Simple Chicken Biryani Recipe

Prepare this easy Chicken Biryani recipe and embark on a culinary adventure filled with tantalizing flavors and aromatic spices. This dish originates from the royal kitchens of the Mughal Dynasty in India. And this layered rice delicacy has captivated food lovers across the globe. In this post, we’ll guide you through a simplified recipe that brings the essence of Hyderabadi Dum Biryani into your own kitchen. So, gather the ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and get ready to experience the magic of Chicken Biryani.

If you love chicken recipes, be sure to check my curated list of chicken dinners and delicious chicken wings. If you have a sweet tooth, try these best American sweets recipes.

Table of Contents

• What is Biryani?
• Why you’ll love this recipe
• Ingredients
  • For Chicken Marination
  • For Cooking Rice
  • For Biryani
• Substitutions and Variations
  • Ingredient Substitutions
  • Recipe Variations
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Expert Chef Tips
• Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
  • Storage Instructions
  • Make Ahead Instructions
• Recipe FAQs
• More Biryani Recipes to Love

What is Biryani?

Biryani is a dish with roots traced back to the 16th century, when the Mughals introduced their rich culinary traditions, blending Persian influences with Indian flavors. Biryani was an exquisite blend of aromatic spices, fragrant rice, and succulent meat, originally made with lamb or goat. Over time, chicken became a popular variation due to its availability and broad appeal. The dish gained popularity across the Indian subcontinent, with various regions developing their own unique styles and techniques. Today, chicken biryani stands as an iconic representation of the fusion of Mughal and Indian culinary traditions, celebrated for its exquisite flavors, enticing aroma, and the joy it brings to every plate it graces.

Why you’ll love this recipe

1. A Taste of History: The flavors of the past transport you to a time of regal feasts and culinary mastery.
2. Flavorful Fusion: Prepare to be amazed by the harmonious blend of aromatic spices, succulent chicken, fragrant rice, and fried onions dancing on your palate.
3. Simple yet Spectacular: While the technique and ingredient list may seem overwhelming, fear not! Our recipe presents a simplified approach so you recreate this culinary gem in your own kitchen.
4. Versatile Delight: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a satisfying meal for yourself, Chicken Biryani is a versatile dish that never fails to please.
5. Make Ahead Magic: Need to plan ahead? The beauty of Chicken Biryani lies in its adaptability for pre-preparation. Layer and refrigerate the components for up to a day, and when your guests arrive, pop it in the oven or over the stovetop to create a mouthwatering feast without the last-minute rush.

Ingredients

For Chicken Marination

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-out chicken thighs and drumsticks are used as they soak up the flavors of the marinade and spices, and are juicy and tender when cooked.

Lemon juice: Helps tenderize the chicken

Red chilli and Turmeric powder: Red chilli helps add spiciness to the meat, while turmeric is used for its anti-bacterial properties.

For Cooking Rice

Basmati Rice: The long-grain Basmati rice lends a delicate and aromatic flavor to the dish, perfectly complementing the spices and chicken.

Water and Salt: Water is needed to cook the rice, and salt is added to season the rice.

For Biryani

Aromatic Spices: While cinnamon, cardamom pods, and cloves add warmth, bay leaves give the dish an earthiness. These spices infuse the dish with a tantalizing aroma and depth of flavor.

Onions: Chopped lengthwise. Onions bring a sweet and caramelized element to the biryani, adding both texture and a hint of sweetness to the final dish.

Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes contribute a tangy and slightly acidic element to balance the richness of the chicken.

Fresh Herbs: Coriander leaves (cilantro) and mint leaves are essential for adding a burst of freshness to the biryani.

Biryani or Tandoori Masala: Tandoori masala powder is a blend of aromatic spices that helps intensify the overall taste.

Butter or Ghee: A small amount of butter or ghee adds richness and depth to the biryani, ensuring a luxurious and velvety mouthfeel with each spoonful.

Water: A splash of water helps to create steam during the cooking process, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and ensuring the perfect texture and doneness of the dish

Each ingredient in this list plays a crucial role in creating an authentic and flavorful Chicken Biryani. The careful combination and balance of these elements result in a dish that will transport your taste buds to the aromatic wonders of India.

For exact ingredient amounts, refer to the recipe card.

