Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marination time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Introduction: Master the art of preparing delectable Chicken Biryani in the comfort of your kitchen with this easy-to-follow step-by-step guide. This iconic Indian dish, infused with fragrant spices and succulent chicken, will impress your loved ones and leave them craving for more. With the help of these straightforward instructions, you’ll create an authentic Chicken Biryani that transports your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of India.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
For Marinating the Chicken:
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
For the Biryani Rice:
- 2 cups long-grain Basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 4-5 green cardamom pods
- 4-5 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For Assembling the Biryani:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup fried onions (optional, for garnish)
- A few saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
Instructions:
Marinating the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, and salt. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
Preparing the Biryani Rice:
- Thoroughly rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, bay leaf, green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and salt. Cook the rice until it is 70% cooked, retaining a slight bite. Drain the rice and set it aside.
Assembling the Biryani:
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep pan, heat the ghee or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove half of the fried onions and set them aside for garnish.
- Layer half of the marinated chicken at the bottom of the pot. Sprinkle half of the chopped coriander leaves and mint leaves on top.
- Add half of the partially cooked rice over the chicken layer.
- Drizzle the saffron milk and melted butter (if using) over the rice layer. Top it with the remaining chicken and repeat with the remaining coriander leaves, mint leaves, and rice.
- Seal the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Cook on low heat for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, and the rice is fluffy and fully done.
- Once done, gently fluff the Chicken Biryani with a fork. Garnish with the reserved fried onions, and serve hot.
Note: For an added touch of richness and flavor, consider adding a few boiled eggs and fried cashew nuts to the Biryani.
Savor the aroma and taste of the Chicken Biryani, complemented by raita (yogurt dip) and a refreshing salad. This homemade delight promises to be the star of your dining table, impressing everyone with its authentic flavors and captivating essence of India.