Welcome to the kitchen of irresistible flavors!
Today, we’re diving into a classic Indian delicacy that needs no introduction—Chicken Biryani. This dish is a perfect blend of succulent chicken, long-grain basmati rice, and a mix of rich, aromatic spices that will make your kitchen smell like a dream.
Whether you’re cooking for a celebration or a family dinner, this biryani will become your go-to favorite. You can also make it when you’re just treating yourself to something special. Let’s get cooking!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need:
For Marinating the Chicken:
- 500g chicken (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup thick curd (yogurt)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh chopped mint & coriander leaves
For Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 mins)
- 4-5 cups water
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 black cardamom
- Salt to taste
For Biryani:
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- Whole spices (1 cinnamon stick, 2-3 cardamoms, 2-3 cloves)
- Saffron soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional but recommended)
- Fresh mint & coriander leaves for layering
- Fried onions for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
🥣 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix all the marination ingredients and coat the chicken pieces well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
🍚 Step 2: Prepare the Rice
Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and whole spices. Once boiling, add soaked rice and cook till it’s 70% done (grains should still have a bite). Drain the water and set the rice aside.
🍳 Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil or ghee. Add whole spices and sliced onions. Sauté until golden brown. Add the marinated chicken and cook until the chicken is tender and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
🍲 Step 4: Layer the Biryani
Lower the heat. Spread half the cooked rice over the chicken. Add mint, coriander, and a drizzle of saffron milk. Repeat with the remaining rice and toppings. Cover tightly with a lid or dough seal.
🔥 Step 5: Dum Cooking
Place a heavy tawa (griddle) on the stove and set the biryani pot over it. Cook on low flame for 20-25 minutes to let all the flavors infuse.
🧆 Serve It Right!
Fluff up the biryani gently and serve it hot with:
- Cooling raita or yogurt
- Salad or onion rings
- A squeeze of lemon juice
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