Ultimate Chicken Biryani Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Pakistani Classic

 

Learn to make authentic Chicken Biryani with this easy step-by-step guide.

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"Master the art of Chicken Biryani with this authentic recipe. A flavorful blend of spices, tender chicken, and aromatic rice for any occasion."

Introduction to Chicken Biryani

Few dishes embody celebration like a steaming plate of Chicken Biryani. This aromatic and flavor-packed Pakistani dish is a beloved classic that marries tender chicken with perfectly spiced, fragrant rice. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or a comforting family dinner, Chicken Biryani never fails to impress. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create an authentic Chicken Biryani that is rich in flavor and layered with culinary tradition.

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What is Chicken Biryani?

Chicken Biryani is a layered rice dish that combines marinated chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a medley of spices. It is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld into a harmonious, mouthwatering experience. This dish is a staple in Pakistani and South Asian households, cherished for its complexity and indulgence.

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Ingredients for Chicken Biryani

For the Chicken Marinade

• One kg chicken (bone-in or boneless, cut into pieces)
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

For the Rice

• Three cups of basmati rice, soaking for half an hour
• 6 cups water
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 4-5 cloves
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste

For the Biryani Masala

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup ghee or cooking oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Two tablespoons of heated milk steeped with a pinch of saffron

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How to Make Chicken Biryani

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   Combine the chicken, yogurt, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. For optimal effects, let it marinade for at least an hour or overnight.
2. Prepare the Rice
   Add the cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, and salt to a big saucepan of boiling water. Add the soaked basmati rice and cook until it’s 70% done. Drain the rice and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
   Heat ghee or oil in a large pot and fry the sliced onions until golden brown. Remove half the onions for garnish. Add the marinated chicken, tomatoes, and cumin seeds to the same saucepan. Cook until the chicken is tender and the oil separates.
4. Layer the Biryani
   In the same pot, layer half the cooked rice over the chicken. Sprinkle chopped mint, coriander, green chilies, and half of the fried onions. Continue with the leftover rice and add the remaining fried onions and saffron milk as garnish.
5. Dum Cooking (Slow Steaming)
   Tightly cover the saucepan with foil or a lid. Cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse and the rice to fully cook.
6. Serve Hot
   Gently fluff the rice before serving to maintain the layers. Serve hot with raita or salad.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Biryani

• Marination Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate longer enhances the depth of flavor.
• Rice Cooking: Don’t overcook the rice; it should be slightly underdone before layering.
• Dum Cooking: Use a heavy-bottomed pot or place a tawa (griddle) under the pot to avoid burning.

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Pair It With These Recipes

• Refreshing Cucumber Raita Recipe
• Zesty Mint Chutney for Biryani

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Why You’ll Love Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani is the ultimate one-pot dish. Its combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and perfectly cooked rice creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the streets of Karachi. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper.

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Conclusion

Chicken Biryani is more than a dish—it’s a tradition and a celebration of flavors. With its enticing aroma and layers of goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Try this recipe today and share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking!