Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani is a popular South Asian dish that features aromatic basmati rice layered with spiced chicken and fragrant herbs and spices. The dish is made with a variety of spices such as biryani masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder, which are added to the chicken to create a complex and flavorful dish.

The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and salt, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. The marinated chicken is then cooked in a mixture of sautéed onions, tomatoes, and green chilies until it is tender and juicy.

Meanwhile, the basmati rice is soaked in water to remove excess starch and improve the texture. The rice is then cooked separately and layered with the cooked chicken mixture in a large pot. The pot is covered and simmered until the rice absorbs all the flavors of the chicken and spices, resulting in a deliciously fragrant and flavorful one-pot meal.

Chicken Biryani is often garnished with chopped cilantro and served with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) or a salad. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting family

meal.

How to make Chicken Biryani

I will share with you that how you can make chicken Biryani at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes

• 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces

• 2 onions, sliced thinly

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp ginger, grated

• 2 green chillies, chopped

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4 cardamom pods

• 4 cloves

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 2 tsp biryani masala

• 1 cup yogurt

• Salt to taste

• 3 tbsp oil or ghee

• 2 cups water

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, marinate the chicken with yogurt, turmeric powder, biryani masala, and salt. Mix well, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. In a large pot, heat oil or ghee on medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Fry for a minute until fragrant.

3. Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chillies. Fry for another minute.

4. Add chopped tomatoes and fry until they become soft and mushy. Add marinated chicken and fry until it changes color and is mostly cooked through.

5. Drain the water from the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Mix well and add 2 cups of water. Cover with a lid and let it cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.

6. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let the biryani sit for another 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together and the biryani to become more flavorful.

7. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with raita or your favorite chutney.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken biryani