The Best Homemade Chicken Biryani Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade chicken biryani is packed with flavor and easier to make than you think, perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests. You’ll love how the fragrant spices blend with tender chicken and fluffy rice for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Rich, aromatic spices – Every bite bursts with warm, fragrant flavors that make this biryani unforgettable.
One-pot wonder – Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious meal.
Customizable heat – Adjust the spice level to suit your taste, from mild to extra fiery.

Recipe

Intro:

Chicken Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, aromatic basmati rice, and a blend of spices. This recipe guarantees a perfect balance of taste and texture, making it a favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients:

2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
500g chicken, cut into pieces
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin seeds
4 green cardamom pods
2 bay leaves
1-inch cinnamon stick
4 cloves
1/2 tsp saffron strands (soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk)
4 tbsp ghee or oil
Salt to taste
4 cups water

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Rice:

Boil soaked rice in 4 cups of water with salt, bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves until 70% cooked. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken Gravy:

Heat ghee/oil in a large pot. Add cumin seeds, sliced onions, and sauté until golden brown.
Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes.
Stir in chopped tomatoes, coriander, mint, and garam masala. Cook until chicken is tender and oil separates.

Layering the Biryani:

In a heavy-bottomed pot, layer half the rice, followed by the chicken gravy, then the remaining rice.
Drizzle saffron milk and ghee on top. Cover with a tight lid.

Dum Cooking:

Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes (dum cooking) to let flavors blend.

Serve:

Gently fluff the biryani and serve hot with raita or salad.

Notes:

Soaking rice guarantees even cooking.
Adjust spice levels as per preference.
For extra richness, add fried onions on top before serving.

Equipment:

Large pot with lid
Mixing bowls
Strainer

Time:

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Cuisine: Indian

Serving: 4-6 people

Nutrition

Homemade Chicken Biryani is a flavorful dish packed with protein, carbs, and essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	18g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	600mg

What To Serve With It

I love serving my homemade chicken biryani with a fresh side salad and cool cucumber raita—they balance the rich flavors perfectly. The crisp veggies in the salad add a nice crunch, while the creamy raita soothes the spices. Trust me, these pairings make the meal feel complete without overpowering the biryani’s deliciousness.

Fresh Side Salad

While biryani’s bold flavors take center stage, a fresh side salad can balance the meal with crisp, light textures. I love tossing together a mix of lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil. It’s simple but invigorating and cuts through the richness of the biryani. Sometimes, I sprinkle roasted peanuts or pomegranate seeds for a fun crunch. A handful of fresh herbs like mint or cilantro adds brightness. The salad doesn’t overpower the meal but complements it perfectly, making each bite feel balanced and satisfying. It’s a quick addition that elevates the whole experience.

Cucumber Raita Pairing

When you’re serving something as bold and flavorful as chicken biryani, a cooling cucumber raita is the perfect companion to round out the meal. I love how its creamy yogurt base balances the spicy, aromatic rice and chicken. To make it, I mix grated cucumber, fresh yogurt, a pinch of salt, cumin, and a dash of mint for extra freshness. It’s quick, simple, and adds a revitalizing contrast that enhances every bite. Trust me, once you try pairing biryani with raita, you’ll find it hard to imagine enjoying this dish without it. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!