Chicken Biryani

Back in 2017, I published my Instant Pot Chicken Biryani recipe, and it instantly became a sensation! It went viral on social media, with thousands of you trying it out. The Instant Pot version simplifies the biryani-making process, making it possible to whip up even on busy weeknights using fewer ingredients compared to the traditional recipe.

Seven years later, after many requests, I am excited to share the original family recipe cooked on the stovetop! This recipe uses whole spices like star anise, cardamom, and cloves to infuse the rice with rich flavors, along with my special homemade Biryani Masala to marinate the chicken. The final dish showcases fluffy long white rice grains studded with yellow-orange grains naturally colored by saffron-infused milk.

Join me as I guide you through gathering the ingredients (and explaining why each is essential), perfecting every step, and mastering the timing and techniques to create the ultimate chicken biryani. This mouthwatering dish is guaranteed to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

• Basmati Rice -Long-grain basmati rice is traditionally used to make biryani. I prefer the Kohinoor brand extra-long grain basmati rice, which is easily available at Indian grocery stores.
• Chicken – Traditionally, whole bone-in chicken pieces are used to make biryani. Here in the US, it can be tough to find a whole chicken that’s properly cut for biryani. As a handy shortcut, I like to use a mix of bone-in drumsticks and boneless chicken thighs. This way, you still get those authentic flavors and tender, juicy meat!
• Whole Spices – shahi jeera, bay leaves, star anise, cloves, and green cardamom pods. A classic combination of spices to infuse the rice with rich flavor. Read more about each of these spices in my Essential Indian Spice Guide.
• Ground Spices – turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, Biryani Masala. Garam masala can be used in a pinch in place of Biryani Masala.
• Yellow Onion – thinly sliced yellow onion caramelized in ghee makes for the signature Birista onions that are a must in the marinade as well as for topping. With a rich golden color, they add a sweet, caramelized flavor to complement all the spices. Although these onions are traditionally deep fried I also have an air fryer fried onions recipe.
• Ghee – homemade ghee helps bring authentic taste and aromas to Biryani and I highly recommend using ghee instead of oil when making Biryani.
• Herbs – fresh mint and cilantro add a perfect combination of herbs for cool, citrusy flavors and a pop of color.

Note: The recipe card at the end of this post has exact ingredient quantities and detailed instructions.

How to Make Chicken Biryani

Marinate the Chicken

• Make the marinade by mixing yogurt, ginger, garlic, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, mint leaves, and lemon juice.
• Add chicken and coat evenly with the marinade. Keep in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate the chicken overnight too.
• While the chicken is marinating, rinse and drain the rice 2 to 3 times, then soak in water for 20 minutes.

Tip: Chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours in the fridge. The longer you marinate the better the flavors will be

Crispy Onions AKA Birira

• While the rice is soaking, add ghee to a heavy-bottomed pan and add onions.
• On medium heat, fry the onions stirring frequently until they start to turn golden brown – about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the fried onions from the pan, leaving the excess ghee behind as we will use this pan to cook the chicken.

Tip: Save time by frying the onions a day ahead! For a healthier option with less ghee, try my Airfryer crispy onions recipe.

Parboil the rice

• In a medium pot add 8 cups of water. Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, star anise, cardamom, cloves, and salt to the rice and bring the to a boil on high heat.
• Drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling water. Bring the rice to a full boil on high heat. Lower the heat to medium and cook uncovered for 5 to 6 minutes or until the rice is about 90% cooked. Drain the rice promptly and reserve.

Tip: Make sure to use aged extra long grain basmati rice for most authentic flavor and texture.

Cook the chicken and layer the rice

• To the pan with the remaining ghee, add the marinated chicken. Cook on medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Then, gently layer the partially cooked rice over the chicken

• Top with caramelized onions and saffron-infused milk.
• Cover the pot and seal it with aluminum foil, then place some weight on top of the lid. Cook on low heat for 20 minutes, this is the steam or “Dum” cooking step. Turn the heat off and wait another 10 minutes before opening the pot.

Tip: Before serving allow the biryani to sit uncovered for 5 minutes. Gently fluff the rice using a fork or a silicone spatula. This will help the delicate rice grains to firm up a bit preventing them from breaking.

Storing

Cool down leftover Biryani completely and refrigerate in an air-tight container for 2 to 3 days. You can also freeze biryani in freezer-proof containers for up to 6 months. To reheat thaw the biryani overnight in the refrigerator and then microwave or steam in Instant Pot using pot in pot method.

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