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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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