🍗 Chicken Biryani Recipe Easy Steps to a Flavorful Dish

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  • August 21, 2025
Breakfast

Chicken Biryani is a beloved South Asian dish known for its rich aroma, flavorful spices, and the perfect blend of basmati rice and marinated chicken. This recipe walks you through simple steps to prepare an authentic and delicious Chicken Biryani at home.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Rice:

  • 2 cups Basmati rice

  • Water (as needed)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 2 green cardamoms

  • 1 cinnamon stick

For the Chicken Marinade:

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

  • ½ cup plain yogurt

  • 1 tbsp ginger paste

  • 1 tbsp garlic paste

  • 1 tsp red chili powder

  • ½ tsp turmeric powder

  • 1 tsp coriander powder

  • ½ tsp garam masala

  • Salt to taste

  • 1 medium tomato (chopped)

  • 2 medium onions (thinly sliced and fried until golden – birista)

  • ½ cup cooking oil

For Layering:

  • A pinch of saffron (soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk)

  • 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)

  • Fried nuts (cashews, almonds – optional)

  • Raisins – optional

  • Fresh coriander and mint leaves (chopped)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Soak and Parboil the Rice

  1. Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and soak for 30 minutes.

  2. In a large pot, boil water with salt, bay leaf, cardamoms, and cinnamon.

  3. Add the soaked rice and cook until 70–80% done (grains should be firm but soft).

  4. Drain the water and set the rice aside.

Step 2: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander, salt, and chopped tomato. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (longer if possible).

  2. Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the sliced onions until golden brown and crisp. Set aside half for layering.

  3. In the same oil, add the marinated chicken and cook on medium heat until the chicken is tender and the oil separates from the gravy (about 20–25 minutes).

Step 3: Layering the Biryani

  1. In a heavy-bottom pot or handi, start with a layer of chicken curry at the bottom.

  2. Add a layer of the cooked rice over the chicken.

  3. Sprinkle fried onions (birista), saffron milk, ghee, chopped coriander & mint, fried nuts, and raisins.

  4. Repeat the layers, finishing with a rice layer on top.

  5. Seal the pot with a tight-fitting lid or cover with foil and place a heavy object on top.

Step 4: Dum Cooking (Steaming)

  1. Cook on very low heat for 20–25 minutes.

  2. You can place the pot over a tawa (flat pan) to avoid burning the bottom.

  3. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

🌿 Tips for Best Results:

  • Use aged basmati rice for the best texture and aroma.

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.

  • Add rose water or kewra water for extra fragrance (optional).

  • You can add boiled eggs or potatoes if you like.

🍽 Serving Suggestions:

Serve hot with raita, salad, or a simple cucumber-yogurt dip. This Chicken Biryani is perfect for weekend meals, family gatherings, or special occasions.

✨ Final Thoughts:

Chicken Biryani might look complex, but when broken down into easy steps, it’s quite doable at home—and totally worth it! Follow this recipe and enjoy the rich, spicy, and comforting flavors in every bite.

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