Chicken Pulao

Chicken Pulao or pilaf is a spiced rice and chicken dish. It's pure comfort food for any Desi.

When the kids are sick or if I'm just really missing my moms food this is my go to comfort. Ideal for all family types and age ranges. Add little spice or more to your liking but it's a delicious one pot dish you're sure to enjoy. And what's even more fantastic is I show you how to make it in the crockpot!

This can easily be done with the same steps on the stove, just cook the chicken through then add the rice and cook like normal until rice cooks through.

With the busy evenings of extra curricular activities and having to rush home and dealing with "HANGRY" kids, my life has become much easier knowing I can step out to come home to a nice cooked meal right away!

Ingredients:

8oz Chicken

2 to 3 tbsp Oil

1 tbsp Garlic/Ginger Paste

1/4 c. Fried Onion

2 Green Chillies (or more)

5 to 6 Black Peppercorns

3 to 4 Cloves

1/2 inch Cinnamon Stick

1 Black Cardamom

1 Bay Leaf

1/2 lg Tomato (sliced) 1/4 c. Yogurt

1 cup Rice

2.5 c. Water

Salt (to taste)

2 tsp Fennel Seeds

1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds

1 tsp Coriander Seeds

You want to start by getting all your ingredients ready to go. Also you will need a cheesecloth or paper towel to make a little spice pack with your Fennel Seeds, Coriander Seeds and Cumin Seeds.

You can throw them in just like that but I prefer them in a small spice pack to toss out later. My kids don't like getting the little bites of Cumin or Fennel in their mouth so this saves me from having to deal with the whining.

I have a 3 in 1 Slow Cooker so mine allows me to cook stove top on it but if you don't have a stove top option just toss everything in and cook it just like that.

I just like the added step of infusing my oil with the onions and garlic.

-Start by sautéing your garlic/ginger paste in oil with the chicken, green chili, black pepper corns, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom and cloves.

-Once it's fragrant add the yogurt and tomatoes.

-Give it a mix then add your rice.

-Give it another mix then pour in your liquid and toss in your spice pack you made.

**Make sure you only add 2.5 or less of water because the chicken and yogurt will give off some of their own liquid. (Trust me you will be left with soggy rice)

Now just let it come to a boil and then put the slow cooker on High and let it cook through for an hr. Or put it on Low and let it go for 2 hours.

Garnish with cilantro and enjoy this delicious, hearty meal!

**Potatoes may he added if desired. Just add 10 to 15 mins more on cook time.