A flavorful and aromatic rice dish made with marinated chicken and spices, perfect for a hearty meal.

Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
40min
Total Time
55min
Chicken Biryani recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 plate)

For the Biryani

  • 2cups
    rice
  • 500g
    chicken
  • 100g
    curd
  • 2tbsp
    ginger garlic paste
  • 1/2clove
    lemon
  • 1tsp
    salt
  • 1/2tsp
    turmeric
  • 1tsp
    coriander powder
  • 1 1/2tbsp
    biryani masala
  • 1cup
    chopped mint leaves
  • 1cup
    chopped coriander leaves

Whole Spices

  • 2clove
    cardamom
  • 8piece
    black pepper seeds
  • 4clove
    cloves
  • 1piece
    star anise
  • 1piece
    dried red chilli
  • 1piece
    cinnamon stick
  • 1piece
    dried mace
  • 2piece
    bay leaf

For Cooking

  • 2tbsp
    ghee or oil
  • 1dash
    kewra water (optional)

How to make Chicken Biryani

Preparation

  1. Soak the rice for 10-15 minutes.

  2. For marination, combine chicken, curd, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, salt, turmeric, coriander powder, biryani masala, chopped mint, and coriander leaves. Marinate and keep for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking

  1. In a pan, add ghee or oil.

  2. Add the whole spices and sauté for a minute.

  3. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

  4. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10-12 minutes on medium to high flame.

  5. Add the soaked rice with twice the amount of water and a few drops of kewra water (optional).

  6. Let it cook on low-medium flame for 15-20 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

  1. For best results, use basmati rice for a fragrant and fluffy texture.

  2. You can adjust the spices according to your taste preference.

  3. Let the biryani rest for a few minutes after cooking for better flavor.

FAQS

  1. How can I make Chicken Biryani suitable for a gluten-free diet?

    To make Chicken Biryani gluten-free, ensure that all your spices and condiments are certified gluten-free. The main ingredients in this recipe, such as rice and chicken, are naturally gluten-free. Avoid using any sauces or pre-packaged spices that may contain gluten.

  2. What are some good substitutions for ingredients in Chicken Biryani?

    If you don't have ghee, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or butter. For the chicken, you can use boneless chicken thighs or even paneer for a vegetarian version. If you don't have biryani masala, a mix of garam masala and additional spices like cumin and coriander can work well.

  3. How should I store leftover Chicken Biryani?

    To store leftover Chicken Biryani, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it, which can keep it fresh for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

  4. What side dishes pair well with Chicken Biryani?

    Chicken Biryani pairs wonderfully with raita (yogurt sauce), salad, or a tangy pickle. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors of the biryani.

  5. What is the best way to cook Chicken Biryani to ensure the rice is fluffy?

    To ensure fluffy rice in Chicken Biryani, soak the rice for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Use the right water-to-rice ratio, which is typically 2:1 for this recipe. Cooking on low-medium flame after adding the soaked rice helps steam it perfectly without making it mushy.

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