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recipe 4 min read

30-Minute Chicken Pilau Using Ayola Pilau Masala Sauce

Restaurant-quality pilau in under 30 minutes? Yes, it's possible. Here's our quick recipe using Ayola Pilau Masala Cooking Sauce.

By Ayola Kitchen • 28 February 2026

Quick Chicken Pilau

Pilau is one of Kenya's most beloved dishes — but traditionally it takes over an hour to prepare all those spices and slow-cook to perfection. Our Pilau Masala Cooking Sauce cuts that time in half while delivering authentic flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 500g chicken pieces
  • 1 jar Ayola Pilau Masala Cooking Sauce (350ml)
  • 1 large potato, cubed
  • 3 cups chicken stock or water
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

Method

  1. Sear the chicken in a hot pot with a little oil until golden (5 minutes)
  2. Add the sauce — pour the entire jar of Ayola Pilau Masala over the chicken. Stir and cook for 3 minutes
  3. Add stock and potatoes — bring to a boil
  4. Add washed rice — stir once, then cover and reduce to lowest heat
  5. Steam for 18-20 minutes until rice is fluffy and liquid absorbed
  6. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh coriander

Pro Tips

  • Don't stir the rice once you've covered the pot — let it steam
  • Use aged basmati rice for the best results
  • Let it rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking for fluffier rice
  • Serve with kachumbari and a squeeze of lemon

Serves 4-6 people. Total time: 30 minutes.

Tag us @AyolaFoodsKE when you make this!

#recipe#pilau#chicken#quick meals

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