Hello Everyone! Welcome to SasVibe. Chicken Biryani, a rich and aromatic dish, is a beloved staple in Indian cuisine. Its intricate layers of marinated chicken, fragrant rice, and spices make it a feast for the senses. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- For Marination:
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- For Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 4-5 cloves
- 2-3 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
- For Biryani:
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tbsp biryani masala
- 1/2 cup milk
- A pinch of saffron strands
- 1/4 cup ghee or oil
- Fresh coriander and mint leaves, chopped
Method of Preparation:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the rice and cook until it’s 70% done. Drain and set aside.
- Fry the Onions:
- Heat ghee or oil in a large pan.
- Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown. Remove half of the onions and set aside for garnish.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In the same pan, add tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until tomatoes soften.
- Add the marinated chicken and biryani masala. Cook until the chicken is 80% cooked.
- Layer the Biryani:
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, layer half the rice.
- Add the cooked chicken mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Cover with the remaining rice.
- Sprinkle fried onions, chopped coriander, and mint leaves on top.
- Dum Cooking:
- Warm milk and soak saffron strands in it. Pour this saffron milk over the layered biryani.
- Cover the pot with a tight lid. Cook on low heat for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Gently fluff the biryani with a fork.
- Serve hot with raita and enjoy the rich flavors and aroma of this classic dish.
Chicken Biryani, with its perfect blend of spices and tender chicken, is a dish that embodies the essence of Indian cuisine. Follow these steps to create a flavorful and aromatic meal that will impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!