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Chicken Biryani Recipe

Author: Evelyn Petrie
A flavorful and aromatic chicken dum biryani that's better than restaurant-quality, featuring tender chicken marinated in spices, layered with fragrant rice, and topped with crispy onions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Chicken Drumsticks
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons Biryani Masala
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Paste
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Paste
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Turmeric
  • ¼ cup Fresh Mint Leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • ¾ cup Plain Yogurt

For the Rice

  • 2½ cups Extra Long Grain Basmati Rice
  • 4 tablespoons Ghee For frying onions; optional for serving.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Cumin Seeds (Shah Jeera)
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 Star Anise
  • 4 Green Cardamom Pods
  • 8 Cloves
  • 1½ tablespoons Kosher Salt

For Topping

  • 1 large Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup Chopped Cilantro, for garnish
  • ½ teaspoon Saffron
  • 2 tablespoons Warm Milk, for saffron infusion

Instructions
 

  • Combine yogurt, ginger, garlic, turmeric, red chili powder, biryani masala, salt, mint leaves, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add chicken and coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
  • Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Fry onions until they are golden brown, taking about 15-20 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Boil water with cumin seeds, bay leaves, star anise, cardamom, cloves, and salt. Add soaked and drained rice, cooking until it's 90% done, then drain well.
  • In the same pan with residual ghee, add marinated chicken. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning midway for even cooking.
  • Layer the partially cooked rice over the chicken, topping with crispy onions and saffron-infused milk. Cover tightly and cook on low heat for 20 minutes. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before gently fluffing with a fork.
  • Serve piping hot with cool raita and lemon wedges for a balanced meal.

Notes

  • For best results, marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Pair with cucumber raita or mint chutney for a refreshing contrast.
  • For vegetarian versions, replace chicken with paneer or mixed vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
Keyword Chicken Dum Biryani
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