Chicken Biryani Recipe
Chicken biryani is one of the most popular and flavorful rice dishes in India. It is made with marinated chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and aromatic spices. The combination of spices and slow cooking gives biryani its rich taste and aroma.
If you want to make restaurant-style chicken biryani at home, follow this simple recipe.
Ingredients
For Chicken Marination
- 500 grams chicken
- 1 cup curd (yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4–5 cups water
- 2–3 cloves
- 2–3 cardamom pods
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 onions (sliced and fried)
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- A few saffron strands soaked in warm milk
- Fresh coriander and mint leaves
Method
1. Marinate Chicken
Mix chicken with curd, spices, ginger-garlic paste, and lemon juice. Let it rest for at least 1 hour.
2. Cook Rice
Boil basmati rice with whole spices and salt until 70% cooked. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook Chicken
In a pan, heat oil and cook marinated chicken until soft and fully cooked.
4. Layer Biryani
In a heavy pot, add a layer of chicken, then rice, fried onions, mint, coriander, and saffron milk. Repeat layers.
5. Dum Cooking
Cover tightly and cook on low flame for 15–20 minutes.
6. Serve
Gently mix and serve hot with raita or salad.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Biryani
- Use aged basmati rice for best aroma
- Do not overcook rice before layering
- Slow dum cooking enhances flavor
- Fried onions add extra taste and texture