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4.6 from 156 votes

Instant Pot Indian Chicken and Rice Pulao

Instant Pot Chicken Pulao comes together in just 30 minutes, with basmati rice, chicken breasts, and a few aromatics and spices. The perfect introduction to Indian cuisine!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 396 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic 
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces and patted dry)
  • 1 tablespoon ghee (or butter or even oil to make dairy free)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 green cardamom pods (or 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom)
  • 2- inch cinnamon stick
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 large red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 hot green chiles (sliced (optional))
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Measure the rice into a wire-mesh strainer, then rinse under running water for 10 seconds, swishing it around. Repeat once more, then drain and set aside.
  2. To make this on the stove, use a heavy pot or Dutch oven and increase the liquid by double 2 1/2 cups. Bring to a boil and let it simmer until it starts to evaporate, then cover and cook 22 to 25 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered, 22 to 24 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, stir together the ginger, garlic, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of the salt.
  4. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Set aside, or cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
  5. Select the high Sauté setting on the Instant Pot and heat the ghee.
  6. Add the cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves and sauté until the spices are aromatic, about 30 seconds.
  7. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and browns, about 5 minutes.
  8. Cover the pot with a glass lid (or other non-locking lid) that fits to speed up the process.
  9. Add the chicken and its marinade, the chiles, and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt to the pot and stir until the chicken is coated with the spices.
  10. Press the Cancel button to turn off the Instant Pot.
  11. Add the rice and water and stir well with a wooden spoon, nudging loose any browned bits from the pot bottom. Scrape down the sides of the pot to make sure that most of the rice is submerged in the water.
  12. Secure the lid and set the Pressure Release to Sealing. Select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting and set the cooking time for 6 minutes on high pressure.
  13. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then move the Pressure Release to Venting to release any remaining steam.
  14. Press the cancel button to turn off the Instant Pot. Open the pot, sprinkle in the cilantro, and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
  15. Use a rice paddle to scoop the rice out of the pot into individual plates, then serve with the lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Information

Serving 11/2 cups Calories 396kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 47.5g (16%) Protein 35.5g (71%) Fat 6.5g (10%) Saturated Fat 2.5g (13%) Cholesterol 106mg (35%) Sodium 513mg (21%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1.5g (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 396

% Daily Value*

Serving 11/2 cups
Calories 396kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 47.5g 16%
Protein 35.5g 71%
Fat 6.5g 10%
Saturated Fat 2.5g 13%
Cholesterol 106mg 35%
Sodium 513mg 21%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1.5g 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.