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Flavorful Chicken Biryani

This chicken biryani recipe is a gateway to a world of flavor, blending spices, marinated chicken, and basmati rice into an aromatic dish. Easy to prepare, it's perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dinner
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 Servings

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Bowl for marinating
  • Strainer
  • Frying pan
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade

  • 1 pound chicken thighs, skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • Salt to taste

For the Rice

  • 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
  • 4 cups water
  • 2-3 pods green cardamom
  • 1 stick cinnamon

For the Assembly

  • 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Fresh cilantro and mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  • Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate overnight when time allows.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

  • In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add the rinsed basmati rice, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Cook until the rice is about 70% done, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

  • In a frying pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown and caramelized. Remove half for garnishing.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

  • In the same pot used for the rice, add the marinated chicken and sauté for about 10 minutes until cooked through and fragrant.

Step 5: Layer the Biryani

  • Once the chicken is ready, layer the partially cooked rice over it. Sprinkle the peas on top and gently fluff everything together using a fork. Cover the pot tightly with a lid.
  • Tip: For extra aroma, seal the lid with dough or a towel to trap steam.

Step 6: Final Cooking

  • Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When you're ready, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Pro tips for Chicken Biryani:
  • Use bone-in chicken for added flavor.
  • Soak rice for at least 30 minutes to achieve fluffy grains.
  • Experiment with spices like star anise or bay leaves for a unique twist.
  • Keep it low and slow: proper cooking helps flavors develop fully.
  • Fresh herbs elevate the dish; don’t skip them for garnishing.