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Classic Chicken Biryani Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 71 reviews

A fragrant and flavorful Chicken Biryani featuring tender marinated chicken thigh fillets cooked with aromatic spices, basmati rice, and topped with fried onions and toasted almonds. This traditional Indian dish is layered and slow-cooked to infuse rich flavors, served with natural yogurt and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 575 g (1 1/4 lbs) chicken thigh fillets (chopped in half)
  • 180 ml (3/4 cup) natural yoghurt (full-fat)
  • 2 tbsp oil (neutral oil such as avocado oil)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree (paste for US)
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp ground fenugreek
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 cardamom pods
  • 2 tsp mild chilli powder
  • 2 mild green chillies (roughly chopped)
  • 1 ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For the Rice

  • 1.5 litres (6 1/4 cups) water
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 5 cloves
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 2 cardamom pods
  • 450 g (2 ¼ cups) white basmati rice

For the Fried Onions and Assembly

  • 4 tbsp oil (neutral oil such as avocado oil)
  • 2 onions (peeled and sliced)
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 3 tbsp freshly chopped coriander (cilantro)
  • 1 tbsp freshly chopped mint leaves
  • 1 tsp saffron threads
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 3 tbsp ghee (melted or unsalted butter)
  • 2 tbsp toasted flaked almonds
  • Natural yogurt (for serving)
  • Freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl with all of the marinade ingredients. Stir together to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
  2. Cook the Rice: In a large saucepan, heat the water along with salt, cloves, cumin seeds, bay leaves, and cardamom pods until boiling. Add the basmati rice, stir once, bring back to a boil, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Drain the rice in a sieve and set aside.
  3. Fry the Onions: Heat 4 tbsp oil over medium heat in a large cast iron pan. Add the sliced onions and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dark brown but not burnt. Remove onions with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl for later use.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Using the same pan with the oil from frying onions, add the marinated chicken and 3 tbsp water. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times, to lightly seal the chicken pieces.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle 3 tbsp chopped coriander (cilantro) and 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves over the chicken evenly.
  6. Layer the Rice: Spoon the drained rice evenly over the chicken layer and gently flatten the surface.
  7. Add Saffron Milk and Ghee: Mix saffron threads with milk and let it sit for a minute. Drizzle this saffron milk mixture over the rice, followed by the melted ghee for rich flavor and color.
  8. Top with Onions and Almonds: Spread the fried onions and toasted flaked almonds evenly on top of the rice layer.
  9. Cook the Biryani: Place a lid on the pan, leaving a tiny gap initially to let steam escape. As soon as steam is visible, close the lid fully, turn the heat down to low, and cook for 20 minutes. Then turn off the heat and let the biryani rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
  10. Serve: Garnish with a little more fresh coriander if desired and serve hot with natural yogurt on the side.

Notes

  • Asafoetida is optional but adds depth of flavor; it can be found in Indian grocery stores.
  • Be careful while frying onions to avoid burning them as burnt onions taste bitter.
  • If worried about onions sticking or burning, use a separate pan to fry them.
  • You can adjust the level of chili powder according to your spice tolerance.
  • Use full-fat natural yogurt for creaminess and balance of flavors.
  • This biryani is best layered and cooked in a heavy-bottomed pan or cast iron for even heat distribution.

Keywords: Chicken Biryani, Indian Rice Dish, Aromatic Chicken Biryani, Traditional Biryani Recipe, Spiced Chicken and Rice

Find it online: https://jedentaglecker.com/classic-chicken-biryani-recipe/