How to Make Chicken Biryani at Home, Know Very Easy Recipe

Chicken Biryani is a flavorful, aromatic, and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a rich blend of spices. It is one of the most popular dishes in South Asian cuisine, loved by many for its perfect balance of flavors. Making chicken biryani at home might sound like a complex task, but with the right ingredients and a bit of patience, it can be easily achieved.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make chicken biryani, gather the following ingredients:

500g chicken (cut into pieces)
2 cups basmati rice
2 large onions (sliced thinly)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
1/2 cup yogurt
2 tablespoons biryani masala (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
2-3 bay leaves
4-5 cloves
2-3 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
Fresh coriander and mint leaves (for garnishing)
Salt to taste
3 cups water
2 tablespoons oil or ghee

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Rice: Start by washing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it for about 20-30 minutes. Then, bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the rice until it is about 70-80% done. Drain the rice and set it aside.

2. Cook the Chicken: In a large pan or pressure cooker, heat oil or ghee. Add the whole spices (bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon) and sauté for a minute. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes, biryani masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir until the tomatoes become soft and the masala releases oil. Now, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is browned, add yogurt and mix well. Let the chicken cook on medium heat for another 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.

3. Layer the Biryani: In a separate large pot, layer half of the cooked rice, followed by the cooked chicken. Then, add the remaining rice on top. Sprinkle garam masala, mint, and coriander leaves. Drizzle some ghee or oil on top to enhance the flavor.

4. Final Cooking: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. You can place a heavy pan or tawa under the pot to avoid direct heat. Let the biryani cook on low heat for about 20 minutes. This method, known as “dum,” allows the flavors to meld together.

5. Serve: Once the biryani is ready, fluff the rice gently and serve it hot with raita or a side salad.

Making chicken biryani at home is a rewarding experience. With the right spices and technique, you can enjoy this delectable dish anytime you crave a hearty, flavorful meal.

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