🍗 Fragrant Chicken Biryani 🍛✨
A rich, flavourful, and aromatic dish, chicken biryani is the ultimate one-pot meal. With tender chicken, perfectly spiced rice, and a hint of saffron, this dish is a showstopper for any dinner table.
Ingredients 🛒
For the Chicken Marinade:
Chicken thighs or drumsticks 🍗: 500 g, skinless
Plain yoghurt 🥛: 150 g
Garlic paste 🧄: 2 tsp
Ginger paste 🌱: 2 tsp
Turmeric powder 🌟: 1/2 tsp
Chilli powder 🌶️: 1 tsp
Ground coriander 🌿: 1 tsp
Ground cumin 🌿: 1 tsp
Salt 🧂: 1 tsp
For the Rice:
Basmati rice 🍚: 300 g
Water 💧: enough for boiling
Bay leaves 🍃: 2
Cinnamon stick 🌿: 1
Green cardamom pods 🌿: 4
Cloves 🌿: 4
Salt 🧂: 1 tsp
For the Biryani Layers:
Onions 🧅: 2 large, thinly sliced
Vegetable oil 🛢️: 3 tbsp
Saffron strands 🌺: a pinch, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
Fresh mint leaves 🌿: 2 tbsp, chopped
Fresh coriander leaves 🌿: 2 tbsp, chopped
Ghee or butter 🧈: 2 tbsp
Method 👩🍳
1. Marinate the Chicken 🐓:
In a large bowl, mix the yoghurt with garlic paste, ginger paste, turmeric, chilli powder, coriander, cumin, and salt.
Add the chicken and coat it thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
2. Prepare the Rice 🍚:
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Bring a large pot of water to the boil, adding bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and salt.
Add the rice and cook until it's 70% done (still slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Onions 🧅:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan and fry the sliced onions until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on kitchen paper.
4. Cook the Chicken 🍗:
In the same pan, add the marinated chicken and cook on medium heat until the chicken is tender and the marinade thickens (about 15–20 minutes).
5. Assemble the Biryani 🌿:
In a heavy-bottomed pot, spread a layer of the cooked chicken.
Add a layer of half the cooked rice, sprinkle with some crispy onions, fresh mint, and coriander. Drizzle with saffron milk and a spoonful of ghee or butter.
Add the remaining rice and repeat the topping process.
6. Steam the Biryani (Dum) 🍛:
Cover the pot tightly with a lid (or foil) to trap the steam.
Cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy 🎉:
Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. Garnish with extra fried onions and herbs. Serve hot with raita or a fresh salad.
Serving Information 📋
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
This chicken biryani is a celebration of flavours and textures, perfect for family meals or festive occasions. 😊🍗✨