Sugar-Free Chicken Pilau
Indulge in the fragrant and wholesome flavors of this Sugar-Free Chicken Pilau, a nourishing twist on a traditional favorite that’s perfect for clean eating. Packed with tender, spice-infused boneless chicken thighs and fluffy basmati rice, this one-pot meal features a bold medley of whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves alongside a warming blend of turmeric, coriander, and cayenne pepper. With no added sugar, this recipe relies on natural aromatics such as fresh garlic, ginger, and onions to create a depth of flavor that’s irresistibly satisfying. Simmered to perfection in hearty chicken stock and garnished with fresh cilantro, this pilau is an ideal choice for a comforting, yet health-conscious dinner. Ready in just an hour, it's perfect for busy nights and serves up to four portions of wholesome goodness. Keywords: sugar-free recipe, chicken pilau, healthy dinner, spice-infused rice, one-pot meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Boneless chicken thighs
- 400 grams Basmati rice
- 1 large Yellow onion
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves
- 1 inch Fresh ginger
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 4 pieces Whole cardamom pods
- 4 pieces Cloves
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 800 milliliters Chicken stock
- 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 piece Bay leaf
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season them with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Set aside.
Peel and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves and grate the fresh ginger.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it's soft and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is aromatic.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Mix in the turmeric powder, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
Add the drained basmati rice to the pot and gently stir to combine with the chicken and spices.
Pour in the chicken stock, and add the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
Turn off the heat and let the pilau rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice with a fork.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1915 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 89.8 g | 115% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.0 g | 90% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 481 mg | 160% | |
| Sodium | 3045 mg | 132% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 140.4 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.0 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.7 g | ||
| Protein | 149.5 g | 299% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 409 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 22.1 mg | 123% | |
| Potassium | 2025 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
