Chicken Biryani Recipe

Chicken Biryani is a classic and beloved dish that originates from the Indian subcontinent, known for its aromatic spices, flavorful rice, and succulent chicken. This traditional one-pot dish is a culinary masterpiece that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Indian cuisine.

At the heart of Chicken Biryani is the marriage of basmati rice and marinated chicken, layered with fragrant spices, caramelized onions, and fresh herbs. The dish typically begins with the marination of chicken pieces in a blend of yogurt and a plethora of spices such as ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. This marinade imparts a depth of flavor to the chicken, ensuring it’s tender and infused with the essence of the spices.

The rice, often basmati for its distinct aroma and long grains, is parboiled and infused with aromatic whole spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. The two components—marinated chicken and seasoned rice—are then layered in a heavy-bottomed pot, creating a symphony of flavors.

One of the defining features of Chicken Biryani is the “dum” cooking technique. Once layered, the pot is sealed with a tight-fitting lid, and the biryani is slow-cooked over low heat or in an oven. This allows the chicken to cook in its juices, and the rice absorbs the aromatic flavors without losing its texture.

The final masterpiece is garnished with fried onions, fresh coriander, and mint leaves, adding both texture and a burst of freshness. The biryani is often served with raita (yogurt with spices and vegetables) or a cooling cucumber and mint salad, balancing the richness of the dish.

Chicken Biryani is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and a testament to the artistry of Indian culinary traditions. The layers of spices, the tender chicken, and the fragrant rice create a symphony of taste and aroma that has made Chicken Biryani a cherished dish enjoyed by food enthusiasts around the world.

Recipe for Chicken Biryani:

Chicken Biryani Recipe

Recipe by Yummy FoodCourse: MainCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

500

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes and drained

• 500g chicken (bone-in or boneless), cut into pieces

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 2 tablespoons biryani masala powder

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your desired spice level)

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 4 cloves

• 4 green cardamom pods

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil

• Fresh cilantro and mint leaves for garnish

• Salt to taste

Directions

• Heat ghee or oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon sticks. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
• Add the sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown and caramelized.
• Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
• Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned and sealed.
• Add the chopped tomatoes, biryani masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices.
• Cook the chicken mixture for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and the spices are well incorporated.
• In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and the soaked and drained basmati rice. Cook the rice until it is 70-80% cooked (parboiled). Drain the rice and set it aside.
• Layer the partially cooked rice on top of the chicken mixture in the pot. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro and mint leaves on the rice.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the biryani cook for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to fully cook and absorb the aromatic spices.
• Once cooked, gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing it with the chicken and spices. Serve the Chicken Biryani hot, garnished with more fresh cilantro and mint leaves.

Notes

• You can customize the spice levels according to your preference by adjusting the amount of red chili powder or adding green chilies.
• For an added layer of flavor, you can add saffron strands soaked in warm milk to the rice before layering it on the chicken mixture.
• Serve the Chicken Biryani with raita (yogurt sauce), pickle, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Other CHICKEN recipes may be found HERE.

IMAGE SOURCE: Ranjith Kumar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons