A fragrant East African-inspired pilau featuring tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and warming whole spices.
Swahili Coconut Chicken Pilau is a hearty one-pot dish that combines basmati rice with chicken thighs, coconut oil, ginger, garlic, and a carefully balanced blend of spices. Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom give the dish its distinctive aroma, while coconut milk adds a rich, creamy flavour.
As the rice cooks in chicken stock and coconut milk, it absorbs the spices and savoury juices, creating a deliciously fragrant meal. Finished with fresh coriander, this comforting pilau is perfect for family lunches, dinners, and special gatherings.
Ingredients
750 g basmati rice (4 cups), soaked for 30 minutes
1 kg chicken thighs
3 tbsp coconut oil
2 onions, chopped
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1 tbsp garlic, minced
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
½ tsp cinnamon
4 cloves
4 cardamom pods
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups coconut milk
3½ cups chicken stock
Fresh coriander, for garnish
Method
Wash and Soak the Rice
Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Sauté the Onions and Aromatics
Heat the coconut oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic.
Cook the Chicken with Spices
Add the chicken thighs, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the aromatic spices.
Add Coconut Milk and Stock
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock. Stir gently and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes so the flavours combine.
Add Rice and Cook
Add the drained rice and mix gently to distribute it throughout the liquid. Cover the pot and cook over low heat for approximately 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Rest and Garnish
Turn off the heat and leave the pot covered for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
Serve
Serve Swahili Coconut Chicken Pilau with kachumbari, a fresh tomato and onion salad, chilli sauce, grilled vegetables, and lemon wedges. The fresh salad and citrus provide a refreshing contrast to the rich coconut and aromatic spices.