Karachi Chicken Biryani

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Atlas Burni (@biryaniites)

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

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

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = a portion of biryani)

Rice

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

Spice Paste

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

Masala

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

Garnish

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

How to make Karachi Chicken Biryani

Cooking Rice

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

  2. Add soaked rice and cook until ¾ done.

Preparing Spice Paste

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

Cooking Masala

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

  2. Add tomatoes and the blended paste. Mix well.

  3. Add water, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.

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

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

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

  7. Add fresh coriander and mint leaves. Mix again.

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

  9. Add food color and mix.

Layering and Steaming

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

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

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

  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.

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