Pakistani Chicken Pulao (Yakhni Pulao)
Here's a classic Yakhni Chicken Pulao recipe that's truly hard to mess up. This recipe promises deep flavor, tender chicken, and fluffy rice. It's also easy to double so you can serve it to guests with confidence. Tested to perfection!
- Prep time
- --
- Cook time
- 1 hr 20 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 3/4 cups water (See Note 1)
- 1 1/4 lb bone-in, cut up, skinless chicken (cleaned and excess skin removed)
- 1/2 small yellow onion (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1/2 tbsp black peppercorns
- 1 2-inch cinnamon stick (both Cassia & Ceylon are fine)
- 1 medium dried bay leaf
- 3 green cardamom pods
- 1 black cardamom
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups aged, long-grain basmati rice
- 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as grapeseed oil)
- 2 tbsp ghee (or sub butter)
- 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium dried bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp coriander seeds (roughly crushed using a mortar & pestle)
- 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 1-inch piece cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1 black cardamom (optional)
- 4-5 garlic cloves (crushed or very finely chopped)
- 3/4 inch fresh ginger (crushed or very finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 small green chili peppers (such as Thai (bird’s eye) or Serrano, finely chopped)
- 1 small tomato (I use Roma) (finely chopped or roughly pureed in food processor (optional) - See Note 2)
- 1 1/2 tbsp yogurt (whisked)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 3 tbsp cilantro leaves (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp mint leaves (finely chopped)
Instructions
- 1
Make the Broth (Yakhni) - See Notes for Instant Pot Method
- 2
Place a stock pot or lightweight Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add all of the ingredients listed under ‘Broth (Yakhni)’ and stir to mix. The water should cover most of the meat. Cover to bring to a boil. If needed, use a slotted spoon to remove any large scum that rises to the surface.
- 3
Reduce the heat to low/low-medium so that it simmers gently. Cover and allow to cook for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through but not falling off the bone. Turn off the heat. (See Note 3 for resting the broth.)
- 4
Use a tong or slotted spoon to separate the chicken from the broth. Cover and set it aside. Place a bowl under a strainer and strain the onion & spices from the broth (yakhni). Discard excess onion and whole spices. Measure out the liquid; it should come to 2 3/4 cups. If not, add water to make it 2 3/4 cups.
- 5
Prepare Chicken Pulao
- 6
Wash rice: When ready to prepare the pulao, thoroughly wash the rice until the water runs clear. Then soak it in water. Set aside.
- 7
Heat oil and ghee in a nonstick Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté, stirring often, until golden brown (~10-12 minutes). The onions will determine the color of the pulao so you want them deeply and evenly golden-brown. Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup water. Once the water dries up, add all the whole spices, garlic, and ginger and sauté for a minute or two, until aromatic.
- 8
Raise the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken and allow to lightly sear, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes.
- 9
Stir in the salt, green chili peppers, tomatoes (if using), and yogurt and gently sauté until oil starts to separate, about 3 minutes.
- 10
Add broth. Taste. It should taste saltier than you prefer because it’ll mellow out once rice is added. Bring to a boil.
- 11
Meanwhile, drain the rice thoroughly. Once the broth comes to a boil, add the drained rice and stir gently to mix. Bring to a boil again.
- 12
Once the rice comes to a boil again, reduce the heat to medium. Cover partially with the lid. Allow to simmer, undisturbed, for 5 minutes. The water level will reduce and the rice will rise to the surface (see video).
- 13
Steaming ('Dum')
- 14
Layer the lid with a kitchen cloth or tea towel and seal tightly. Allow the pulao to develop steam for a few seconds. You’ll be able to feel the steam escaping from the sides of the pan.
- 15
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, and allow to cook for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to rest for another 10-15 minutes. (Do not peek or stir throughout this process.)
- 16
Sprinkle in garam masala, black pepper, cilantro, and mint. Keep covered until ready to serve. Use a rice paddle to transfer the rice onto a serving tray (or your plate!). If needed, stir gently to prevent any clumps. Serve with vegetable raita, mint raita, or plain yogurt.