Chicken Biryani: One-pot wonder:perfectly cooked chicken and rice infused with spices
Chicken Biryani is a classic Indian one-pot meal that combines fragrant basmati rice, tender chicken, and a medley of aromatic spices. Known for its rich flavors and captivating aroma, this dish is a celebration of traditional Indian cooking. Each grain of rice absorbs the essence of the spices and marinated chicken, creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture.
Perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or a special weekend meal, chicken biryani is more than just food—it’s an experience. With layers of juicy chicken, aromatic rice, and a sprinkle of fried onions or fresh herbs, it’s a dish that delights both the eyes and the palate.
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What is Chicken Biryani?
Chicken Biryani is a traditional Indian rice dish made by layering marinated chicken with fragrant basmati rice and cooking it with a blend of spices such as saffron, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a dish that is aromatic, flavorful, and rich in texture.
Originating from the Mughlai cuisine of India, biryani has many regional variations—Hyderabadi, Lucknowi, Kolkata, and more—each with its own unique twist. What makes biryani special is the perfect balance of spiced chicken, aromatic rice, and the subtle fragrance of herbs and ghee, making it a beloved comfort food across the country.
Main Ingredient of Chicken Biryani:
For Marination:
500 g chicken (with bone or boneless)
1 cup whisked curd (yogurt)
2 tbsp ginger–garlic paste
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp biryani masala
½ lemon (juice)
½ cup fried onions
2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
2 tbsp oil
For Rice:
2 cups basmati rice (soaked)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin seeds (zeera)
2 bay leaves
2 green cardamoms
1 black cardamom
1 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
For Layering:
2 tbsp ghee
2 tbsp biryani masala
¼ cup fried onions
2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
2 tbsp saffron milk (saffron soaked in warm milk)
What Is So Special About Chicken Biryani?
Chicken Biryani is more than just a rice and chicken dish—it’s a celebration of flavors, aromas, and traditions. The magic lies in its layering technique, where fragrant basmati rice, tender marinated chicken, and whole spices come together to create a royal one-pot meal.
The marination with yogurt and spices makes the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Aromatic whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise infuse the rice with irresistible fragrance.
The layering of fried onions, saffron milk, and fresh herbs gives biryani its signature richness and festive touch.
It’s a dish that brings people together—served at weddings, festivals, and family gatherings across cultures.
Meyer Trivantage 26cm Stainless Steel Tope With Lid
Quick and Easy Chicken Biryani:
Traditional biryani recipes can take hours, but this chicken biryani is designed to be time-saving without losing flavor:
Simple marination: Just mix chicken with curd and spices—no long overnight wait needed.
One-pot cooking: Rice and chicken cook together, cutting down on separate steps.
Everyday ingredients: Uses regular spices and pantry staples, no complicated add-ons.
Quick layering: With fried onions, saffron milk, and herbs, you get the authentic biryani taste in less time.
How to make
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a large bowl, add chicken, whisked curd, ginger–garlic paste, salt, red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, biryani masala, lemon juice, fried onions, chopped coriander, and oil.
2. Mix well, cover, and let it rest for 30 minutes (or longer if time permits).
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
1. Wash and soak basmati rice for 20–30 minutes.
2. In a big pot, boil water with salt, cumin seeds, bay leaves, cardamoms, star anise, and cinnamon.
3. Add soaked rice and cook until 70–80% done (grains should be firm). Drain and keep aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
1. Heat a heavy-bottom pot (handi).
2. Add marinated chicken and cook on medium heat for 10–12 minutes, until chicken is half-cooked and masala releases oil.
Step 4: Layer the Biryani
1. On top of the chicken, spread a layer of half-cooked rice.
2. Sprinkle biryani masala, fried onions, chopped coriander, ghee, and saffron milk.
3. Repeat if making more layers.
Step 5: Dum Cooking (Sealing & Steaming)
1. Cover the pot tightly (seal with dough if you like).
2. Cook on low flame for 20–25 minutes until rice and chicken are fully done.
Expert Tips
Use long-grain basmati rice: It gives the biryani its signature look and fluffy texture.
Soak the rice: Always soak rice for 20–30 minutes to prevent breaking while cooking.
Don’t overcook rice: Boil only till 70–80% done; it will finish cooking during dum.
Marination matters: Even 30 minutes of marination makes chicken juicy and flavorful.
Cook on low flame for dum: Slow cooking helps the flavors blend beautifully.
Use fried onions generously: They add sweetness, crunch, and that authentic biryani aroma.
Saffron milk or kewra water: These give the biryani its royal fragrance—don’t skip them if available.
Heavy-bottom pan: Prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
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