Fragrant Chicken Biryani for Special Occasions

Enjoy a flavorful and fragrant Chicken Biryani, layered with spices, vegetables, and tender chicken. Ideal for special occasions and family gatherings.
A plate of Fragrant Chicken Biryani garnished with fresh herbs, placed on a white surface next to a bowl of rice, perfect for special occasions.
A plate of fragrant Chicken Biryani topped with seasoned, cooked chicken garnished with fresh herbs. A cloth napkin and a small bowl of herbs are beside the plate, perfect for special occasions.

Fragrant Chicken Biryani for Special Occasions

An indian woman standing in front of a shelf full of pots.Aisha Patel
A fragrant and flavorful layered rice dish with spices, vegetables, and chicken, perfect for special occasions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Meal Type Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Indian, South Indian
Servings 5
Calories 1287 kcal
Difficulty Intermediate
Ingredient Cost $12
Shopping Cost$15

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Frying pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 lb chicken cut into pieces
  • 2 onions sliced
  • 2 tomatoes chopped
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • ¼ cup oil or ghee
  • ½ cup mint leaves chopped
  • ½ cup coriander leaves chopped
  • 2 teaspoons masala biryani
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 4-5 green cardamom pods
  • 4-5 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cups water
  • Salt to taste
  • Saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the rice:

  • Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
    2 cups basmati rice
  • Boil 4 cups of water in a large pot with salt, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves.
    4-5 green cardamom pods, 4-5 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 bay leaves, 4 cups water, Salt to taste
  • Add the soaked rice and cook until it is 70% done. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the chicken:

  • In a frying pan, heat oil or ghee and add cumin seeds.
    1/4 cup oil, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Reserve half for layering.
    2 onions
  • Add ginger-garlic paste, chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and biryani masala. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
    2 tomatoes, 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 2 teaspoons masala
  • Add the chicken pieces, yogurt, mint leaves, and coriander leaves. Cook until the chicken is done and the gravy thickens.
    1 lb chicken, 1 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup mint leaves, 1/2 cup coriander leaves

Layering and cooking the biryani:

  • In a large pot, layer half of the par-cooked rice.
  • Add the chicken mixture on top of the rice layer.
  • Add the remaining rice on top of the chicken.
  • Sprinkle the reserved fried onions and saffron milk (if using) on top.
    Saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk
  • Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

  • Gently mix the layers before serving hot with raita or a side salad.

Notes

Biryani can be made with vegetables or lamb instead of chicken for variation.
Use high-quality basmati rice for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 1287kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 9gFat: 105gSaturated Fat: 29gPolyunsaturated Fat: 23gMonounsaturated Fat: 49gTrans Fat: 0.05gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 55mgPotassium: 435mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 908IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 139mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Biryani, Chicken Biryani, Layered Rice Dish, South Indian Cuisine

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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Biryani is a fragrant and layered rice dish that showcases a rich blend of spices and tender meat, often chicken or mutton. This culinary masterpiece is celebrated for its harmonious combination of textures and flavors, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts. The meticulous preparation involves marinating the meat with a variety of spices, layering it with partially cooked rice, and then slow-cooking to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Each bite offers a delightful experience, highlighting the complexity and richness that biryani is known for. Perfect for special occasions or leisurely weekends, this dish invites creativity in the kitchen and promises satisfaction with every serving.

A plate of grilled tofu with cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and pine nuts, garnished with a mint leaf, on a bed of green lettuce.
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