Spiced Pilau Rice with Chicken and Peas
Fragrant basmati rice simmered with tender chicken and peas in a warm pilau masala blend, a staple Tanzanian comfort dish with Indian-inspired spices. This african-inspired rice & grains (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs basmati rice, chicken thighs, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups, rinsed basmati rice
- 1.5 lbs, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces chicken thighs
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp (or 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp cardamom, 1/4 tsp cinnamon) pilau masala
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup, diced carrots
- 1 cup, frozen peas
- 1/4 cup (optional) raisins
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat; add 1 medium chopped onion and cook until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp pilau masala and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1.5 cups rinsed basmati rice and stir to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs chicken pieces, 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup diced carrots, and 1/4 cup raisins (if using); bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, let rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Pilau Rice with Chicken and Peas take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Pilau Rice with Chicken and Peas?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep basmati rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Pilau Rice with Chicken and Peas?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Pilau Rice with Chicken and Peas for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Spiced Pilau Rice with Chicken and Peas gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a hit with my family! The spices are perfectly balanced and the chicken was so tender.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My kids devoured the pilau rice. So flavorful and easy to make.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but it took longer than the estimated time to cook the rice properly.
