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

Ingredients
Rice
- 500gBasmati rice
- 1tbspSalt
- 2tbspVinegar
- 2tspOil
Spice Paste
- 5pieceGreen chillies
- 1inGinger
- 8cloveGarlic
- 3tbspWater
Masala
- 1/2cupOil
- 1/2tbspCumin seeds
- 1pieceBlack cardamom
- 1pieceStar anise
- 2pieceCinnamon sticks
- 3pieceCloves
- 1/2tspBlack peppercorns
- 3pieceGreen cardamom
- 2pieceTomatoes
- 1cupWater
- 1/2tbspSalt
- 1/2tbspRed chilli powder
- 1/2tspTurmeric powder
- 1tspGaram masala powder
- 1pieceChicken stock cube
- 250gPotatoes
- 10pieceDried plums
- 1/4cupYogurt
- 3tbspLemon juice
- 2tbspCoriander leaves
- 2tbspMint leaves
- 1/2kgChicken
- 1/2tspYellow food color
Garnish
- 1pieceTomato
- 4pieceLemon slices
- 5pieceGreen chillies
- 2tbspMint leaves
- 1/4tspJavitri powder
- 1/2tbspCumin seeds
- 1/4tspJaifil powder
- 2tbspOil
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
How to make Karachi Chicken Biryani
Cooking Rice
In boiling water, add salt, vinegar, and oil. Mix well.
Add soaked rice and cook until ¾ done.
Preparing Spice Paste
In a blender, add garlic, ginger, and green chillies. Blend and set aside.
Cooking Masala
Heat oil and add cumin seeds, star anise, black cardamom, cinnamon sticks, cloves, black peppercorns, and green cardamom.
Add tomatoes and the blended paste. Mix well.
Add water, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
Add salt, red chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, and chicken stock. Mix well.
Add potatoes, mix, cover, and cook on medium heat until potatoes are half done, about 10 minutes.
Add dried plums, yogurt, and lemon juice. Mix well.
Add fresh coriander and mint leaves. Mix again.
Add chicken, mix, and cook on high flame for 10 minutes.
Add food color and mix.
Layering and Steaming
Add tomatoes, lemon slices, green chillies, and mint leaves.
In a bowl, mix jaifal, javitri, and crushed roasted cumin seeds.
Sprinkle half of the dry mix over the masala, layer with half of the boiled rice, then sprinkle the remaining dry mix.
Layer with the remaining boiled rice, pour cooking oil, cover, and steam for 15 minutes.
Nutrition (per serving)
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
Serve with salad and raita for a complete meal.
FAQS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia