recipes

  • No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake (Video Recipe)

  • 3-Ingredient Strawberry Jam Recipe

  • Dry Fruits Atta Ladoo (Video Recipe)

  • Dal Khichdi Recipe

  • Indian Chai Masala Recipe

  • Falafel Recipe (Fried & Baked)

  • Healthy Mushroom Soup Recipe

  • Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup Recipe

  • Teatime Strawberry Cake (Video Recipe)

  • Makar Sankranti Urad Dal Khichdi Recipe

  • 30 Everyday Indian Meals

  • Aloo Tikki Chaat – Delhi Style!

  • Classic Macaroni Salad

  • Eggless Chocolate Cake (Video Recipe)

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAILING LIST

we respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

All the top websites where our content is published.
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

@2017-2020. All Rights Reserved.