Looking for the best chicken biryani recipe to create a restaurant-quality dish at home? This step-by-step guide will help you prepare an aromatic, flavorful, and rich chicken biryani that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for your family, this recipe combines the right blend of spices, tender chicken, and fragrant basmati rice for a perfect meal.
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken (cut into pieces)
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 3 onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- Biryani masala (as per taste)
- Fresh coriander and mint leaves (for garnishing)
- 4 green chilies (slit)
- Whole spices (bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom)
- 4 tbsp oil or ghee
- Salt (to taste)
- Saffron or food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, biryani masala, and salt. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice and soak for 30 minutes. Boil the rice until 70% cooked, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Masala: Heat oil in a pan and add whole spices. Once aromatic, add onions and sauté until golden brown. Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and the marinated chicken. Cook until the chicken is tender.
- Layer the Biryani: In a large pot, layer the partially cooked rice over the chicken. If desired, sprinkle saffron or food coloring, and garnish with coriander and mint leaves.
- Cook on Dum: Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes to allow the rice and chicken to cook and absorb the flavors fully.
- Serve: Fluff the biryani with a fork and serve with raita or a salad for a complete meal.
Why This Chicken Biryani Recipe Works
This recipe captures the essence of traditional chicken biryani through authentic spices, a careful marination process, and the slow-cooking technique known as “dum.” Each step ensures that the chicken remains tender and the rice is perfectly cooked, providing a rich and satisfying experience with every bite. This truly is the best chicken biryani recipe for home cooks and food lovers alike.
