Biriyani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is made by layering fragrant basmati rice with marinated meat (such as chicken, mutton, or beef), spices, and herbs like saffron, mint, and cilantro. The dish is typically cooked using the dum method, where the ingredients are steamed together to absorb all the rich flavors. Biriyani is often served with raita, salad, or boiled eggs, making it a popular and cherished dish for special occasions and family gatherings.

A Plate full of biriyani With Leg Piece on the top with Raitha at left !
A Plate full of biriyani With Leg Piece on the top with Raitha at left !

Ingredients

Instructions

    Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, lemon juice, and salt.
  2. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 2-3 hours for better flavor).
    3. Glass Bowl That contain Chicken Marination
    Glass Bowl That contain Chicken Marination

2: Cook the Rice

  1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a large pot, add water, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, and salt. Bring it to a boil.
  3. Add the rice to the boiling water. Cook the rice for 8-10 minutes or until it's 70-80% cooked (the rice should still have a bite to it).
  4. Drain the rice and set it aside.
    5. Strainer with Boiled Rice
    Strainer with Boiled Rice

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Curry

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan. Add the sliced onions and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Set aside for garnish.
  2. In the same pan, add the ginger-garlic paste and fry for a minute.
  3. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the oil separates.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, cilantro, and mint leaves. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the mixture becomes a thick curry.
    5. Fry Pan That contains Chicken Gravy base for mixing it with Biriyani
    Fry Pan That contains Chicken Gravy base for mixing it with Biriyani

Step 4: Layering the Biriyani

  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, layer the cooked chicken curry at the bottom.
  2. Add a layer of the partially cooked rice on top of the chicken.
  3. If using, drizzle saffron milk over the rice for color and fragrance.
  4. Add a final layer of rice and garnish with fried onions, cilantro, and mint leaves.
    5. Pot of Boiled Rice Layered with fried Onions and Gravy
    Pot of Boiled Rice Layered with fried Onions and Gravy

Step 5: Final Dum (Steaming)

  1. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or seal it with dough to trap the steam inside.
  2. Cook the biriyani on low heat for 15-20 minutes (you can place a tawa/griddle under the pot to avoid direct heat).
  3. After 15-20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the biriyani rest for 10 minutes.
    4. Briyani pot covered with aluminium foil and lid for Steaming(DUM)
    Briyani pot covered with aluminium foil and lid for Steaming(DUM)

Serving

Serve Biryani hot with some yogurt, lemon wedges, and a cooling cucumber raita or beet raita. Pair it with Mango Lassi or Rose Lassi for a satisfying meal. Want to know my favorite dessert to pair with Biryani - its hands down the Gajar Halwa or Rice Kheer.

Authentic Chicken Dum Biryani!
Authentic Chicken Dum Biryani!

Enjoy your homemade chicken biriyani! 🍽️ Let me know how it turns out or if you want to try other variations! 😊

Tastyyy Biriyani