A flavorful and aromatic chicken tikka biryani, combining marinated chicken with fragrant rice and spices.

Ingredients
For Chicken
- 1/2kgChicken
- 1/2cupYogurt
- 1 1/2tbspTikka Masala
- 1tbspLemon Juice
- 1/2tbspGinger garlic paste
- 1pinchOrange food colour (optional)
- 1/4cupOil
- 1pieceCoal
- 1/2tspOil (for smoke)
For Rice
- 1/2tbspCumin seeds
- 2pieceStar anise
- 1/2kgSoaked rice
- 1pieceGreen cardamom
- 1tbspSalt
For Masala
- 1/8cupOil
- 2pieceGreen cardamom
- 1pieceStar anise
- 1pieceCinnamon stick
- 1pieceBlack cardamom
- 1/2tbspCumin seeds
- 1/2cupOnion (sliced)
- 1/2cupTomatoes (sliced)
- 1/2tbspGinger garlic paste
- 1/2tbspRed chili powder
- 1/2tbspTikka masala
- 1/2tbspCoriander powder
- 1/2tbspSalt
- 1/2cupYogurt
For Assembling
- Chicken tikka masala
- Rice
- 2tbspGreen coriander
- 6pieceLemon slices
- 1/2tspYellow food color
How to make Easy Chicken Tikka Biryani
Prepare Chicken
Marinate chicken with yogurt, tikka masala, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, and orange food color for 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a pan and fry the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes.
Cover and cook on low heat until the chicken is done.
Place heated coal in the pot, drizzle oil over it, and cover to give smoke for 2 minutes. Set aside.
Prepare Rice
Add cumin seeds, green cardamom, star anise, and salt to water and bring to a boil.
Cook rice until 80% done, then strain and set aside.
Prepare Masala
In a pan, heat oil and add green cardamom, star anise, cinnamon stick, black cardamom, and cumin seeds. Fry for a minute.
Add sliced onion and fry for 2 minutes.
Add tomatoes, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, tikka masala, coriander powder, and salt. Fry for 4-5 minutes.
Pour yogurt into the pan and cook on high heat for 2-3 minutes.
Add cooked chicken to the masala and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
Assemble Biryani
Layer chicken tikka masala and boiled rice in a pot.
Repeat the layer of masala and rice.
Sprinkle yellow food color, coriander leaves, and lemon slices on top.
Cover and cook on low heat (dum) for 10-12 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
Marinate chicken overnight for flavourful biryani
For a more intense smoky flavor, use a larger piece of coal.
Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red chili powder.
FAQS
What is the best way to marinate chicken for chicken tikka biryani?
To achieve the best flavor in your chicken tikka biryani, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes using yogurt, tikka masala, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, and a pinch of orange food color. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken.
Can I make chicken tikka biryani gluten-free?
Yes, chicken tikka biryani can easily be made gluten-free. Just ensure that the tikka masala and any other spices you use do not contain gluten. Additionally, you can substitute any bread or naan typically served with biryani for gluten-free options like rice or quinoa.
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in chicken tikka biryani?
If you don't have tikka masala, you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts of cumin, coriander, and garam masala. For yogurt, you can use dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt. If you want to skip the food coloring, it's optional and can be omitted without affecting the taste.
How should I store leftover chicken tikka biryani?
Store leftover chicken tikka biryani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 2 months.
What dishes pair well with chicken tikka biryani?
Chicken tikka biryani pairs wonderfully with a side of raita (yogurt sauce), salad, or pickles. You can also serve it with naan or paratha for a complete meal. For drinks, consider serving it with a refreshing mango lassi or a chilled mint lemonade.
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Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia