Description
This Chicken Biryani is a warm, aromatic blend of basmati rice, tender marinated chicken, and bold spices layered and slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a celebration of flavor, fragrance, and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs Chicken (bone-in thighs or drumsticks)
- 2 cups Basmati Rice
- 1 cup Yogurt
- 2 large Onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Paste
- 1 tablespoon Ginger Paste
- 2 Green Chilies (slit)
- ½ cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
- ½ cup Fresh Mint Leaves
- 1 tablespoon Whole Spices (bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom)
- 2 teaspoons Turmeric
- 2 teaspoons Coriander
- 2 teaspoons Cumin
- 2 teaspoons Garam Masala
- ¼ teaspoon Saffron Strands (soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk)
- ¼ cup Oil or Ghee
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Preheat your stove to medium heat. If using an oven, preheat to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic paste, ginger paste, ground spices, and salt. Coat the chicken and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Heat oil or ghee in a large pot. Add whole spices until fragrant. Add onions and cook until deep golden brown. Remove half for garnishing.
- Layer marinated chicken at the bottom. Top with tomato, mint, cilantro, green chilies, lemon juice, and half of the caramelized onions. Spread half-cooked rice over this. Drizzle saffron milk and reserved onions on top.
- Cover the pot tightly with foil or dough and lid. Cook on low for 30–40 minutes or bake in the oven for the same time.
- Let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before opening. Fluff gently with fork.
- Serve hot with raita or cucumber salad and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use aged basmati rice for the best texture and aroma.
- Don’t rush the onions — caramelizing them adds key flavor depth.
- To prevent burning, use a heat diffuser or tava under the pot when cooking on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Chicken Biryani, Indian Biryani, Chicken and Rice, Spiced Biryani, Dum Biryani