Authentic Chicken Biryani
Fragrant basmati rice layered with spiced chicken, caramelized onions, and saffron for a traditional biryani experience.
30 mins
Prep Time
60 mins
Cook Time
4
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 500g chicken (thighs and drumsticks)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 2 bay leaves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 pinch saffron strands
- 2 tbsp warm milk
- 4 tbsp ghee
- 3 cups water
- Salt to taste
Nutrition Facts
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Instructions
Wash and soak basmati rice for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Marinate chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan. Fry sliced onions until golden brown. Remove half for layering and set aside.
In same pan, add whole spices (cumin, cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add marinated chicken and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes until partially cooked. Remove from heat.
In a heavy-bottomed pot, layer half the parboiled rice, then chicken mixture, fried onions, mint, and cilantro. Repeat layers.
Dissolve saffron in warm milk and drizzle over top layer. Cover with tight lid and cook on low heat for 25 minutes (dum cooking).
Let biryani rest for 10 minutes before gently mixing layers. Serve hot with raita.
Chef's Tips
- Rice Texture: Parboil rice until 70% cooked for perfect biryani texture.
- Saffron Substitute: Use turmeric if saffron is unavailable, though flavor will differ.
- Sealing Trick: Place a damp cloth under the lid for better steam retention during dum cooking.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with vegetables or paneer for veg biryani.
- Leftovers: Biryani tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Layering: Ensure even distribution of chicken and rice for balanced flavors in every bite.
- Ghee Importance: Don't substitute ghee for authentic flavor and aroma.
