Chicken Pulao is a flavorful, mildly spiced rice and chicken dish that can be prepared quickly in a pressure cooker without compromising on taste. This fast method is perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome, one-pot meal with minimal effort. The blend of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and fluffy basmati rice makes it a comforting choice for both lunch and dinner.
Ingredients Table
Ingredient | Quantity |
Basmati rice | 2 cups |
Chicken (bone-in pieces) | 500 g |
Onion (sliced thin) | 2 medium |
Tomato (chopped) | 2 medium |
Green chilies (slit) | 3–4 |
Ginger-garlic paste | 2 tsp |
Curd (yogurt) | ½ cup |
Oil or ghee | 3 tbsp |
Whole spices* | See note below |
Turmeric powder | ½ tsp |
Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
Garam masala powder | 1 tsp |
Fresh coriander leaves | 2 tbsp (chopped) |
Fresh mint leaves | 2 tbsp (chopped) |
Salt | As needed |
Water | 3½ cups |
Whole spices: 1 bay leaf, 4 cloves, 3 green cardamoms, 1 black cardamom, 1 small cinnamon stick, ½ tsp cumin seeds.
Preparation Steps
Wash & Soak Rice
Wash the basmati rice gently until water runs clear.
Soak in water for 20 minutes, then drain.
Heat Oil & Fry Whole Spices
Heat 3 tbsp oil or ghee in a pressure cooker.
Add the whole spices and fry for 30 seconds until aromatic.
SteFry Onions
Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add Ginger-Garlic Paste
Stir in ginger-garlic paste and fry for about 1 minute to remove the raw smell.
Add Tomatoes & Spices
Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
Cook until tomatoes soften.
Add Chicken & Yogurt
Add chicken pieces and fry on medium-high for 3–4 minutes until slightly sealed.
Lower heat, add yogurt, and cook for another 3 minutes until oil separates.
Add Rice & Water
Add drained rice, mint, coriander, and 3 1⁄2 cups water.
Stir gently to mix, check salt.
Pressure Cook
Close the lid, cook on medium heat until 1 whistle.
Then lower the flame and cook for 3 minutes more.
Switch off heat and let pressure release naturally.
Fluff & Serve
Open lid, fluff rice gently with a fork.
Serve hot with raita or salad.
With this fast pressure cooker method, you can enjoy a delicious Chicken Pulao in under 40 minutes from start to finish. The result is a perfectly balanced dish aromatic, tender, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s an ideal choice for a quick weekday meal or a cozy weekend lunch.
