Karachi Chicken Biryani

b
Atlas Burni (@biryaniites)

A flavorful and aromatic rice dish from Karachi, featuring spiced chicken and basmati rice layered with herbs and spices.

Karachi Chicken Biryani recipe
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
1hr 0min
Total Time
1hr 30min

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = a portion of biryani)

Rice

  • Basmati rice
    Basmati rice
    500g
  • Salt
    Salt
    1tbsp
  • Vinegar
    Vinegar
    2tbsp
  • Oil
    Oil
    2tsp

Spice Paste

  • Green chillies
    Green chillies
    5piece
  • Ginger
    Ginger
    1in
  • Garlic
    Garlic
    8clove
  • Water
    Water
    3tbsp

Masala

  • Oil
    Oil
    1/2cup
  • Cumin seeds
    Cumin seeds
    1/2tbsp
  • Black cardamom
    Black cardamom
    1piece
  • Star anise
    Star anise
    1piece
  • Cinnamon sticks
    Cinnamon sticks
    2piece
  • Cloves
    Cloves
    3piece
  • Black peppercorns
    Black peppercorns
    1/2tsp
  • Green cardamom
    Green cardamom
    3piece
  • Tomatoes
    Tomatoes
    2piece
  • Water
    Water
    1cup
  • Salt
    Salt
    1/2tbsp
  • Red chilli powder
    Red chilli powder
    1/2tbsp
  • Turmeric powder
    Turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • Garam masala powder
    Garam masala powder
    1tsp
  • Chicken stock cube
    Chicken stock cube
    1piece
  • Potatoes
    Potatoes
    250g
  • Dried plums
    Dried plums
    10piece
  • Yogurt
    Yogurt
    1/4cup
  • Lemon juice
    Lemon juice
    3tbsp
  • Coriander leaves
    Coriander leaves
    2tbsp
  • Mint leaves
    Mint leaves
    2tbsp
  • Chicken
    Chicken
    1/2kg
  • Yellow food color
    Yellow food color
    1/2tsp

Garnish

  • Tomato
    Tomato
    1piece
  • Lemon slices
    Lemon slices
    4piece
  • Green chillies
    Green chillies
    5piece
  • Mint leaves
    Mint leaves
    2tbsp
  • Javitri powder
    Javitri powder
    1/4tsp
  • Cumin seeds
    Cumin seeds
    1/2tbsp
  • Jaifil powder
    Jaifil powder
    1/4tsp
  • Oil
    Oil
    2tbsp

How to make Karachi Chicken Biryani

Cooking Rice

  1. Step 1

    In boiling water, add salt, vinegar, and oil. Mix well.

  2. Step 2

    Add soaked rice and cook until ¾ done.

Preparing Spice Paste

  1. Step 1

    In a blender, add garlic, ginger, and green chillies. Blend and set aside.

Cooking Masala

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil and add cumin seeds, star anise, black cardamom, cinnamon sticks, cloves, black peppercorns, and green cardamom.

  2. Step 2

    Add tomatoes and the blended paste. Mix well.

  3. Step 3

    Add water, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Add salt, red chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, and chicken stock. Mix well.

  5. Step 5

    Add potatoes, mix, cover, and cook on medium heat until potatoes are half done, about 10 minutes.

  6. Step 6

    Add dried plums, yogurt, and lemon juice. Mix well.

  7. Step 7

    Add fresh coriander and mint leaves. Mix again.

  8. Step 8

    Add chicken, mix, and cook on high flame for 10 minutes.

  9. Step 9

    Add food color and mix.

Layering and Steaming

  1. Step 1

    Add tomatoes, lemon slices, green chillies, and mint leaves.

  2. Step 2

    In a bowl, mix jaifal, javitri, and crushed roasted cumin seeds.

  3. Step 3

    Sprinkle half of the dry mix over the masala, layer with half of the boiled rice, then sprinkle the remaining dry mix.

  4. Step 4

    Layer with the remaining boiled rice, pour cooking oil, cover, and steam for 15 minutes.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

474.2kcal (23.71%)

Protein

17.3g (34.5%)

Carbs

65.4g (23.79%)

Sugars

3.3g (6.66%)

Healthy Fat

8.4g

Unhealthy Fat

2.4g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Serve with salad and raita for a complete meal.

FAQS

  1. What is the best way to store leftover Karachi Chicken Biryani?

    To store leftover Karachi Chicken Biryani, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

  2. Can I make Karachi Chicken Biryani vegetarian or vegan?

    Yes, you can easily adapt Karachi Chicken Biryani to be vegetarian or vegan. Substitute the chicken with your choice of vegetables like cauliflower, peas, or chickpeas. Replace yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for added flavor.

  3. What are some good side dishes to serve with Karachi Chicken Biryani?

    Karachi Chicken Biryani pairs wonderfully with a side of raita (yogurt sauce), salad, or pickles. You can also serve it with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to balance the spices and enhance the meal.

  4. What can I use instead of basmati rice for Karachi Chicken Biryani?

    If you don't have basmati rice, you can use jasmine rice as a substitute, though the texture and aroma will differ slightly. Alternatively, long-grain white rice can work, but be mindful of the cooking time as it may vary.

  5. How can I adjust the spice level in Karachi Chicken Biryani?

    To adjust the spice level in Karachi Chicken Biryani, you can reduce the number of green chillies or omit the red chilli powder. For a milder flavor, consider adding more yogurt or serving it with a cooling raita to balance the heat.

Loading reviews...

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia