This Chicken Biryani is a flavorful, aromatic, and colorful one-pot dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal. It’s made with basmati rice, tender chicken, and fragrant spices, making it a crowd-pleaser at family dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Aromatic Spices: The biryani masala, fresh herbs, and fried onions create a burst of flavor with every bite.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken is cooked to perfection and absorbs all the rich spices and flavors from the biryani.
- Fragrant Rice: The basmati rice is fluffy and fragrant, making it the perfect base for the flavorful chicken.
- Simple to Make: With a few ingredients and steps, you can easily recreate this traditional dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp biryani masala
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fried onions (for garnish)
- 3 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
Directions:
Step 1: Prep the Rice
- Wash the rice: Rinse the basmati rice in water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Soak the rice: Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Fry the onions: Heat some oil in a large pot. Add the thinly sliced onions and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the onions and set them aside for garnishing later.
- Cook the chicken: In the same pot, add the chicken pieces and cook them until they are browned on all sides.
Step 3: Prepare the Biryani Mixture
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, biryani masala, yogurt, chopped cilantro, and chopped mint. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the chicken.
- Season the mixture: Add salt to taste and mix everything well. Let it cook for another few minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Biryani
- Add the soaked rice: Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot with the chicken and spice mixture.
- Add water: Pour in 3 cups of water, stir gently, and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Once the biryani is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Garnish with the crispy fried onions and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Tips:
- For extra flavor: You can add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk to the rice for an extra rich color and fragrance.
- Add some heat: If you like a spicy biryani, you can add sliced green chilies when cooking the chicken.
- Vegetarian option: You can easily make this biryani vegetarian by replacing the chicken with vegetables like potatoes, peas, or paneer.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Biryani is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the best of Indian cuisine into your kitchen. The aromatic spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice make it a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion!
PrintChicken Biryani
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This flavorful Chicken Biryani is a classic Indian dish made with fragrant basmati rice, tender chicken, and a rich blend of spices. Topped with fried onions, fresh cilantro, and mint, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp biryani masala
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fried onions
- 3 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Fry the sliced onions until golden brown and crispy. Remove half to use as a garnish later.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, biryani masala, yogurt, fresh cilantro, and mint. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Pour in the water and season with salt. Stir to combine.
- Cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve hot, garnished with the fried onions and additional cilantro and mint, if desired.
Notes
- You can add boiled eggs or other proteins to customize the biryani.
- Adjust the amount of biryani masala for more or less heat depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes