Chicken Biryani Recipe

Fragrant, spiced, and soul-satisfying — Chicken Biryani is more than just a meal, it's an emotion. A dish that combines juicy marinated chicken, long-grain basmati rice, whole spices, and fried onions, layered and cooked to perfection, Biryani is a showstopper on any table.

Originating from the royal kitchens of the Mughal empire, this recipe brings together centuries of tradition in one pot of irresistible flavor.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Biryani

1. Authentic flavors with traditional layering
2. Perfectly tender chicken & fluffy rice
3. Customizable spice level
4. Ideal for parties, holidays, or Sunday feasts
5. One pot = less cleanup, more satisfaction

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

1. Serves: 5–6 people
2. Difficulty: Intermediate

🛒 Ingredients

🍗 For Chicken Marinade:

1. 500g bone-in chicken (thighs/drumsticks preferred)
2. ½ cup yogurt
3. 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
4. 1 tsp red chili powder
5. ½ tsp turmeric
6. 1 tsp garam masala
7. Juice of ½ lemon
8. Salt to taste

🍚 For Rice:

1. 2 cups basmati rice (soaked 30 mins)
2. 4–5 cups water
3. 2–3 cloves
4. 1 bay leaf
5. 1–2 cardamom pods
6. ½ inch cinnamon stick
7. Salt to taste

🧅 For Biryani Layers:

1. 2 large onions, thinly sliced
2. 1–2 tbsp ghee or oil (for frying)
3. ¼ cup milk + a few strands of saffron
4. 2 tbsp chopped mint
5. 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)
6. 2 tbsp ghee or butter, for final layering

👨‍🍳 How to Make Chicken Biryani – Step by Step

🔹 1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. Add the chicken and coat well.

Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight gives best flavor).

🔹 2. Prepare the Rice

1. In a large pot, boil water with salt and whole spices.
2. Add soaked rice and cook until 70% cooked (firm in the center).
3. Drain and set aside.

🔹 3. Fry the Onions

1. Heat ghee or oil in a wide pan. Fry thinly sliced onions until golden-brown and crispy.
2. Drain on a paper towel and set aside for layering.

🔹 4. Cook the Chicken

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot (or biryani pot), heat a little ghee.
2. Add marinated chicken and cook on medium heat for 10–12 minutes.
3. Chicken should be about 70% cooked with thick gravy remaining.

🔹 5. Layer the Biryani

In the same pot with chicken:

1. Add a layer of half the rice over the chicken.
2. Sprinkle with half the fried onions, mint, cilantro, and saffron milk.
3. Add the remaining rice and top with rest of the garnish.
4. Drizzle with ghee for richness.

🔹 6. Dum Cooking (Final Steam)

1. Cover pot with a tight lid or seal with foil.
2. Place on low heat for 25–30 minutes (use a tawa below the pot to prevent burning).
3. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before opening.

🥄 Tips for Perfect Biryani

1. Use aged basmati rice for the best aroma and texture
2. Marinate longer for deeper flavor
3. Don’t overcook rice before layering — it continues cooking in dum
4. Add rose water or kewra essence for extra royal touch
5. For spice lovers, add a few green chilies while cooking chicken

🔄 Variations

📌 Tags

#chickenbiryani #indianrecipes #royalfeast #weekendspecial #mughlai #flavouredrice #biryaniatitsbest

🗂️ Recipe Summary

1. Cuisine: Indian / Mughlai
2. Course: Main Course
3. Method: Dum Cooking
4. Diet: Non-vegetarian
5. Difficulty: Medium

❤️ Final Thoughts: The Royal Biryani Experience

Chicken Biryani is not just a dish — it’s a celebration on a plate. Whether you’re marking a festive occasion or simply treating your family to something special, this traditional biryani brings layers of flavor, culture, and warmth to your kitchen.

Serve it with raita, salad, and a squeeze of lemon — and watch it disappear faster than you can say “dum biryani!”

📸 Share Your Biryani Bliss!

Tried this recipe? Tag your masterpiece with #BiryaniGoals or #BiryaniMagic — I’d love to see your dum-cooked delight!