Ingredients
For the Marinade:
500g chicken, cut into pieces
1 cup yogurt
2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
Salt, to taste
For the Rice:
2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
4-5 cups water
2-3 green cardamom pods
2-3 cloves
1 bay leaf
Salt, to taste
For the Biryani:
3 large onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cooking oil or ghee
1 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
1 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk
Spice Blend:
2 teaspoons biryani masala
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, biryani masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Rice:
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes.
Cook the rice in a large pot of boiling water with a pinch of salt until it’s 70-80% cooked. Drain the water and set aside.
Saute Onions:
In a large pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat.
Add thinly sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Remove half of the fried onions for garnish.
Cook the Chicken:
To the remaining onions in the pan, add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté until fragrant.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and the oil starts to separate.
Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
Layering:
In a heavy-bottomed pan or biryani pot, layer half of the partially cooked rice at the bottom.
Top it with the cooked chicken mixture.
Add the remaining rice on top.
Final Cooking:
Sprinkle some biryani masala and the reserved fried onions on the top layer of rice.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to cook completely.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh coriander and mint leaves.
Gently fluff the biryani with a fork, mixing the layers.
Serve hot with raita or a side salad.
As the aroma of biryani wafts through your kitchen, you can’t help but appreciate the rich tapestry of flavors that define this classic dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to a harmonious blend that is both comforting and indulgent. The layers of marinated chicken, aromatic rice, and caramelized onions come together to create a symphony on your plate.
Biryani is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of culinary prowess and cultural heritage. Whether enjoyed with family on special occasions or savored during a cozy dinner, this Classic Chicken Biryani transcends time and borders. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps carefully, and immerse yourself in the joy of creating a biryani that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Get ready to savor the magic of this timeless recipe that captures the essence of tradition in every delicious bite.