Description
Discover the aromatic delight of Chicken Biryani, a beloved South Asian dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy basmati rice, and an enticing blend of spices. This one-pot wonder not only warms the soul but also creates unforgettable dining experiences for family gatherings and cozy dinners alike. With vibrant colors and rich flavors, every bite takes you on a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1.5 lbs bone-in skinless chicken thighs
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 4 cardamom pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint (for garnish)
- 3 tbsp oil or ghee
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by mixing yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, cardamom, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least one hour (or overnight).
- Rinse basmati rice under cold water until clear and soak for about 30 minutes.
- In a pot over medium heat, heat oil or ghee. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown; reserve half for garnish.
- Add the marinated chicken to the same pot and cook until browned on all sides (about 7-10 minutes).
- Layer soaked rice over the chicken without stirring too much. Sprinkle bay leaves and cinnamon stick on top. Add water (double the amount of rice) along with salt to taste.
- Cover tightly and cook on low heat for about 25-30 minutes until rice is fully cooked. Allow it to rest covered for an additional ten minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: South Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of saffron soaked in warm milk just before serving. Feel free to customize your biryani by substituting chicken with lamb or adding vegetables like peas or carrots.