Chicken Biryani Recipe at Home

Here's a detailed recipe for Chicken Biryani Recipe at Home, crafted to ensure aromatic and flavorful results.

   

Chicken Biryani Recipe at Home

      Prep Time: 45 minutes (incl. marination) | Cook Time: 1 hour

       Ingredients:-

    For Marination:-

•  500g chicken (bone-in pieces)
•         ½ cup plain yogurt
•       1 tbsp ginger and garlic paste
•       1 tsp red chili powder
•      ½ tsp turmeric powder
•     1 tsp garam masala
•     1 tsp coriander powder
•      Juice of ½ lemon
•     Salt to taste

For Rice:-

•          1.5 cups basmati rice
•         4 cups water (for boiling)
•         1 bay leaf
•        4 green cardamom pods
•        2-3 cloves
•       1-inch cinnamon stick
•         1 tsp cumin seeds
•         Salt to taste

For Chicken Curry:-

•        2 large onions, thinly sliced
•         1 large tomato, chopped
•          ½ cup chopped mint & cilantro (combined)
•        1 green chili (slit)
•         ½ cup fried onions (for garnish)
•        ¼ cup cooking oil/ghee
•        ¼ tsp saffron strands (soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk)

 Instructions

1.      Marinate the Chicken:-

o         In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam         masala, coriander powder, lemon juice, and salt.

       Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

2.      Prep the Rice:-

o        Rinse basmati rice until water runs clear. Soak in water for 30 mins. Drain.

o        In a pot, boil 4 cups water with bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, and salt. Add     soaked rice and cook for 5-7 minutes until 70% done (grains should still have a bite). Drain     and set aside.

3.      Cook the Chicken Curry:-

o        Heat oil/ghee in a pan. Fry sliced onions until golden brown. Remove half for garnish.

o        Add marinated chicken to the pan. Sauté for 5 minutes.

o        Add tomatoes, green chili, and half the mint-cilantro mix. Cook until chicken is tender and oil separates (~15-20 mins).

4.      Layer the Biryani:-

o        In a heavy-bottomed pot, spread a layer of cooked rice. Top with chicken curry, fried onions, remaining herbs, and saffron milk. Repeat layers, ending with rice.

5.      Dum Cooking (Steam):-

o        Cover the pot with a tight lid or seal with dough/aluminum foil. Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes.

o        Turn off heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.

6.      Serve:-

o        Gently fluff the biryani with a fork to mix layers. Garnish with fried onions, fresh herbs, and roasted nuts (optional).

o        Pair with raita or salad.

Tips:-

• Use a wide, thick pot for even cooking.
• Adjust spice levels to taste.
•  For extra richness, drizzle ghee between layers.
• Enjoy your fragrant, homemade Chicken Biryani