Authentic Chicken Biryani

Authentic Chicken Biryani

Immerse yourself in the rich, exotic flavors of this Authentic Chicken Biryani. This cherished Indian dish is a symphony of tender chicken, fluffy basmati rice, and an assortment of fragrant spices, all cooked together to create a meal that's much more than the sum of its parts. The heartwarming aroma of spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, mingling with the savory hint of caramelized onions and the subtle tang of yogurt, will transport you to the bustling streets of India. This is not just a dish; it's a culinary journey.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Mint leaves (1/4 cup, finely chopped)
  • Coriander leaves (1/4 cup, finely chopped)
  • Saffron strands (a pinch, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk)
  • Ghee (3 tablespoons)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Cardamom pods (4)
  • Cloves (4)
  • Cinnamon stick (1)
  • Bay leaf (1)
  • Garam masala (1 teaspoon)
  • Red chili powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Turmeric powder (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Biryani masala (2 tablespoons)
  • Ginger (1 inch piece, grated)
  • Yogurt (1 cup)
  • Tomato (1, finely chopped)
  • Onion (2, thinly sliced)
  • Chicken (500 grams, bone-in)
  • Basmati rice (2 cups)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in fresh water for 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. Heat the ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods, and sauté until they start to release their aromas.
  3. Add the sliced onions to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn a rich golden brown color.
  4. Stir in the grated ginger and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook, turning the pieces occasionally, until they are browned on all sides.
  6. Stir in the chopped tomato and continue to cook until it becomes soft and blends into the mixture.
  7. Add the yogurt, biryani masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to the pot. Mix well, ensuring that the chicken pieces are fully coated with the spiced yogurt mixture.
  8. Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the pot, gently folding it into the chicken and spices.
  9. Pour in enough water to just cover the rice and chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer undisturbed for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
  10. Drizzle the saffron-infused milk over the cooked biryani, gently fluffing the rice with a fork to mix it in.
  11. Sprinkle the chopped coriander and mint leaves over the biryani as a garnish.
  12. Serve your Authentic Chicken Biryani hot, with a side of cool cucumber raita or tangy tomato chutney, for a complete, satisfying meal.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 50 minutes • Calories: 600 • Fat: 25g • Carbs: 70g • Protein: 25g • Sodium: 800mg • Sugar: 5g