Substitutions and Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

• Rice Alternatives: While Basmati rice is traditionally used in Chicken Biryani, you can experiment with other long-grain rice varieties like jasmine rice or even brown rice for a healthier option. Each rice variety brings its unique texture and flavor to the dish. You can also consider swapping rice with quinoa, couscous, orzo, etc. Make sure to follow the cooking instructions for these potential substitutes and cook them 90% way through.
• Chicken Swaps: If you prefer a different protein or want to cater to dietary preferences, you can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breast, tender lamb pieces, or even paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a vegetarian twist. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat or paneer is cooked through.
• Spice Substitutes: Don’t have all the spices listed in the original recipe? No problem! You can make creative substitutions. For example, if you don’t have cardamom pods, you can use ground cardamom instead. Similarly, you can replace cloves with allspice or bay leaves with curry leaves to add a different aromatic touch.
• Herb Adaptations: If you can’t find fresh coriander leaves or mint leaves, dried versions of these herbs can be used as substitutes. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preferences, as dried herbs tend to have a more concentrated flavor. You can also try substituting these herbs with parsley.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetable Biryani: Replace chicken with a colorful assortment of vegetables such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, cauliflower, and potatoes.
2. Prawn Biryani: Swap chicken with succulent prawns to create a seafood lover’s delight.
3. Lamb Biryani: Lamb adds a savory depth to the biryani, creating a hearty and indulgent dish.
4. Fish Biryani: Introduce a delicate and flaky texture to your biryani by using fish as a substitute for chicken. Opt for firm fish varieties like cod, tilapia, or salmon that can withstand the cooking process and hold their shape.
5. Paneer Biryani: Cater to vegetarian preferences by replacing chicken with paneer, a versatile Indian cheese.
6. Mushroom Biryani: Indulge in the earthy and meaty flavors of mushrooms by using them as a substitute for chicken.
7. Soya Biryani: For a protein-packed vegetarian alternative, swap chicken with soya chunks or granules. The soya absorbs the seasonings and contributes a meat-like texture to the biryani.
8. Turkey Biryani: Switch up the poultry by using turkey instead of chicken. It is a delightful option for special occasions or holiday feasts.
9. Tofu Biryani: Opt for tofu as a vegetarian substitute for chicken. This plant-based protein absorbs the flavors of the marinade and spices, providing a satisfying and wholesome addition to the biryani.

By experimenting with these popular recipe variations and creative chicken substitutes, you can create a diverse range of biryanis that cater to different tastes, preferences, and dietary choices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the chicken. Take chicken thigh pieces and drumsticks (with gashes on the thickest part) in a bowl. Add salt, turmeric powder, chilli powder, and juice of a lemon, and mix well. Marinate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Soak the rice for 30 mins. Soak 1 cup of Basmati rice in 3 to 4 cups of water in a bowl, and let it sit for 30 mins.

Step 3: Prep the veggies. Slice onions, dice tomatoes, finely chop ginger, garlic, and herbs. Slit some green chilies and keep it handy.

Step 4: Cook the rice. Bring 4 to 5 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Season the water generously with salt. Add pre-soaked and drained rice, and cook until 80% done. Drain the water and keep the partially cooked rice ready.

Step 10: Let the biryani cool for about 10 minutes. Then gently fluff the rice, and mix along with the chicken. Serve and Enjoy!

Expert Chef Tips

1. Marinate for enhanced flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step helps the chicken absorb the spices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
2. Soak the rice: Soaking the rice for 15 minutes before cooking helps to achieve perfectly cooked, long-grain rice that doesn’t stick together.
3. Partially cook the rice: Cook the rice until it is 80% done before layering it on top of the chicken. This ensures that the rice finishes cooking while absorbing the flavors of the chicken and spices during the final stage. Another tip: After the rice is cooked 80% of the way, drain the water and spread the rice on a large plate (or tray/casserole/baking sheet) so that it cools quickly and stops cooking.
4. Low and slow: Cooking the biryani on low heat allows the flavors to meld together slowly and evenly, resulting in a rich and aromatic dish. Avoid rushing the cooking process to achieve the best results.
5. Let it rest: After cooking, let the biryani rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop further and the rice to settle, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
6. Pair with raita: Serve your Chicken Biryani with a refreshing side of raita, a yogurt-based condiment. The cool and creamy raita balances the spices in the biryani and adds a delightful contrast of flavors.

Storage and Make Ahead Instructions

Storage Instructions

1. Cool down before storing: Allow the Chicken Biryani to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the rice mushy and affect the overall texture of the dish.
2. Refrigerate promptly: Once the Chicken Biryani has cooled down, transfer it to airtight containers or sealable bags and promptly refrigerate them. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and keeps the dish fresh for longer.
3. Consume within 3-4 days: To ensure the best taste and quality, consume the refrigerated Chicken Biryani within 3-4 days. Beyond this time frame, the flavors may start to diminish, and the texture of the rice may become less desirable.
4. Reheat properly: When reheating the Chicken Biryani, make sure to do so thoroughly. Use a microwave or stovetop method, ensuring that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential bacteria.
5. Add moisture if needed: If the reheated Chicken Biryani appears dry, you can add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. This helps revive the flavors and prevents the dish from becoming too dry during reheating.
6. Do not refreeze: Once the Chicken Biryani has been thawed and reheated, it is not recommended to refreeze it. This can affect the taste, texture, and safety of the dish.

Make Ahead Instructions

1. Prep the ingredients in advance: Chop the onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, and measure out the spices and herbs. Store them in separate containers or ziplock bags in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
2. Marinate the chicken overnight: For maximum flavor infusion, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful outcome.
3. Parboil the rice and refrigerate: Parboil the rice until it is about 80% cooked, then drain and cool it completely. Place the partially cooked rice in an airtight container and refrigerate it. This step saves time during the final cooking process and ensures evenly cooked rice.

By utilizing these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy the convenience of prepping Chicken Biryani in advance, allowing you to save time and effortlessly serve a delicious and fragrant dish whenever you desire.

Recipe FAQs

More Biryani Recipes to Love

In the near future we will post recipes for Hyderabadi Biryani, Lucknowi Biryani, Kolkata Biryani, Malabar Biryani, Sindhi Biryani, Bombay Biryani, Awadhi Biryani, Andhra Biryani, etc. Each of these popular variations offers a unique twist to the classic Chicken Biryani, showcasing the diverse culinary traditions and regional influences across India.