Chicken Biryani

Are you looking for a flavorful and family-friendly chicken recipe? Get ready to love every bite of this classic Indian dish. Chicken marinated in a spicy yogurt sauce and topped with crispy onions all in under 60 minutes; this easy homemade Chicken Biryani will become a new family favorite!

In less than just one hour of time, you’ll have layers upon layers of chicken and rice goodness! This easy chicken recipe creates the perfect comfort food recipe loaded with amazing flavors and tastes.

What we love about this easy weeknight dinner is that it’s made with simple ingredients with an incredible taste. The kids LOVE eating the chicken and rice together, and I love that they’re filling their bellies with nutritious food loaded with great health benefits.

Having a comfort dish recipe like this one also gives us the time to sit around the table and enjoy one another as we’re enjoying each and every bite.

TO MAKE THIS CHICKEN BIRYANI RECIPE YOU’LL NEED:

To marinate chicken

• yogurt – This adds creaminess and richness to the flavor.
• oil
• ginger, grated
• garlic, grated
• tomato paste or puree – You choose depending on your preference.
• turmeric powder – Such a flavorful spice!
• salt
• red chili powder or paprika – If you don’t want heat, use paprika.
• garam masala
• cilantro chopped
• chicken (thighs and drumsticks) skinless

To cook rice

• water
• bay leaf – Great flavor addition.
• star anise
• cinnamon stick – A hint of cinnamon is delicious.
• cardamom
• cloves
• peppercorns
• salt
• basmati rice – You can use other rice options but it’s up to you.

To make crispy onion

• oil – You can use vegetable oil or coconut oil.
• red onion – Thinly slice for texture!
• Cilantro, to garnish
• Mint, to garnish
• Lemon wedges, to garnish
• Yogurt raita, to serve
  

HOW TO MAKE THIS AUTHENTIC CHICKEN BIRYANI RECIPE

The following steps are simple, and you’ll love making this easy chicken biryani recipe.

To marinate chicken: Add the mentioned ingredients under the “To marinate chicken” section in a medium bowl. Mix them and coat them over the chicken. Cover and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.

To cook rice: Heat a large saucepan with water on medium heat. Once the water starts boiling, add all the ingredients under the “To cook rice” section and lower the heat. Let the rice cook 70% and remove the saucepan and drain the water, if any, and set aside.

To make crispy onion: Heat a dutch oven over medium heat, add oil and onions. Cook the onions until crispy and brown for about 10-12 minutes. Once done, remove them on a paper towel and set them aside.

In the same dutch oven add the marinated chicken. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked for 70% and oil starts oozing out.

Turn off the heat and start layering. Spread a layer of prepared crispy onions and cilantro. Add the 70% cooked rice above as a layer, and spread them evenly, covering the pot.

Add the remaining crispy onions and cilantro as a final layer. Cover and cook the biryani for 12-15 minutes on low heat.

Once done, gently fluff up the rice and mix it with the chicken and serve the chicken biryani along with yogurt raita on the side.

How do you describe chicken biryani?

The savory flavors of this dish have literally layers upon layers of flavor. The soft texture of the rice paired with the tender chicken bites creates a combination of hearty and filling with every single bite.

Why is biryani famous?

It’s famous because of the flavors. All ages love this dish because of how delicious it is to eat. It’s not spicy but does have enough variances of spice that it peels back the layers of your tastebuds.

What are the benefits of biryani?

There is a good amount of protein from the added chicken and since most of the carbs come from the rice, it’s an easier carb to burn off and use as energy during the day.

Not only that but it’s made using ingredients that are less expensive at the store, too! If you’re on a budget, this dish can help stretch the dollar without compromising on flavor.

How spicy is biryani?

Since it’s an Indian dish, there can be variances that make this dish spicier than others. The good news is that control the heat level by the spices that you add. If you want to add heat, add more chili powder. If you don’t want heat, add more paprika.

How to store leftover biryani chicken

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge. Make sure that it’s cooled down all the way so that it’s not hot or warm when you store it.

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