Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that is popular in many parts of the world, especially in South Asia. It is a delicious combination of aromatic rice, tender chicken, and a blend of spices and herbs. Here’s a recipe to help you make chicken biryani.

Ingredients :-

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 500 grams chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon biryani masala powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4-5 green cardamom pods
• 4-5 whole cloves
• 2-inch cinnamon stick
• 4-5 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee
• A handful of chopped fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves
• A handful of chopped fresh mint leaves
• Salt to taste
• Saffron strands (optional) soaked in milk, for garnish

• Wash the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
• In a large pot, heat the cooking oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
• Add the sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown. Remove half of the onions and set them aside for garnishing.
• Add the ginger-garlic paste to the pot and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
• Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
• Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
• Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, biryani masala powder, and salt to the pot. Mix well to coat the chicken with the spices.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the plain yogurt to the pot. Stir well to combine the yogurt with the spices. Cover the pot and let the chicken cook for about 15-20 minutes until it is tender and cooked through.
• While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice to the boiling water and cook until it is about 70-80% cooked. Drain the rice and set it aside.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• In a large oven-safe dish, layer half of the partially cooked rice. Then add a layer of the cooked chicken and its gravy. Sprinkle a handful of chopped cilantro and mint leaves on top.
• Add the remaining rice as the next layer and level it out. Drizzle some saffron milk (optional) over the rice for added color and aroma.
• Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid to seal in the flavors. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
• Once done, remove the biryani from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with the reserved fried onions.
• Serve the chicken biryani hot with raita (yogurt sauce) or a side salad.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken biryani! Did you try our Strawberry Almond Oat Smoothie?