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

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

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 plate)

For the Biryani

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

Whole Spices

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

For Cooking

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

How to make Chicken Biryani

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Soak the rice for 10-15 minutes.

  2. Step 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. Step 1

    In a pan, add ghee or oil.

  2. Step 2

    Add the whole spices and sauté for a minute.

  3. Step 3

    Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

  4. Step 4

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

  5. Step 5

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

  6. Step 6

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

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

472.5kcal (23.63%)

Protein

34.5g (69%)

Carbs

66.3g (24.09%)

Sugars

1.3g (2.5%)

Healthy Fat

7.5g

Unhealthy Fat

5.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

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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