1 serving (medium) of Chicken Basmati Pilaf (180 g) has 261 calories. That works out to 145 calories per 100 g. It contains 40.5 g of carbs, 13 g of protein, 4.5 g of fat and 2 g of fiber. Its 3.8 mg of B3 covers 24% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 65 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

What is Chicken Basmati Pilaf?

Chicken Basmati Pilaf combines long-grain basmati rice with chicken, usually cooked with onion and a restrained mix of herbs or spices. Basmati is closely associated with South Asian cooking, while chicken-and-rice pilafs appear in many food traditions; the exact seasoning varies from household to household.

The rice is prized for its fragrant aroma and separate, fluffy grains, with tender chicken making the dish a satisfying one-pot meal. It can be served with a crisp salad or plain yogurt, and leftovers work well for lunch. The rice supplies most of the carbohydrates, while chicken contributes protein, so it offers a straightforward balance of both. For a lighter plate, keep the added oil modest and serve it with plenty of vegetables.

Chicken Basmati Pilaf Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

145

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

22.5g

· 8% DV

Protein

7.2g

· 14% DV

Fat

2.5g

· 3% DV

Fiber

1.1g

· 4% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 64% · Protein 20% · Fat 16%

Chicken Basmati Pilaf Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

2.1mg · 13% DV

0.18mg · 11% DV

0.45mg · 9% DV

0.09mg · 7% DV

Minerals

Phosphorus

82mg · 12% DV

Selenium

6.2µg · 11% DV

Zinc

1mg · 9% DV

Sodium

210mg · 9% DV

How Nutritious Is Chicken Basmati Pilaf?

Nutrient density

Medium

45/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

42/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Chicken Basmati Pilaf Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Medium

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Medium

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Chicken Basmati Pilaf

To burn the 145 calories in 100 g:

🚶

36min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

15min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

20min

Cycling

🏊

17min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Chicken Basmati Pilaf Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Chicken Basmati Pilaf Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Chicken Basmati Pilaf Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Chicken Basmati Pilaf Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.7g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.7g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.3g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 3.7:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Chicken Basmati Pilaf

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Chicken Basmati Pilaf vs Bulgur Pilaf25 kcal more per 100 g

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Chicken Basmati Pilaf vs Breadstick265 kcal fewer per 100 g

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Chicken Basmati Pilaf vs Simit195 kcal fewer per 100 g

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Foods Similar to Chicken Basmati Pilaf

🍚

Bulgur Pilaf

120 kcal

🍝

Whole wheat pasta

124 kcal

🥖

Breadstick

410 kcal

🥯

Simit

340 kcal

🥣

Granola

450 kcal

🍚

Rice Pilaf

150 kcal

🍚

Basmati Rice Pilaf

140 kcal

🍝

Pasta (Boiled)

155 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Basmati Pilaf

What is chicken basmati pilaf?

Chicken basmati pilaf is a one-pot rice dish made with basmati rice, chicken, and usually onion and stock or spices. The rice is cooked in the seasoned liquid, so it absorbs the chicken flavor while staying light and fragrant.

How do you make chicken basmati pilaf?

Brown the chicken and onion first, then stir in rinsed basmati rice and hot chicken stock. Cover and cook gently until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, then let the pilaf rest before fluffing it with a fork.

Should you rinse basmati rice for chicken basmati pilaf?

Yes, rinse the basmati rice until the water is mostly clear. This washes away loose surface starch, helping the grains stay separate in chicken basmati pilaf rather than turning sticky. Drain the rice well before adding it to the pan.

How do you keep chicken basmati pilaf fluffy?

Use the right amount of cooking liquid, keep the pot covered, and avoid stirring the rice as it cooks. Once tender, let chicken basmati pilaf stand briefly off the heat; fluff it gently so the long grains do not break.

What spices work best in chicken basmati pilaf?

Cumin, black pepper, and cardamom work well in chicken basmati pilaf, while a little cinnamon or turmeric adds warmth and color. Toast whole spices with the onion or briefly in oil before adding the rice to bring out their aroma.

Can you make chicken basmati pilaf with leftover cooked chicken?

Yes, leftover cooked chicken works in chicken basmati pilaf. Cook the rice with onion and stock first, then fold in the chicken near the end so it warms through without becoming dry or overcooked.

Can you use brown basmati rice in chicken basmati pilaf?

Yes, brown basmati rice can be used for chicken basmati pilaf, but it takes longer to cook and needs more liquid than white basmati. Follow a method suited to brown rice, and add the chicken when it will heat through without overcooking.

How long does chicken basmati pilaf keep in the fridge?

Chicken basmati pilaf keeps for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when promptly chilled and stored in a covered container. Divide a large batch into shallow containers so it cools faster, and reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

Can chicken basmati pilaf be frozen?

Yes, chicken basmati pilaf freezes well in airtight, meal-sized containers. Cool it promptly before freezing, thaw it in the refrigerator, and reheat until steaming hot throughout. The rice may be a little softer after thawing.

What should you serve with chicken basmati pilaf?

Serve chicken basmati pilaf with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or a cooling cucumber-yogurt side. These lighter accompaniments complement the savory chicken and fragrant rice without making the meal feel too heavy.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 29, 2026