Chicken Pilaf (kodi Pulao)

Chicken Pilaf, also known as Kodi Pulao, is a flavorful and aromatic dish from the Telugu Cuisine. This dish is made with fragrant basmati rice, tender chicken, and a blend of traditional Indian spices.

Non Vegetarian Main Course Telugu Indian Cuisine Chicken Rice One Pot Meal
Chicken Pilaf (kodi Pulao)

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 1/4 cup yogurt
  • 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 4 cardamom pods
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Wash the basmati rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat ghee in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the whole spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and cumin seeds) and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add the sliced onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
  4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
  5. Add the chicken pieces, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
  6. Whisk the yogurt and pour it into the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the yogurt is well incorporated.
  7. Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot. Stir gently to mix with the chicken and spices.
  8. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  9. Fluff the pilaf with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
15 minutes
Cooking time:
30 minutes
Total time:
45 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fat
10g

Supplies

Large pot or Dutch oven Whisk Measuring cups and spoons Cooking spoon

Tools

Stovetop

Serving suggestions

Serve the Chicken Pilaf hot with raita (yogurt sauce) and a side of pickle.

Tips & tricks

For a richer flavor, you can add a handful of fried cashews and raisins to the pilaf before serving.

Cost

$15