Qabili Pilau with Chicken

Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of Afghanistan with this Qabili Pilau with Chicken recipe, a comforting one-pot dish that's as stunning as it is delicious. Featuring tender chicken simmered in a spiced broth and layered with fragrant basmati rice, this dish is elevated with a medley of sweet raisins, caramelized carrots, and optional slivered almonds for an irresistible balance of savory and sweet. The warm, earthy blend of spices—cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cumin—infuses every bite, creating a truly memorable meal that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This authentic Afghan pilau is both hearty and visually striking, making it a showstopping centerpiece at your table. Perfectly portioned to serve six, it’s a complete meal that brings the tastes of Central Asia straight to your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 2 pounds Chicken (bone-in, skinless)
• 1 large Onion
• 2 medium Carrots
• 1 cup Raisins
• 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 4 whole Cloves
• 4 whole Cardamom pods
• 1 whole Cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 cups Chicken broth or water
• 0.5 cup Slivered almonds (optional)
• 2 whole, minced Garlic cloves

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onion, and sauté until golden brown.

Step 3

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.

Step 4

Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to coat the chicken in the spices. Pour the chicken broth or water into the pot and bring it to a boil.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken simmer for 30 minutes or until cooked through and tender. Remove the chicken and strain the broth into a separate bowl. Set both aside.

Step 6

In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add grated carrots and stir fry until softened but not mushy. Add raisins and cook for another 2 minutes until they puff up. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7

In a large pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add whole cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cumin seeds. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 8

Add the drained rice to the pot. Stir gently to coat the rice with the oil and spices. Carefully pour the reserved chicken broth over the rice, ensuring the liquid is about 1 inch above the rice level. Add the remaining salt and stir gently.

Step 9

Place the cooked chicken pieces on top of the rice. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on medium heat until most of the liquid is absorbed. Then lower the heat to the minimum setting and let it steam for 20 minutes.

Step 10

Once the rice is fully cooked, carefully transfer it to a large serving platter. Top it with the prepared carrots, raisins, and slivered almonds (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy your Qabili Pilau with Chicken!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2907.5 grams (2907.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3493

Total Fat 119.80g	154%
Saturated Fat 20.00g	100%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.80g
Cholesterol 771mg	257%
Sodium 9005mg	392%
Total Carbohydrate 290.80g	106%
Dietary Fiber 27.40g	98%
Total Sugars 124.50g
Protein 324.60g	649%

Vitamin D 45IU	227%
Calcium 659mg	51%
Iron 28mg	153%
Potassium 5176mg	110%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.5%

Protein: 36.7%

Carbs: 32.9%